Any wine expert will tell you that it is imperative to drink specific wines out of the right type of wine glasses to achieve the optimal wine-drinking experience. To deliver its fullest flavour and aroma, every variety of wine must be served in a specific wine glass. Wine connoisseurs understand that each particular type of glass shape produces the most optimal desirable taste and flavour for each particular wine.
If you are selecting wineglasses for a special occasion, there are certain factors that define the best wine glasses available. They include durability, sturdiness (balance), comfort in the hand, thinness and smoothness of the rim, and internal capacity. How it holds up is just as important as how well it functions. Quality wine glasses must also enhance the aroma and flavour of the wine, along with letting the wine breathe and concentrate its aroma.
It was not until the 1950s when Riedel Crystal, an Australian glass-making firm, began producing stemware that wine experts realized unique sizes and shapes perform better at delivering the ultimate wine taste and aroma. Additionally, the visual impact began playing an important role in exciting the senses to heighten the experience. It was discovered that visually displaying the unique hues and colours of each wine played a key role in preparing the wine drinker for the first sip. Today, only a few wine glass manufacturers are recognized for their quality products, including Riedel and Spiegelau.
The Wine Glasses
Riedel Sommeliers
Riedel Sommeliers wine glasses are without a doubt the premier stemware that sets the benchmark for all of its competitors. These glasses are crafted with 24% lead crystal. Each bowl is mouth-blown into their mould, with the base and stem handcrafted using the methods from ancient glassmakers. This glass is ideal for Bordeaux, Merlot, and Cabernet wine. It is priced at £65.
Spiegelau Vino Grande
Spiegelau Vino Grande wine glasses are crafted for Burgundy and Pinot Noir wine. Manufactured by the most famous and oldest fine-crystal European manufacturer, these Vino Grande glasses are both durable and beautiful. Designed to accentuate the wine’s bouquet and flavor, its specific shape allows the wine to aerate. It is priced at £35 for a set of six.
Riedel Vinum
Riedel Vinum wine glasses are ideal for Burgundy and Pinot Noir wine. Shaped with a wider base than the traditional Sommeliers glasses, the Vinum works perfectly for full-bodied red wines that deliver moderate tannins and highest acidity. Its unique shape directs the flow of each sip to land toward the front of the palate. It is priced at £35 for set of two.
Spiegelau Vinovino
Spiegelau Vinovino Chardonnay glasses offer exceptional beauty and durability. Their design enhances the flavour and bouquet of Chardonnay. Its unique shape provides optimal aeration to increase its aroma. It is priced at £35 for set of four.
Riedel Vitis
Riedel Vitis wine glasses are defined by its form, exquisite curvature and shape at the very tip of the stem. Crafted for Pinot Noir, it offers a pulled stem design that adds a touch of elegance not found in other brands. These glasses are priced at £25 for set of two.
Image Credit: http://www.forevercrystal.co.uk/glassware/wine-glasses
