Wine Glasses
In order to get the most enjoyment out of every bottle of wine, it is necessary to give at least a little thought to choosing the wine glasses you plan to use. There are many different types of wine glasses, varying in style and quality. There are a number of manufacturers of fine, and somewhat expensive, crystal glasses, designed specifically for use with certain wines, and some such glasses are illustrated on this page. It’s not necessary to spend big bucks, however, as long as you purchase glasses, also often referred to as ‘stemware’, which obey a few simple rules.
Choosing Wine Glasses
Rule #1
When choosing wine glasses, first pay attention to the material from which it is made. At the very least, the glass must be plain and clear. Part of the enjoyment of wine is the appreciation of the colour. The colour can also impart a lot of information about the wine, giving clues to the grapes used, the age of the wine, and so on. Consequently, wine glasses made from coloured or frosted glass, or worse still solid materials such as pewter or silver, are useless. Some people feel that cut crystal is also detrimental to the appearance of the wine, but this is a personal issue, which also relates to the size and shape (they are generally far too small) of many such glasses, which makes them completely inappropriate for the appreciation of wine.
Rule #2
When choosing wine glasses, make sure that you select glasses which are of a sufficient size. The bowl should be large enough to allow a fair measure to be poured, whilst leaving enough room for the wine to be gently swirled without spilling. This swirling action releases aromas from the wine, and is therefore vitally important. Many types of wine glasses are so tiny that they must be filled to the brim in order to achieve a decent size pour, and these are therefore plainly inadequate.
Rule #3
The glass must have a stem. not just for aesthetic reasons, but mainly so that the wine glass may be held without covering the bowl with greasy fingerprints. Holding by the stem also ensures that warmth from the hand does not increase the temperature of a wine that has been served chilled, although in practice this may be a minor problem. Watch any accomplished wine taster and you will notice that their hand very rarely touches the bowl, as it quickly becomes second nature to hold the glass only by the stem or base.
Rule #4
When choosing a wine glass consider the shape of the bowl. Good wine glasses taper in somewhat at the top, so that the aperture is narrower than the bowl lower down. Whilst this appearance is aesthetically pleasing, it is also of functional importance. A wine taster will use a swirling action to release precious aromas from the wine, and this tapered shape serves to concentrate the aromas towards the nose. This design is particularly evident in glasses designed for Pinot Noir, in which appreciation of the full range of aromas is so important to enjoying the wine.
Types of Wine Glasses
Most wine drinkers would agree that different styles of wines demand different types of wine glasses. At its most basic, think of the preferred wine glasses for Champagne and sparkling wines (a flute), red wines (a wine glass with a larger bowl) and white wines (a smaller bowl). This led to the development of the concept that close matching of the type of wine glass to the style of wine would be of benefit to the wine drinker, a concept which a number of manufacturers of wine glasses have grasped firmly with both hands. One such manufacturer is Riedel, an Austrian firm that makes a wide range of wine glasses, of many different types and suited to every conceivable style of wine available.
Such a large range may not be necessary. Even this small selection of mainly Riedel glasses, illustrated left, would be too many for all but the most serious wine drinker. I suspect most wine drinkers could quite adequately get by with just two or three different types of wine glasses. I would suggest, as starting point, the three types of wine glasses mentioned above -a standard glass for whites, something a little larger, perhaps, for reds, and of course a flute or similar style for Champagne or sparkling wine.
Looking After Your Glasses
Much is written about how to treat glasses, but there are again only a few simple rules. Glasses should be washed between uses, and although some advocate using hot water alone, and some recommend the use of detergent, either will do. Those that use detergent should, however, ensure that they give the glasses a thorough rinsing afterwards, as even just a trace of lemon or similarly scented dishwashing liquid can ruin the nose of a wine. Whichever you prefer, always hold the glasses up to the light to check that they are clean. A superficially clean looking glass may in fact be covered in a fine coat of scum which is difficult to remove with just a gentle washing. This can adversely affect the wine, particularly sparkling wines or Champagne, which will not demonstrate their fizz if placed into a glass like this. Once washed, allow the glasses to drip dry. Once dry, a quick polish will quickly rid them of any residual water marks, which look a little unsightly but are easily removed. Store them standing upright in a clean, odour-free cupboard ready for use.
Basic Tips for Choosing the Perfect Glass for Your Favorite Wines:
The Glass: Thin and clear
To appreciate the beauty of wine, use glasses that are not colored, and are as thin walled and rimmed as possible. It’s hard to explain (with words) the difference between thin and thick glass. You have to experience it to understand.
The Stem vs. Stemless Tumblers
While one can appreciate the stylish good looks of the modern stemless tumbler, most connoisseurs remain partial to stemware.
Here’s why:
To enjoy seeing the colours of the wine as you twirl it around without looking at fingerprints. The stem prevents the hands warming up the wine too quickly.
To be fair though, not every occasion is a formal one, and it’s fun to be trendy from time to time.
Wine Glasses for Reds
The Bowl: Wider
The bigger flavours in red wines need to spread out. The wider bowl also lets in more air, which releases bold aromas and flavours.
The Opening: Wider
Dip your nose into the wider bowl to experience the more complex aromas.
Tip: When pouring wines, keep the wine level to the lower one-third the glass. This leaves lots of air and swirl room, both of which enhance the enjoyment of your wines.
Big Reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz):
Get a big bowl and a big opening.
Soft Reds (Pinot Noir, Merlot): Get a big bowl that narrows slightly at the opening.
Wine Glasses for Whites
The Bowl: Narrower
The smaller capacity helps keep temperatures cooler for a longer period of time.
The Opening: Narrower
The lighter aromas waft well in a narrower glass.
Spirited Whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Semi lion, Chardonnay): Get a bowl with a little room that narrows slightly at the opening.
Delicate Whites (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztiminer): Get a narrow bowl with a narrow opening.