Burgundy vs Bordeaux Wine Glass

In the world of wine appreciation, the choice of glassware plays a crucial role in unlocking the full potential of each sip. This article explores the classic debate between Burgundy vs Bordeaux glasses, exploring how the design and shape of these specialized vessels can elevate the tasting experience. 

From the nuances of aroma concentration to the impact on flavor perception, understanding the differences between these two types of wine glasses is essential for every wine enthusiast. Join us on a journey through the world of wine glass selection as we uncover the secrets behind choosing the perfect vessel for your favorite vintage.

Burgundy Wine Glass Characteristics:

Shape and design:

Burgundy wine glasses are known for their wide, rounded bowl and tapered rim. This design allows maximum aeration of the wine, enhancing its aromas and flavors. The broader bowl design offers generous room for swirling the wine, releasing more complex scents and further unlocking its potential.

Benefits of using a Burgundy wine glass:

The wide bowl of a Burgundy wine glass allows for the concentration of aromas, making it ideal for aromatic and complex wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The tapered rim of the glass guides the wine directly to the tip of the tongue, where its sweetness can be fully appreciated. Additionally, the large surface area of the bowl allows for more oxygen exposure, softening tannins and creating a smoother mouthfeel. 

Impact on aroma and flavor:

The shape of a Burgundy wine glass is specifically designed to enhance the concentration of aromas. The wide bowl and tapered rim concentrate the scents towards the nose, intensifying the flavors and creating a more pronounced tasting experience. This design also allows for better oxygenation of the wine, which can enhance its flavor profile.

Ideal wine varietals:

Burgundy glasses are best suited for light- to medium-bodied wines with delicate aromas like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay. These varietals typically have a higher acidity level, which the wider bowl and tapered rim of the glass can balance out.

Bordeaux Wine Glass Characteristics:

Shape and design:

Bordeaux wine glasses are taller and narrower than Burgundy glasses, with a wider bowl and slightly flared rim. This shape directs the wine toward the back of the mouth, allowing the taste buds to better appreciate it.

Benefits of using a Bordeaux wine glass:

The tall, narrow design of Bordeaux wine glasses allows for better pour control, preventing the wine from coming into contact with too much oxygen. This ensures that the more tannic and robust flavors of Bordeaux wines are not over-powered, creating a balanced tasting experience.

Impact on aroma and flavor:

The design of a Bordeaux wine glass, with its taller bowl, strategically channels the wine’s aromas towards the back of the mouth. This area allows the taste buds to detect sweetness more acutely, enhancing the tasting experience. This enhances the perception of fruitiness and sweetness in the wine while also balancing out any astringency from tannins.

Ideal wine varietals:

Bordeaux glasses are ideal for full-bodied wines with high levels of tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. These wines benefit from the taller bowl and flared rim, allowing for a controlled pour and balanced flavor perception.

A Comparison: Burgundy Glass vs Bordeaux Glass

• Designs and Purpose: While both Bordeaux vs Burgundy glass have wide bowls, their shapes differ in terms of the tapered rim and flared rim, respectively. This highlights the different objectives of each glass – enhancing aromas for Burgundy wines and balancing flavors for Bordeaux wines.
• Tasting Experience: The design of each glass specifically tailors to the characteristics and flavors of the wine varietals it serves. This means that using a Bordeaux glass for a delicate Burgundy wine may result in muted aromas, while using a Burgundy glass for a robust Bordeaux wine may lead to overpowering tannins.
• Considerations for specific wine varietals: Choosing the right wine glass requires careful consideration of the wine’s unique characteristics and flavors. For example, if you have a full-bodied Bordeaux with strong tannins, using a Burgundy glass may not fully showcase its complexities. Additionally, experimenting with different glasses can lead to new discoveries regarding aroma and flavor perception.

Aspect	Burgundy Glass	Bordeaux Glass
Bowl Shape	Broad and tubular like a balloon	Taller and more angular
Opening	Broader aperture to encourage subtle fragrances	Wide container for inhalation of potent scents
Purpose	Designed for lighter, aromatic wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay	Suited for full-bodied, tannic wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Aroma Focus	Highlights delicate, nuanced aromas	Showcases powerful, strong aromas
Wine Flow	Focusing the wine on the tip of your tongue allows for greater perception of sweetness	Directs wine to the back of the mouth; moderates acidity and tannins
Stem Length	Generally shorter stems	Typically longer stems
Aeration	More aeration (good for light wines) because it is bigger	Less aeration — due to a smaller surface area — which is used for wines that require less aeration.

Usage Tips: Bordeaux Glass vs Burgundy Glasses

Guidelines for serving and storing wine in Burgundy vs Bordeaux glass:

• Fill Burgundy glasses to about one-third of their capacity to allow plenty of aeration and swirling space.
• Fill Bordeaux glasses to about half of their capacity, leaving enough room to swirl the wine without spilling.
• The stem should hold both glasses to prevent body heat from affecting the temperature of the wine.
• Ensure you clean and dry these glasses properly before storing them to avoid any potential flavor contamination.

Cleaning and maintenance tips for preserving glass clarity and longevity:

• To preserve the clarity of your Burgundy and Bordeaux glasses, gently wash them using mild soap and warm water, steering clear of any abrasive chemicals.
• Immediately after washing, dry the glasses with a soft cloth to avoid water spots and keep their shine intact.
• Store the glasses upright in a dust-free area to minimize potential damage from handling or storage. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, choosing the perfect glass for your favorite vintage is more than just a matter of aesthetics. The design and shape of each type of glass play a crucial role in enhancing aromas and flavors, creating a unique tasting experience that can elevate the enjoyment of any wine. 

Whether you prefer delicate Burgundy wines or robust Bordeaux blends, understanding the characteristics and benefits of each glass can greatly enhance your wine-tasting journey. 

Remember to consider the specific varietal and characteristics of the wine, as well as proper serving and storage techniques, to fully appreciate all that a Burgundy or Bordeaux wine glass has to offer. Cheers!  

Burgundy glasses have a wide, round bowl for lighter, aromatic wines like Pinot Noir. Bordeaux glasses are taller and more angular, focusing robust aromas in fuller-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.

No, Bordeaux and Burgundy refer to different shades of red. Bordeaux is a deep red, while Burgundy has a slightly lighter, purplish-red tone.

Burgundy glasses are ideal for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, and other lighter, aromatic wines. Their shape enhances delicate aromas and balances sweetness.

Burgundy glasses enhance the tasting experience of aromatic, delicate wines with their wide bowl for aeration and shape that emphasizes subtle aromas.