Are you a lover of tingly fresh prosecco or do you prefer round Chilean wines that slide in warm reds? Whatever your favorite wine, the right wine glass can significantly enhance your wine experience. In this blog, among other things, you'll discover the difference between red wine glasses and white wine glasses and why both types of glasses have their special shape. We also take a refreshing look at wine coolers, because the right temperature can transform the taste of your favorite wine into a heavenly beverage. Let's go!

White wine glasses are slimmer and smaller

You may have thought: wine is wine and a glass is a glass. But that doesn't quite hold true with wine. In fact, a wine glass really adds to the taste of the wine. Take the white wine glass. If you put this glass next to a red wine glass, you can see the difference right away. A glass for white wine is smaller and narrower than its bigger brother for red wine. But even without comparison, you can pick out the white wine glasses right away:

1 | White wine glasses have a slim silhouette and a relatively small chalice. White wine is supposed to be drunk chilled, and the less wine that fits into the glass, the more likely it is that the wine will remain at a comfortable temperature until you have emptied your glass.

2 | For the same reason, this glass has a relatively long stem that provides all the space you need to grasp the glass there with your hand. If you encircle the chalice of the glass with your hands, you would imperceptibly heat up your wine.

3 | A third characteristic of white wine glasses is the narrow opening at the top. This is because white wine does not need oxygen for maximum taste experience. Thus, thanks to the narrow opening, the aromas of your wine come out better.

So you see: every feature of the white wine glass has a function.

Red wine glasses are rounder and larger

Red wines are also packed with flavor, provided you give the aromas in the wine proper space so that the wine can "breathe. No wonder red wine glasses have such a nice round belly with a wide opening at the top of the glass. That way the oxygen in the air can reach the wine properly. As the budding aromas do a dance with the oxygen, the deep flavors and aromas emerge and soften the tannins in the wine. Now you know that if you let your red wine roll around nicely in the glass, the flavor will develop into a mature beverage of the gods. Young wine, by the way, benefits most from letting it breathe extra. Older wines are already so packed with flavor and aroma that this so-called decanting is unnecessary. In fact, the taste and aroma of your wine may even diminish from it. Furthermore, also with this type of wine glass: hold the glass by the stem so that the warmth of your hands does not affect the temperature of your wine.

A few more features:

1 | The red wine glass has a substantially rounded chalice.

2 | This type of glass has a large drinking opening at the top.

3 | The stem is just as long, but the base of the glass is just a little firmer than that of a white wine glass because the chalice is larger and - once filled with wine - heavier. The wide foot then provides the right balance.

Wine in crystal wine glasses tastes even better

In addition to wine glasses made of glass and wine glasses made of polycarbonate (which can withstand a bit better), there are wine glasses made of crystal. Crystal glass is pricier than regular glass, but you get something in return. Crystal glasses combine high brilliance and clarity with high resistance to breakage - especially those that have a pulled or fire-polished stem. And toasting with these glasses delivers a clean-sounding sound. They are also dishwasher safe.

How do you keep wine cool?

That white wine is at its best when chilled, we know. A temperature between 8-12 degrees is preferable. But red wine should also be slightly chilled: about 17 - 19 degrees. Lower than the average room temperature. If you don't have a wine cooler to do that for you, fortunately there are other measures you can take:

1 | Add frozen white or red grapes to each wine glass. The grapes cool the wine without making it watery, like ice cubes, nor do they impart flavor, like other fruits.

2 | Put your wine in a cooling cuff. Cooling cuffs have a cooling gel or liquid in the lining. Place them in the freezer to activate the gel or liquid, then slide it around your bottle of wine. Five to 10 minutes later, your wine will have cooled down. If the wine is already cold enough, the cuff will keep it warm for a dinner party.

3 | If you don't want to see your beautiful wine bottle disappear into a cuff, then a wine cooler is the way to go. You have them in all sorts of varieties so there's always one that suits your style, from earthenware to stainless steel and copper to clear plastic. Before you run to the store, just this: there are two types of wine coolers:

• The single-walled wine cooler, also known as an ice bucket. You fill this type of wine cooler with ice cubes and place your wine bottle inside. For some extra cooling power, add a few spoons of salt to the ice cubes and stir for a moment. Salt actually lowers the melting point of ice. This has no effect on the temperature of the ice cubes, but they do melt sooner. This is helpful because ice water coats your wine bottle better than ice cubes, so you cool much more effectively.
• The double-walled vacuum cooler. This type of wine cooler does not actively chill your wine, but it keeps it at temperature thanks to the insulating effect of the double wall. If you are someone who always keeps your wine at the right temperature when guests arrive, then this type of wine cooler is for you. Plus, you won't have to deal with ice cubes.

Santé!