Each type of wine glass follows the same tulip-shaped design and has three essential components: the base, which keeps the glass upright, the stem which allows one to hold the glass without transferring one's body heat to the wine, and a body conducive to maximum flavor and aroma for that particular type of wine. It's recommended that wine glasses be composed of crystal or other similar thin glass because thick glass is thought to influence the taste of wine. All wine glasses are designed in a way that directs the wine to the parts of the mouth where its flavor will be most appreciated.

There are many types of wine glasses, but in general, only four are needed. Red wine glasses are taller and wider so the complexities of the wine can be better appreciated. You'll want at least two for your collection. The first is a Bordeaux glass, which is designed for rich, full bodied red wines such as Cabernets and Merlots. The wide bowl allows the wine to breathe and brings out the rich aromas. Because the glass is tall, the wine proceeds directly to the back of the mouth allowing for maximum flavor. It's also a good idea to have a burgundy glass to use for other full bodied wines such as a Pinot Noir. Larger than the Bordeaux glass, the large bowl of the Burgundy glass allows the wine to dispense to the tip of the tongue where it's easier to taste the sweetness of the wine.

White wine glasses are smaller to help keep the wine cool. For a young crisp white wine, you'll need a glass with an opening that's slightly larger than the body of the glass itself. This will allow the wine to dispense at the tip and sides of the tongue to better enjoy the wine's sweetness. You'll also want a glass for more mature white wines. This is a taller, straighter glass and will allow the wine to dispense to the rear and sides of the tongue to better taste the bolder flavor.

There are other glasses a connoisseur might enjoy having in his collection. Champagne Flutes are tall and thin, which will allow the bubbles to build up properly. Sweet wines, such as dessert wines, require smaller glasses that dispense the wine to the back of the oral cavity so the sweetness doesn't envelope the whole tongue and overwhelm by its flavor. Rose glasses are similar to white wine glasses in that they are smaller though their bodies are wider to allow aromas to better develop.

Unless one is truly a wine connoisseur who understands and recognizes the complexities of all the different wines, there's no reason to have a different glass for each different wine. Most wine lovers employ the use of four wine glasses, but you could probably get away with having one glass for each color wine. The important thing is to use the glasses providing the most enjoyment for you.