Are Thin Wine Glasses Better?
I get asked the question a lot about why high-end wine glasses are always so thin. Is a thin glass inherently better in some way than a thick one?
Glass is glass, right?
Well, actually, no, although it is debated as too all of the reasons why a thin wine glass is best, there are a few major components that allow a thin wine glass to clearly excel over a thick one.
Aspects that will become immediately apparent upon a side by side taste test between a thick and thin glass.
Why People Prefer Thin Wine Glasses
Thin wine glasses are inherently better than thick ones.
They have a lower refractive index giving a clear view of the depth and color of the wine.
They transfer aromas more accurately, and their lighter weight lends itself to a more natural swirl and a light touch on the lips.
Better Visuals
A thinner glass will create a lower refractive index. This is the measurement of how light bends when moving through a material.
This lower refractive index means you get a clearer, more accurate view of the depth and colors of the wine in your glass—an aspect of wine that is extremely important when differentiating between older and higher-end wines.
Better Mouthfeel
A thinner glass also has a better mouthfeel. Glass is not tasteless, so putting a big chunk of it against your lips while your tasting a fine wine isn’t ideal.
You want something that you will notice as little as possible, and in this case, that means making the rim as thin as possible.
The other aspect of mouthfeel is how the glass feels against your lips. A thinner glass will always feel better than thicker glass.
When you are trying to decipher the subtle, nuanced flavors of your favorite wine, you don’t want to be thinking about this giant glass pushing down on your lips.
A light, thin glass is very unobtrusive and lends itself to a more refined, wine-focused experience.
Better Aromatics
Because a thinner wine glass is less likely to have a protruding rim required for added strength when using inferior glassware.
The thin lip is able to transfer the flavors and aroma more accurately and with greater fidelity.
Less Temperature Transfer
When serving a white wine, using a thin glass is better because it causes less temperature transfer to the wine.
A wine glass is sitting in your home, so it is going to be at the same temperature as your house. When a chilled wine is poured in, the glass will automatically begin to transfer that heat to the wine warming it.
If there is less glass, then there is less heat to be transferred, and your wine stays at its optimal temperature for longer.
Easier Swirl
When compared to a thicker glass, a thin wine glass is light and quick in the hand.
When you are swirling your wine as you do to aerate it and check the legs, a thin glass will lend itself to a much more natural feeling swirl than a thick, cumbersome glass.
This natural swirl enhances the whole experience and makes it more comfortable and enjoyable.
Real Display of Craftsmanship
Lastly, a thin glass is a sign of high-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. People love their wine, and they want a piece of art to display it.
Nothing serves as a better piece of art than a mouth-blown, ultra-thin piece of crystal, but it takes a master glassblower to make something like that.
Because of the difficulty, thinner glasses have become synonymous with luxury and quality, two aspects that entice people in the high-end wine market.
