SUB-ZERO WINE BLOG

Less is more when it comes to filling a wine glass. A proper wine glass is designed with a bulge about a third the way up and should only be filled to the point where the glass is widest. Don’t overfill your wine glass.

Why? Our sense of taste is largely based on smell. The widest part of the glass gives the most surface exposure to the wine and allows the aroma to fill the glass. The space in the glass allows you to swirl the wine around before drinking it, further releasing aromas. Try swirling your wine in a small, overfilled glass and you’ll just wind up with a lap full of Zinfandel. That’s also why I tend to avoid vintage, cut-glass wine glasses with straight sides: they may look pretty on your table top, but they’re not really practical for serving wine. Best save them for water.

And there’s another reason, too, for not filling wine glasses to the top. Wine glasses are top-heavy and tend to tip over more easily if they’re brim full. And if you do spill your Mouton Rothschild, it’s better to spill only a third of a glass than a full one. Wouldn’t you agree?