American Airlines | acclaimed wine consultant | Ken Chase

American Airlines' acclaimed wine consultant and oenologist Ken Chase sheds some light on the shape of wine glasses today.

Wine glassology is a coined fictitious -- but fitting -- phrase that deals with aroma science and relates it to how wine glass shapes and sizes might affect the aromas and taste of a wine.

The theory is simple: Different grape varieties have varying intensities of fruit expression. As aromas in the wine glass expand (caused by aroma molecules moving as you twirl the glass), the molecules follow the shape of the glass, delivering aromas to the olfactory system (your sense of smell) with varying intensities. The best example supporting this theory is the tulip-shaped glass that is bulbous at the bottom and closes in at the opening, forcing the rising aromas into a concentrated stream of those gregarious molecules (American Airlines has recently introduced a larger glass of this shape on select flights).

How is the taste of a wine affected? The taste theory is based on the wine's being delivered to different parts of the palate as a result of the size and shape of the wine glass opening. A narrow opening would hit the front of the palate, while a wide opening would hit the front of the palate as well as the sides. Different parts of our palates have receptors that detect sweet, sour, and salt sensations and so, theoretically, if one can direct the flavors to a specific area, then an increase in intensity should be realized.

The theory is sound … but more independent experimental research is needed. In the meantime, do ensure you always have enough room in your wine glass to play with the wine, and enough wine to enjoy your own studies on the subject. It’s not an exact science.

These fine wine glasses, from Riedel's Vinum collection, are designed for enjoying specific varietals of wines. From left to right: glasses for bordeaux/cabernet, burgundy/pinot noir, chablis/chardonnay, shiraz/syrah, sauvignon blanc, champagne, and montrachet/chardonnay. riedel.com