What characteristics indicate a glass is suited for red wine service?

• A. Larger, rounder bowl to allow red wines to breathe.
• B. Tall stem with narrow bowl.
• C. Small stemless glass.
• D. Wide rim but narrow interior.

Answer: (A)

Red wines show their best character when they’ve had a bit of air to soften tannins and release aromas. A glass with a larger, rounder bowl increases the surface area of the wine and makes swirling effective, letting more oxygen interact with the wine. That aeration helps bring out the bouquet and smooths the body, while the wide opening directs those aromas toward your nose as you drink. Keeping the glass by the stem also helps you avoid warming the wine, preserving its intended temperature.

The other shapes don’t support this as well: a tall, narrow bowl limits surface area and slows aeration; a small stemless glass reduces swirling and air exposure; and a wide rim with a narrow interior doesn’t provide enough volume or balance for red wines to develop their aromas and flavors.