The Best Type Of Wine Glass For Pinot Noir

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Pinot noir is one of the most popular varieties of red wine, appreciated by drinkers across the globe for its delightfully delicate, yet complex, flavor. However, in order to enjoy the full flavor of pinot noir, it's crucial to avoid one of the biggest mistakes people make when drinking wine: using the wrong type of glass. It may seem trivial, but an ill-suited glass can seriously undercut your drinking experience, while the right vessel can take it to the next level. Luckily, choosing a perfect pinot noir glass is a cinch if you know what to look for.

The elegant flavors and subtle acidity of pinot noir are best appreciated in teardrop-shaped glasses with a wide bowl shape and narrower rim (typically known as Burgundy glasses). The wider bowl allows the wine to gently breathe, releasing complex aromatic compounds and mellowing sharp tannins. The narrower rim traps aromas and guides them toward the nose, allowing the sipper to take in the beverage's full intensity. This shape is also ideal for swirling, which further enhances the wine's flavor. (Here's the proper way to hold a wine glass to swirl like a pro.)

A good pinot noir glass should let the wine breathe and allow the drinker to fully appreciate its unique aromas. As such, it's best to avoid slim, flute-like glasses, as they minimize aeration and therefore limit the release of those precious aromatic compounds. On the other hand, while coupe glasses give wine plenty of breathing room, they aren't a great option either, as the delicate bouquet of aromas will rapidly escape from the wide mouth before the sipper can appreciate them.

If you want to fully optimize your drinking experience (and you're willing to splash out a bit), look for Burgundy glasses or specially designed pinot noir glasses – Riedel Veritas Old World Pinot Noir Glasses are a recommended option. If you're looking for something a bit more versatile, Zalto Universal Wine Glasses offer a balanced shape that works well for a wide range of wines, including pinot noir.

Once you've selected the perfect glass, all that's left to do is choose a great pinot noir to fill it, which can be a piece of cake once you've read up on these five ways to identify quality wine. Be sure to read the labels, check for certifications, and look for a wine bottle with thick, dark glass.