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If you're a serious wine enthusiast, then
you're probably almost as serious about your wine stemware. If you believe the hype
from wine glass companies, wine actually tastes different from different
glasses. Whether you are looking for a set of glassware for every varietal out
there in fine leaded crystal or you're in the market for something practical to cheaply stock your
home, our guide has got you covered.
Does Wine Taste Different in Different
Glasses?
The answer is ...that the jury's still
out on this one. Some say that the shape of the glass directs the wine to a different part of the
tongue more sensitive to certain types of taste, although most studies would suggest there is no
such tongue 'taste map'. What does seem to make a big difference is the amount of air that the
bowl of the glass allows to contact the wine. More contact means the wine is exposed to more
oxygen, which is more desirable for reds than whites (and particularly undesirable for sparkling
wines since it lets the bubbles escape!).
How Many Types of Wine Glasses Should I
Buy?
If you're short on space or budget, stick
with 3 glass types:
#1 - Champagne flute (tall, very narrow)
#2 - Basic white wine glass (small, with a moderately sized bowl)
#3 - Basic red wine glass (large, with a broad bowl)
If you've got a bigger budget and room for a whole suite of glasses, add a few more:
#4 - Chardonnay glass (a bit larger and broader than your other white)
#5 - Cabernet glass (the big daddy - tall and wide)
#6 - Port/dessert (short, narrow)
What are the Best Brands for Wine Glasses?
The best known among wine lovers is
definitely Riedel. They make fine-quality stemware with hand-blown options,
leaded crystal and more durable, lesser-priced varieties. Their "O" line also started the trend for
stemless glasses.
Spiegelau is one
of the major competitors to Riedel and offers similar styles and shapes in less
expensive, standard lead-free crystal.
If you're on a budget, we recommend stearing clear of
the major brands and stocking up at your local big box or home goods store such as Crate
and Barrel or Target. The quality of materials may be
somewhat lower, but you can still find attractive options that will make you cringe less when you
accidentally break one.
Wine Glass Buying Guide by Budget
Budget busters:
Riedel Sommelier. Leaded crystal. Hand-blown bowls with hand-crafted stem and base. Must wash by
hand. $100-$150 / glass
High-end:
Riedel Vinum. Leaded crystal. Dishwasher safe. $25-$35 /
glass
Moderate budget:
Riedel "Wine Line": Dishwasher safe. $12-$15 /
glass
Riedel "O" (stemless): Dishwasher safe. $12-$15 / glass
Spiegelau
Vino Grande. Dishwasher safe. $8-$12 / glass
Crate and Barrel "Nora" series.
Dishwasher safe. $9.95 / glass
Cheapest:
Crate and Barrel "Gala" series. Dishwasher safe. $3.95 / glass
Libbey Glass Platinum
(sold at Target). Dishwasher safe. $6-7 / glass
Libbey Glass Stemless (sold at Target). Dishwasher safe. $2-3 / glass
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