Term
Glassware
GLASS-wair
Shape is a tool
A glass is a funnel for aroma. Bowls for perfume, chimneys for precision, and almost never a wide-mouth coupe for wine you care about.
A tulip or white-wine glass is the universal tool — including for Champagne, which dies in a flute and a coupe. Burgundy bowls help Pinot and Nebbiolo. Bordeaux stems focus Cabernet. ISO tasting glasses are ugly and honest.
Crystal with a cut rim is nicer than thick restaurant glass. Riedel-type varietal glasses are a refinement, not a requirement. One good universal glass beats a cupboard of novelties.
Wash without scented soap, rinse, and store so dust does not become a tasting note.
