Serious wine drinkers wouldn’t dare sip their vino from a lowly ceramic mug. And even the half-hearted know that white and red wines take different-shaped glasses to be properly appreciated. With this crash course in the art and function of wine glasses, you too can be on your way to oenophile status.
A long, slender history. Wine glasses initially appeared in the first century writings of Roman author and philosopher Pliny. Straight-stem crystal wine glasses weren’t widely produced until the end of the 18th century.
A sight to see and smell. Also known as stemware, wine glasses are typically sold in sets of four to 12. There is no “official” size or style, but the clear, tulip-shaped design helps you see, smell and taste wine best.
Get a grip. The long stem of most glasses allows you to handle the glass without grabbing the bowl, which may raise the temperature of the wine and affect the flavor.
Size matters. Aperitifs sipped before supper are taken in a small flute. An 8- to 10-ounce glass is usually needed for wine at dinner. Glasses with broad bowls are used for bold red wines with bigger bouquets. Narrower glasses enhance the more delicate aromas of white wines.
A measured response. Try not to fill the glass more than half-full, so the taster can swirl the wine in the bowl to release its aromas without spilling.
Getting fancy. Elegant dinner parties require a different glass for each variety of wine. Arrange the glasses in the order that they are to be used, from right to left. Wine is traditionally poured from the right, while food is served from the left.
Clean living. Hand-wash glasses in lukewarm water with a small amount of soap. Instead of leaving them in the sink, store glasses upright on a well-ventilated shelf, or better yet, hang them upside down from a wooden glass rack.
Sources: www.vino.com, www.thewinedoctor.com, www.inetours.com
