How to Choose Glasses for White Wine: A Selection Guide
- gpgrantswiss
- Apr 5
- 5 min read
Updated: May 20
White wine reveals different facets depending on the shape of the glass. Properly chosen white wine glasses help highlight the aroma, balance acidity, and maintain the ideal temperature for longer.
In this guide, you will learn about the types of glasses available, which grape varieties they suit, and which brands to consider when making your choice.
Universal White Wine Glass
The perfect choice for those who value practicality without sacrificing tasting quality
What does the ideal universal glass look like?
For those who prefer practicality without compromising on tasting, there is a universal white wine glass. It can be recognized by the following characteristics:
Shape: elongated and slightly narrowing towards the top, resembling a smaller red wine glass.
Volume: usually about 300 ml, less often up to 400 ml.
Design features
Thin stem of medium length
Relatively narrow rim
Slightly elongated bowl
This shape helps preserve delicate aromas and prevents excessive oxidation.
Other names: often manufacturers label such glasses as “Riesling” or “White Universal,” as they are ideal for aromatic varieties.
Aroma:
The narrowing at the rim directs the bouquet straight to the nose, enhancing the perception of floral and fruity notes.
Temperature:
The compact volume helps keep the wine cooler longer, and the thin stem protects the drink from warming by the hand.
Taste:
The rim directs the wine to the front of the tongue, where the fruity sweetness is better perceived, softening the acidity.
Wine varieties that reveal themselves best in a universal glass
Ideal for:
Riesling — balance of aroma and acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc — accent on citrus and fresh greenery.
Pinot Grigio — refreshing notes of apple and pear.
Albariño — shades of stone fruits and sea breeze.
Viognier — preserves floral and honey nuances.
Chenin Blanc — reveals apple and pear tones.
Torrontés — emphasizes exotic fruits.
Muscat and Gewürztraminer — with moderate sweetness.
Also suitable for:
Light white wines without strong oak aging (for example, young Chardonnay, Chablis, Puligny-Montrachet).
When the universal glass is not the best choice
It is not recommended to use universal glasses for:
Aged Chardonnay with pronounced buttery and vanilla notes — glasses with a wider bowl are better.
Dessert and fortified wines (Sauternes, Sherry, Madeira) — these require small glasses that concentrate richness.
Sparkling wines — flutes or tulip-shaped glasses preserve bubbles and emphasize freshness.
Serving Tips
Pour no more than 1/3 of the glass volume (100–120 ml).
Serving temperature: from 8 to 12 °C.
Hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine.
Optionally, aerate slightly before serving.
Non-traditional classification of white wine glasses
A new era of glasses: classifying by flavour and style rather than by variety
Like many leading manufacturers, we have moved away from the traditional approach of “Sauvignon Blanc glass,” “Chardonnay glass,” or “Cabernet glass.” Instead, we have developed innovative collections where the glass shape corresponds not to the grape variety name but to the character of the wine — its aroma, texture, and style.
BRILLIANCE CRYSTAL GLASSES
Dive into the world of Italian refinement with handcrafted designer crystal. An elegant tulip-shaped crystal glass, mouth-blown and hand-polished, reveals the full palette of delicate wine aromas — from Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Grüner Veltliner to Chasselas, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc. It is also perfect for chilled varieties like Trollinger, Gamay, Pinot Noir, as well as fortified wines: port, Madeira, and sherry.
This Italian crystal collection is designed with a focus on the aromatic profile and style of the wine, not its color. The focus is on the character of the drink. Instead of traditional divisions into red, white, or rosé glasses, the wine glasses are oriented toward expressive categories: “Fruity and Delicate,” “Light and Fresh,” “Aromatic and Spicy,” “Velvety and Luxurious.” This approach allows you to precisely emphasize the finest nuances of each wine.
Discover the Dolce Vita collection — a reflection of Italian craftsmanship in bright, multifaceted crystal. Each crystal wine glass is handmade by skilled artisans, becoming a unique work of art. Thanks to rich colors and exquisite gold detailing, these crystal wine goblets give special expressiveness to both the wine and the moment of serving. Ideal for white, red, and sparkling wines, glasses from the Dolce Vita, Harlequin, Pompadour, and Olimpia collections highlight the taste and aroma of the drink, turning tasting into a true aesthetic experience.
Immerse yourself in luxury with the Capricio Gold & Platinum glass collection, handcrafted by Italian masters. Each glass is a work of art made from clear crystal with expressive faceted patterns that catch the light and emphasize the elegance of the drink. Exquisite stems, hand-coated with gold or platinum, give the glasses a refined shine and turn every wine serving into an aesthetic ritual. The universal shape makes these glasses perfect for both light white wines like Riesling and Pinot Grigio, as well as full-bodied reds and fortified wines.
The Marmo collection combines the elegance of crystal with the beauty of precious stones. Each glass and item in this series is inspired by the textures of marble, lapis lazuli, onyx, and quartz, presented in six refined shades. The crystal is hand-colored and adorned with delicate gold veins, creating the effect of a precious mineral. Unique details, applied by master craftsmen by hand, give each piece a distinctive character and emphasize its artistic value.
Prestige is a collection of the most exquisite pieces, handcrafted by artisans using unique techniques and the traditions of French glassmaking. Each item is mouth-blown, representing a one-of-a-kind work of art. The series includes pieces with classic cuts such as Brilliant Cut and Diamond Cut, as well as models created using the rare Japanese Edo Kiriko technique. Special attention is given to items made from two-layered crystal (Colour-Layered Crystal), adorned with gold or platinum.
The Prestige collection represents the highest level of artisanal craftsmanship, combining tradition, innovation, and true luxury. Every crystal wine glass is unique and highlights the exceptional taste of its owner.
🥂 White Wine Glasses: General Tips for Choosing
A universal glass is a great solution if you don’t want to build a whole collection. This shape suits most white wines, preserving their freshness and aroma.
Sauvignon Blanc lovers should consider a specialized glass: it emphasizes bright fruity and herbal notes. Additionally, it works well for dessert wines.
Fans of aged Chardonnay will find it useful to have at least one glass with a wider bowl — it helps reveal the creamy texture and complex aroma of wines from various regions.
