Secret Vines Blog

Good quality wine glasses are the only tool(s) that count

9th March, 2009

Wine is one of those past times / passions / hobbies /medicines /sports (?) that doesn't require much equipment.

In fact, I reckon that there is only one ‘tool' that no-one should be without and that is a decent wine glass. Here are my thoughts....

Through the looking glass:

It's pretty simple really, first and foremost your glassware should be completely transparent (regardless of fashion). There is nothing worse than tinting or etching because you won't be able to see the wine for what it is. It should also be made of thin, delicate glass. A thick lip of a glass reminds me of drinking cheap plonk at an RSL.

Does size count?

I would choose something large enough to give the wine a bit of a swirl around. All wines, particularly reds, need a bit of swirl action to help bring out the aromas.

Hint: it's best to learn the ‘swirl' with glass on table first, after 5 minutes you will be able to graduate to ‘freestanding swirl'. This is also why it's best to get a glass large enough so that you have enough room to swirl without tidal waves of wine splashing over the edge.

What body shape is best?

Well, how long is a piece of string? Technically a lot of the good glass makers will vary their designs for different varietals, but generally there is no need to get that tricky.

wine glasses

If I had to pick just one glass to have around below I would go for glass 5. It's a good all rounder.

If I could choose three different glasses, I'd go for 2, 3 and 5.

If you want to get more specific.

No 1 is for young delicate whites (Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling) sparkling reds or desert wines.

No 2 is for Champagne or sparkling wine

No 3 is for full bodied whites (like Chardonnay or Viognier) or youngish light reds.

No 4 is for medium bodied reds like Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Barbera or Tempranillo. This glass is also very good for aged wines.

No 5 is for younger, higher alcohol wines like Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot or Mourvedre.

BUT don't over think it or spend too much..... get something that won't make you cry if you smash it, which is inevitable (especially when you wash up singing like I do).

One thing for sure is that good glassware will make a wine taste infinitely better. Try an experiment for yourself.

A good glass doesn't deprive the senses of anything - that's what good glasses do and why I think they are ‘the only tool that really counts'. Effective glassware delivers the wine to your sense of smell, taste and sight.

Release those aromas, heighten your senses.

Cheers,

Tim

ps. if you want to ask me about a glass for a specific wine email me at tim@secretvines.com.au