Wine Glasses

For all wine aficionados or those that just want to drink their wine from an absolutely exquisite piece of crystal or glassware, there are some facts and tips you may want to consider. All Wine Glasses are not created equal. What may be in vogue today may not be what you want for your needs and what is in vogue tomorrow, you’ve been using for a long time.

It is true though, that when you sip your wine, brandy or martini from certain glasses it makes you feel, wonderfully special. Certain glass shapes and decanters do bring out the best in wines as they take into consideration the aerating of red wines or keeping bubbles in champagne flutes.

The choices of Wine Glasses you may purchase are many and come in a variety of quality, prices and styles. The term crystal being referred to as a colorless 24% lead more less content in the glass. This gives it a high degree to reflect light which gives it a brilliant completion we all love to see. You should always ask about the lead content. Some have more, a lot more, and if brandy or sherry is stored in decanters for a long period, some of the lead may leach into it.

You may spend big bucks on some crystal wine glasses or you may find economically fine glass ware or “stemware”, both are certainly acceptable and can be enjoyed for all occasions. I’ve put together some notes that will come in handy when considering and choosing your wine glasses or “Stemware”, possibly even for your wedding registry.

• Clear view – The appreciation of your wine comes in holding it up to the light to see the color, which gives you an idea on the red or white grape used and possibly the age. I always check out the “legs” in the glass after the first sip, remarking “look at the legs on this one”. So consequently, clear, non pattered or etched wine glasses are best. Of course, this is my opinion! Possibly the stem can be ornately scrolled though. If glasses have to be cut or etched find one with the pattern close to the bottom of the “bowl” or glass so you can totally enjoy the “legs”. I’ve changed many a wine lover over to this one. Silver or pewter or any solid color is alright for weddings or graduation toasts though.  An absolute favorite of mine is the Mouth- Blown crystal red wine goblet from the Mizu Collection, from Birks.
• Styles– There’s a lot to say about styles and shapes and just as much individual preference. Yes, it’s nice to see champagne in a chilled flute watching the bubbles rise, red wine being swirled around your glass checking out the “legs”, but probably 3 or 4 styles only need to be considered in my view, if that. Some manufactures have 6 or more wine glasses in their wine glass collection, and they don’t even include brandy snifters or liquor glasses. Not everyone will want brandy, sherry or liquor if offered, so here’s where plain, clear glasses just shine.
• A few less expensive glasses for the brandy etc. will match nicely with the plain clear wine glasses, crystal or otherwise and they don’t have to be from the same manufacture. Who will know? Have I forgotten martini glasses?
• Proper size – The size of the wine glass is a vital component, as you not only want a good portion, but you want to be able to swirl the wine gently, therefore releasing the fine aroma for your enjoyment. You probably have noticed more and more restaurants are serving wine in larger wine glasses for this reason. Of course if sherry, brandy or ice wine is served, “that’s another bottle of wine”.
• It seems it all depends on how you drink your wine.  To enjoy the full taste of the fruit, acidity, mineral component, tannin and alcohol in any wine it seems it depends on how it falls into your mouth.  The right shaped glass will act as a guide on where it will flow.  The right glass will let you taste the sweetness in front of your tongue or it may be missed with the wrong glass and you may experience only the acidity.  You may sip your wine with it going on each side of the tongue again missing the sweetness.  So the right glass will guide the wine so you don’t miss all the wonders of taste.  Depending on the wine, whether it is a full bodied red or a lighter red be careful to enjoy every sensation no matter what glass is used.
• The temperature of your hand on the “bowl” of the wine glass plays an intricate part, as a chilled wine soon looses its “chill” and room temperature soon becomes not so enjoyable. So in the interest of good wine everywhere a stem is the very best choice. Holding the stem or base doesn’t show everyone the hors d’oeuvres on the glass leftover from your fingers either.
• The shape of the bowl makes a difference as well, as the long thin champagne flutes require you to keep the bubbles in the glass flute longer. That is if you need longer! The tapering of the wine glass in at the top and wider at the bottom keeps in the wonderful aromas of full body nectar in the direction of the nose. Depending on the wine consumed or how quickly, this may be of great significance.
• Washing Instructions is a controversial subject! But to me it’s a no brainer. The manufacture instructions are always the best. Of course there’s a lot of common sense involved as well. I have found a difference though in hard and soft water with hard water leaving a film and soft water not getting all the soap off. It would be a good idea not to use scented soaps, as if left on glasses the bouquet of your wine may not smell very ideal. Washing with hot water, rinsing thoroughly, let drip dry upside down on paper towel. When dry, polish to a shine and place upright in a cupboard free from foods that may transfer odor to the glasses. Now you’re ready for your next experience with a wine glass or two.