Guide to Buying Wine Glasses

Wine Glasses Article From www.Wine-Blog.net   You’ve heard somewhere or read somewhere that wine must be served in the best crystal to get its full advantage, well not necessarily but there are a few basic principles to remember when choosing glasses that will help you get the best from your favorite bottle.

The Evolution of Wine Glasses

Wine glasses have a rich history that dates back centuries. The oldest surviving wine glass with a stem and foot are 15th-century enameled goblets that hold more than four ounces of liquid. By the end of the 16th century, German wine glasses were intricately engraved as decoration. The earliest surviving English wine glasses, produced near the end of the 16th century by Verzelini, were diamond-engraved. In the 1740s, plain straight stems and air twist stems gained popularity. France introduced fine crystal glasses towards the end of the 18th century.

During the 19th century, wine glasses were often produced in sets of a dozen each, with specific sets for port and sherry, burgundy and claret, champagne, and liqueur glasses. In the 1950s, Riedel Crystal and other manufacturers refined the design of wine glasses, creating unique sizes and shapes for almost every wine variation.

Choosing the Right Wine Glass

When selecting wine glasses, consider the following principles to get the best from your favorite bottle:

1. Plain Glass: Choose a plain glass to highlight your best wines. Avoid colored or tinted glasses, as they can affect the perception of the wine's color and clarity.
2. Wide Bowl: Glasses with a wide bowl that tapers toward the mouth allow the wine's aroma to be released generously. The deeper bowls provide more room for swirling, and the narrow opening channels the aroma to your nostrils efficiently.
3. Glass Size: Red wines are traditionally served in larger glasses than white wines because red wines need more space to breathe and develop. Sparkling wines should be served in thin glasses with straight sides or flutes to preserve the fizz.

Interesting Stats

• According to a study by the University of Bristol, the size of wine glasses in England has increased sevenfold over the last 300 years, from an average of 66 ml in the 1700s to 449 ml in 2017 (source).
• The global wine glass market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2021 to 2028, driven by increasing wine consumption and the rising popularity of wine tourism (source).

Setting Wine Glasses at a Dinner Party

When serving different types of wine throughout a meal, consider the following tips for setting wine glasses:

1. Order of Use: Arrange the glasses in the order they are to be used, from right to left.
2. Pouring Wine: Wine is typically poured from the right, while food is served from the left.
3. Glass Types: Start with a tall stemmed glass for whites, followed by a large wine goblet for reds, and end with a short, smaller glass for port or sherry.

Filling the Glass

To capture the aroma as it rises from the swirled wine and to allow room for tilting to evaluate the color, fill the wine glass to one-third to one-half full at most.

Conclusion

Using the proper wine glasses can enhance the appearance, smell, and taste of your wine. By following these guidelines, you can select the perfect wine glasses to elevate your wine-drinking experience. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the right glass can make all the difference.

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