Picking the correct wine glasses can be confusing. What type should be used for white wine? Why do we use different glasses for different reds? Does the size of the glass really make a difference in the taste? There are a plethora of questions that can come up. If you are feeling perplexed, look over this guide on how to choose the right wine glass.

• It is best to choose completely clear, plain glasses so that you may have an unobstructed view of the wine inside.

Using the correct wine glasses does indeed make a difference in the taste. There are several reasons for this: first of all, the shape of the glass affects how strong of an aroma you get when you put your mouth to the glass, as well as where the wine flows in your mouth. The size and shape of the glass also determine how much of the wine's surface area interacts with air, which affects the way the wine "breathes," and therefore its flavor. http://www.squidoo.com/wine-glasses

In general, wine drinkers are less discriminating with white wine glasses than with red. This is because whites are seldom swirled, smelled and savored in the same way as their more robust purple cousins.

All non-sparkling white wines are usually served in Chardonnay glasses. These are taller than they are wide, and are smaller in size in order to preserve the wine's chill. The shape also aims the wine flow to the back and sides of the mouth, to bring out stronger flavors.

For sparkling wines, a Champagne glass is standard. These are long and thin, to preserve the carbonation. You will occasionally see shallow, flat champagne glasses, but the long variety is generally the preferred choice.http://ezinearticles.com/?Choose-The-Right-Wine-Glasses-To-Enhance-Your-Wine-Tasting-Experience!&id=539241

Bordeaux glasses are used for full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel, or Petit Syrah. The glasses are tall, and have a wide bowl to provide ample surface area, and thus maximum oxidation. The shape of the glasses directs the liquid to the rear of the mouth, showing off the bold flavors of Bordeaux wines. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_glass

Choose glasses that are large enough to swirl a full 4-6 ounce serving of wine without spilling.

Burgundy glasses have an even broader bowl base than Bordeaux glasses. This allows for maximum surface area, which means maximum air transfer. Softer, more subtle wines are served in Burgundy glasses, such as shiraz or pinot noir. The shape of the glasses causes the wine to flow to the tip of the tongue, complementing the delicate flavors.

As with Bordeaux glasses, Burgundy bowls should be big enough to swirl a full serving of wine in without making a mess.