| The Wine Glass |
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Hand blown, lead free, crystal, tulip shaped, rolled rim, fluted ... the list of wine glass descriptors seems as vast as the list of wine types. But rest assured all this information can be simplified into a few straightforward sentences. What it is made of ... the glassWine glasses are most often made of lead crystal or lead free crystal. The addition of lead to the sand, from which glass is derived, increases the strength and iridescence of the glass. Lead puts the sparkle in the crystal wine glass allowing light to highlight the wine. The additional strength allows the fine crystal to be thin, yet not break as easily as lead free crystal wine glasses. The addition of lead also results in the desired ‘ting' when glasses touch. Machine Made non-lead glasses are generally much less expensive and can be fine for everyday use. The Shape of the wine glassClause J Riedel is credited with developing the science behind wine glass shape. In the 1950s he experimented with shapes to uncover the best shapes for individual wines. Riedel Crystal Wine Glasses come in a multitude of shapes for every type of wine but most individuals only need to have a few basic shapes in order to fully enhance most wines. A large bowl is best for red wines, which are meant to be swirled. The large area concentrates the aromas. The smaller diameter rim directs the aromas to the nose. Once the wine is sipped it is the shape of the rim that directs the flow of the wine into the mouth. Cabernet, Merlot, Bordeaux wines should be drank from a wine glass that has a large bowl and straight lip. This shape directs the flavor to the center of the tongue allowing the fullness to be enjoyed. Pinot Noir and Burgundy wines are fully enjoyed in a glass with a large bowl a flared lip, also called a tulip shape. This shape allows the bouquet to develop fully and directs the fruity flavors to the front of the pallet or the tip of the tongue. Most white wines like Chardonnays are best served in a glass with a smaller bowl while Sparkling wines should be served in tall fluted glasses with a relatively small opening. Inexpensive wine glasses have a rolled rim. This forces the wine to spill randomly over the rim eliminating the directional properties of the wine glass shape. Crystal wine glasses have a thin, smooth lip. The wine flows gently into the mouth directed by the shape of the wine glass. Stem or no StemA more recent trend is the O Wine Glasses or stem less wine glasses. These have the exact shape as their stemmed predecessor. Without a stem they can be more efficiently stored, washed and handled. The stem is also an expensive step in the manufacturing of wine glasses. Often high quality stem less models are less expensive. If your desire is an every day wine glass or a special wedding wine glass there is one designed to meet your needs. Taste and see the difference that a glass can make! Comments (0)
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