Best Champagne Glasses Tested

The Riedel Performance Champagne Glass is the best tulip glass for sparkling wine, according to a test of 14 glasses reported by Serious Eats. A luxury flute set from Waterford was also selected as a top pick after the tester poured bottles of Champagne and consulted master sommelier Scott Carney.

Testing involved checking temperature retention, tasting for aroma and fizz, and assessing cleaning and durability. The goal was to find options for any occasion, moving beyond the speculation about which glass shape is truly best.

Tulip vs. Flute: A Clear Difference

While the tall, narrow flute is the most iconic Champagne glass, wine experts often advocate for the tulip glass. Scott Carney, a master sommelier and Dean of Wine Studies at the Institute of Culinary Education, links the tulip's popularity to small-grower Champagne producers who want to highlight terroir. The tester found a noticeable difference: tulip glasses enhanced the wine's aroma, while flutes muted it.

Most tested tulip glasses had openings around 2.25 inches, compared to an average of 1.8 inches for flutes. The tulip shape funneled aromas upward. "The con of the flute is its narrowness and its inability to let the consumer swirl the liquid to abet the release of the wine’s aromas," Carney said. Flutes, however, were praised for elegantly showcasing the rising bubbles.

What Makes a Glass Work

Balance and sturdiness were critical. Some glasses had stems so delicate the tester feared they would snap. The winning Riedel glass had a wide, 3.5-inch diameter base that provided a steady counterweight. In contrast, the Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Flutes had a small 2.13-inch base and felt precarious.

Temperature retention was not a major factor. Champagne in nearly all glasses warmed by an average of 6.5 degrees over 15 minutes, which was not discernible when sipping. Carney notes Champagne is often served too cold, masking its bouquet. He recommends 40 to 45°F for simple Brut and 50 to 55°F for finer, more complex Champagnes.

Top Tested Champagne Glasses

The test yielded winners in both tulip and flute categories. For tulip glasses, the criteria favored balanced designs with wide openings and thin, comfortable rims. For flutes, balance was also key, with an opening close to two inches to avoid interfering with the nose.

The Riedel Performance glass, made of crystal, holds 13.2 ounces and is dishwasher-safe. Its wide opening measures 2.25 inches. The Glasvin tulip glass, made of glass, holds 11.8 fluid ounces and is also dishwasher-safe. The tester concluded that the choice depends on whether the priority is appreciating nuanced aromas with a tulip or admiring the classic bubble display with a flute.