Holding a wine glass may seem like an automatic gesture, but the way we do it can influence the tasting experience more than most people realise. The position of the hand, the amount of wine poured, and even the contact of fingers with the glass can interfere with temperature, aromas, and how the wine presents itself at the moment of appreciation.
This is not simply a matter of table etiquette or elegance. Holding a glass correctly also makes it easier to swirl the wine, observe its colour, and release the aromas that concentrate inside the bowl. Small habits that make a difference, particularly when one wishes to appreciate a wine with greater attention.
Before thinking about how to hold the glass, it is important to pay attention to how much wine is poured into it. As a general rule, no more than one third of a stemmed wine glass should be filled. Beyond being a question of elegance, leaving free space is essential to allow the wine to be swirled gently, encouraging the release of aromas.
Overfilling the glass makes that movement difficult and increases the risk of spilling. More importantly, it reduces the available space for aromas to concentrate, making the tasting experience less complete.
In the case of white wines, this issue becomes even more relevant. As they are typically enjoyed at lower temperatures, the larger the quantity served, the longer it will take to be consumed and the greater the likelihood of it warming in the glass. As temperature rises, the wine’s aromatic balance can shift and the perception of alcohol may become more pronounced.
For sparkling wines, the recommendation is to fill the flute to approximately half, leaving sufficient space to preserve and appreciate the aromas and effervescence.
According to the wine portal Vinha, the most appropriate technique is to hold the glass by the stem, using the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. In this way, direct contact with the bowl of the glass is avoided and, consequently, the transfer of heat from the hand to the wine is prevented.
This care is particularly important for wines that should be served chilled. The warmth of the hand can gradually raise the wine’s temperature, altering how its aromas and flavours are perceived. As the wine warms, the sensation of alcohol can become more pronounced, while some fruity and fresh notes may lose definition.
In addition, holding the glass by the stem avoids leaving fingerprints on the glass, making it easier to observe the wine’s colour, clarity, and intensity. It is a small detail that contributes to both presentation and the tasting experience.
It is also unnecessary to grip the stem with the entire hand. A light but firm contact with three fingers is sufficient to maintain control of the glass without compromising the wine’s temperature.
Stemless glasses, increasingly common in some informal settings, require a little more attention. In this case, the ideal approach is to hold them at the base or immediately above the level of the wine, minimising the hand’s contact with the area closest to the liquid.
Although it may appear to be a minor detail, temperature is one of the elements that most influences the perception of a wine. A white wine that is too warm can seem less fresh and more alcoholic, while a red wine served at an excessively high temperature can become heavy and poorly balanced.
Holding a wine glass correctly is not a rule created solely to make the table look more elegant. It is a practice that helps preserve the characteristics of the drink and to get more out of the tasting experience.
The next time you receive a glass of wine, try holding it by the stem, pour only the necessary quantity, and leave space for the wine to breathe and release its aromas. In the world of wine, it is often the smallest gestures that make the difference between simply drinking and truly appreciating.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=534603
