If you value the enjoyment of your wines and want to enhance your experience, choosing the right wine glass is crucial. This is particularly important for red wines, as they benefit from exposure to air, allowing their aromas to fully develop.
Imagine drinking a prestigious wine like Chateau Lafite Rothschild from a paper or plastic cup—it just doesn’t make sense. To fully appreciate wines of this caliber, proper glassware is essential. Of course, it’s important to note that the quality of the wine itself and the reputation of the producer are paramount. However, specific glassware can enhance the pleasure derived from drinking wine.
For most white wines, a well-made everyday glass should suffice. However, red wines require special consideration. After accidentally breaking my regular wineglass, I decided to research wineglass options and the companies that produce them. Many reputable companies are known for their quality products, such as Riedel, an Austrian glassware company that is my personal favorite. Riedel claims that the shape and design of their glasses can enhance both the aroma and taste of wine.
Not every wine lover may agree with this perspective, and that’s perfectly fine. Some people, like my friend “Mr. Negativity,” don’t believe in the importance of glassware and drink wine from whatever is available, including small paper cups. However, I found value in investing in quality wine glasses.
For my everyday wineglass, I chose the Riedel Ouverture. It’s a versatile glass that stands about 7 and 3/8 inches tall and holds approximately 12 ounces of wine. It’s durable, reliable, and priced at $24 for a set of two—a great option.
To elevate the experience, I use the Riedel Veritas glass, specifically designed for cabernet or merlot. When I recently opened a bottle of the 2016 Duckhorn “Three Palms” Merlot from California, I found that the Veritas glass truly enhanced the wine’s vibrant aromas. These machine-made German glasses retail for around $69 for a set of two.
For very special wines, I turn to the Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux Grand Cru glass. This lead crystal glass is handmade and mouth-blown in Austria. It has a height of 10 inches, a long stem, and a tapered bowl shape that allows for proper aeration of the wine. Drinking from this exceptional glass has truly enhanced my wine-drinking experience.
While glasses like these may not be for everyone, they certainly surpass using a Dixie cup any day. Cheers!
Wine of the Week: Justin, 2019 Paso Robles Rosé from California. It displays a light pink color with aromas of rose petals and strawberries. This medium-bodied wine offers good balance and cherry fruit flavors, with a refreshing finish. Priced at $20.