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Evolving Wine Glasses – the Character, Shape, and Design – the Ultimate Experience of Wine Drinking

 

For years, wine glass designers have, through much research and experimentation, come out with different wine glasses.  Essentially, wine glasses are designed to bring out the best of the wine, the aroma, taste and mouth feel.

A wine glass or stemware is made up of 3 parts, namely the bowl at the top, the stem in the middle, and the foot at the bottom.  The bowl, obviously, is used to contain the wine, while the stem is for holding the glassware, and the foot is to rest it down.

The bowl would determine the aroma and mouth feel of the wine, while the sturdiness and height of the stem, together with the diameter of the foot, keep the glassware from toppling over.

The Champagne Flute 

The Champagne Flute has a long and narrow bowl, and smaller rim, though some having a wider rim than the other.  Because champagne or sparkling wine does not need swirling and in fact, needs to keep its bubbles or pearls, there should be minimal contact with oxygen at the rim area.  It is also important for sparkling wine to keep its temperature down for as long as possible.  Hence the flute is designed with narrow and long body for this function. 

As for some having a wider rim where it allows for more air contact, a young sparkling wine could then have more exposure to develop its aroma. 

The Bordeaux Glass for Red Wine 

A typical size of the Bordeaux glass for red wine has about a bowl diameter of 3.75″ and height 9″.  Designed for full bodied and very matured wines where sometimes decanting is not advisable, the big bowl allows for fuller and instant oxygenation.  The big bowl also provides lots of space for the aroma to be captivated, and at the same time also lots of swirling room. 

The thin rim decides the flow of wine to either the top or below the front zone of the tongue, allowing nutty, fruity, or spicy flavors to dominate, before the feel of tannins are directed towards the back of the tongue. 

Notwithstanding its original design intention, there is no reason why it should not be used for wines that are less matured, and where one enjoys more aggressive swirling. 

The Burgundy 

With height almost similar to that of Bordeaux, the Burgundy has a larger bowl diameter, about an inch more at 4.24″.  This is to provide the flow angle due to its wider rim. 

The wide rim directs the flow right over the front and center zones of the tongue, playing down acidity and accentuating the rounder, mellower qualities of the wine. 

The All Purpose Red 

More like a scaled down version of the Bordeaux, it is designed for consumption of younger red wines with higher astringent.   The shorter and smaller bowl requires less tilting angle and thus allowing a controlled flow of wine with less stimulation on areas of the tongue that is sensitive to tannins. 

A practical reason for choosing All Purpose Red is that it occupies lesser table space than the bigger Bordeaux and Burgundy.  Hence it suits round table heavy dining, where table space is a restriction. 

The Whites 

Generally white wines are best served at between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius.  Therefore the glasses are made smaller to allow for more frequent refilling.  A younger crisp wine usually will have a glass with rim designed open outwards for the enjoyment of casual drinking.  Wines with greater maturity and complexity will have the glass with rim inward to capture the fragrance and the aroma.

As the designs of wine glasses continue to evolve, the general characteristics of wine glasses will still vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Ultimately, the experience of the wine in the mouth is still personal.

 

How to Choose the Right Wine Glasses?

Only a wine enthusiast can understand the importance of wine glass ware. The quality of glassware can greatly enhance the wine experience from bad to good or vice versa. Bowl, stem and foot are the three parts that make up a wine glass. You have to choose wisely, while purchasing a wine glass, as the shape and quality of the glass reflect upon the quality of the wine. It is widely believed that people give more attention to the glasses than to the wine. These days the wine glass has emerged as a status symbol, just like Rolls Royce is in the world of automobiles. Before using a wine glass, one must know the correct way of handling a glass. The wine glass is one of the most delicate pieces of stemware. As there are different kinds of wine, so are the proper ways of handling each of them when in a wine glass. The most common way of holding a wine glass is by its stem, which should be tucked in between the fingers. A wine glass in never held from the bowl (except with red wine) because when the bowl of the glass comes in contact with the skin, the body heat gets transferred to the wine and slowly erodes the aroma and the taste.

The materials of a wine glass are equally important, because they have an affect on the temperature of the wine almost instantaneously. Drinking from a wine glass made from fused or cut glass, isn’t a pleasurable experience. The reason being, that such types of glasses interfere with the flavor of the wine, as well as create a rough thick lip (part of the glass where the wine is sipped from). However, glasses made from blown glass are widely accepted by casual wine drinkers, as its lip is slim and smooth. Another material used in the manufacturing of wine glasses is ‘Lead Glass.’ The result is a high quality wine glass, which is cherished by the elite of the wine drinking community.

Another factor that affects the quality of a wine glass is its shape. The shape of the wine glass preserves the wine’s aroma as well as its taste. The shape also helps position the glass in the most optimum way, so as to direct the flow of the wine in a suitable manner. Gulping or taking big sips from a glass of wine is considered atrocious. A very important part of a wine glass is the ’stem’. When holding a wine glass, its always the stem of the glass that should come in contact with the hands. This prevents warming of the wine due to body heat. The stem also prevents smothering of the bowl with fingerprints, thus keeping the texture of the bowl intact.

In all, there are three types of wine glasses:

Red Wine Glasses: The characteristics of a red wine glass are its round shape and a wider bowl. In case of the red wine, a person can hold the glass by its bowl, because the red wine is always served at room temperature. Therefore, there is no risk of the wine getting spoiled.

White Wine Glasses: These glasses are a bit narrower than the red wine glasses, so as to retain the wine’s temperature. They also have a slightly straightened sides.

Champagne Flutes: Commonly known as champagne glasses, they are very slim in size and have a long stem with tall narrow bowl at the top. Champagne is often sparkly (due to the presence of carbon-di-oxide) in appearance and in order to preserve this characteristic and prevent it from dissipating they have tall, narrow bowl. These types of glasses or flutes are used on special occasions only, like weddings, award ceremonies and black tie events.

Always remember, wine glasses are equally importantly as the wine they serve. It’s an intricate ballet of style, taste and panache. A wine glass has the capability to change the entire experience of wine tasting. An impeccable wine has to be served in an exquisite wine glass.

Types of Wine Glasses

The type of wine glass that you serve your wine in can have a dramatic impact on the flavor and quality of the wine. There are many factors associated with wine glasses that may add or subtract from the wine’s flavor, appearance and quality. There are also some glassware basics that should be considered when choosing glasses.

For a home wine-connoisseur, you may need to take your wine glass selection very seriously. For those individuals that enjoy a variety of different types of wine, you may opt for an all-purpose wine glass. These are tulip shaped and hold approximately 8 to 12 ounces and are appropriate for most types of wine. There are, however, specific types of glasses that you may be interested in purchasing if you enjoy a particular type of wine on a regular basis. You do not necessarily need a special glass for each type of wine, but if you routinely enjoy a particular wine and you have the storage and budget, then you may be interested.

So what are the differences in white and red wine glasses? There are several differences and each affect the bouquet of the wine as well as help to maintain the appropriate temperature of the wine. And of course, white wines are best served out of glasses designed for white wines and red wines are best served out of glasses designed for red wines.

The white wine glass has a narrow mouth, which allows the wine to maintain its chilled temperature. The reduced surface area of the glass does not allow air to permeate the wine as much as it does in a wide mouthed red wine glass. The reduced amount of air means that the air will not warm the wine. The smaller bowl of the glass also means that there is less contact by the heat of the hand, which can also warm the wine.

Chardonnay glasses feature a narrow rim of glass that helps to direct the wine to the middle of the palate. This applies the fruit flavors and acidity. The longer bowl of the glass keeps the wine chilled and captures the aromas of the wine. This type of glass works well for Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, White Bordeaux and Burgundies, White Pinots and Viognier.

Sangiovese and Riesling glass feature a smaller bowl and even narrower rim. The smaller bowl is due to the fact that these wines are usually consumed in smaller quantities as dessert wines. The smaller and elongated bowl also allows the wine to stay chilled while you are enjoying your dessert. These glasses are also great for wines that are sweet and may be drunk in smaller amounts. This type of glass is also appropriate for Bardolino, Chianti, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano and Zinfandel. If you frequently enjoy white wines, you may enjoy an all-purpose glass that is designed for different white wines.

Red wine glasses are usually noted as having a large bowl and wide mouth. These glasses are similar to the Bordeaux and Burgundy wine glass. The Bordeaux wine glass is designed specifically for these red wines. They have a large and round bowl, which allows the wine to breathe, which brings out the different aromas that the wine has to offer. Allowing the red wine to sit in the glass will have a similar effect that decanting has on a wine. These glasses are tall and shoot the wine straight to the back of your mouth where most red wines will react with the back of the palate.

The Burgundy glass is also a good wine glass that is appropriate for reds and full-bodied wines. They have an even larger bowl than the Bordeaux glass and focuses the wine to be absorbed at the tip of your tongue. This allows the drinker to enjoy the sweetness of this wine. This glass is also appropriate for your Pinot Noir wines and is best for gathering the delicate bouquet of your red wine.

Red wine glasses also allow you to drink your red wines at room temperature. The larger bowl is designed to allow the wine to cool after it is exposed to the heat of your hand. If you enjoy red wine on a regular basis, you may be interested in buying a set of these glasses.

When purchasing wine glasses, you will want to look for clean and clear glasses. This will allow you to examine the wine and check its clarity and color. A clean glass is absolutely necessary for enjoying wines and after washing you will want to remove any soap residue that is left on the glass. Thin glasses are also the best, as a rolled rim will cause the wine to dribble into your mouth while a thin glass presents less obstruction between you and the wine. Stems are also necessary, as you do not want to hold the bowl of the glass. The glass should also have a tapered rim, which will keep the wine from spilling when you swirl. It will also help to capture the aroma of the wine.

David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. This site covers a wide selection of topics including relationships, wine information, cooking and other household issues.

Glass And Glassware Cleaners For Effective Cleaning

Spotlessly clean window panes, mirrors and glassware definitely enhance the appearance of your rooms. For bringing this ambience through effective cleaning, glass cleaners and glassware cleaners play a very important role.

Cleaners to Make Your Glassware Sparkle like New

Beakers, flasks, bowls, tea cups, jars and vases are commonly used glassware items in any household setting. Often, cleaning and maintenance of these products becomes a hard job for housewives and janitors. Dust, dirt, grease and lipstick that stick onto glass surfaces are usually very hard to remove. Glassware cleaners with concentrated contents can effectively tackle hard-to-remove dirt and stains, and bring better sanitizing effects. If the right products are used for the cleaning purpose, you can make your glassware items sparkle like new.

User-friendly Glass Cleaners to Reduce Risk Factors

At times, stubborn streaks, grease, grime and smoke films may affect the texture of the glass surfaces. Non-ammoniated, professional-strength glass cleaners or ammoniated ones are best for use on these surfaces. However, while using glass cleaners, you should ensure that you are not exposed to risks. Certain types of toxic cleaners may have adverse effects on your health and the environment. To avoid such issues, you can use non-toxic cleaners widely available in the market at present. These aqueous-based, user-friendly products ensure high cleansing effects while eliminating the risk factors.

Obtain Better Results with Brand Name Products

With so many glass and glassware cleaners available in the market today, it is very essential to be selective about the products you choose. For better results, use brand name products. Products from Windex, Spic and Span, Glass Plus, and Johnson Diversey enjoy higher sales these days.

Glass and glassware cleaners are now primarily made available through established dealers. Make a thorough search on the web, compare prices and services offered by different providers and choose those which cater to your demands and budget.

Ceramic Dog Food Bowl and Ceramic Pets Water Bowl

Pet dining in true designer style, with customized ceramic bowls! The versatile ceramic dog food bowl treat jar blue and red is both stylish and decorative. The neutral color ceramic jar with faux leather handle and black felt trim will add to any home decor.

 

Attractive and functional ceramic dog bowls in fashionable colors. Match your ceramic dog food bowl with a decorative ceramic treat canister. This cute designer ceramic food bowl dish is blue in color with cut outs of paw print along the side of the dish. This easy to clean bowl is dishwasher safe.

 

For the modern dog, this ceramic jar, with bowl and tan paw print ceramic dinnerware makes a sophisticated statement. The collection includes food bowls and a treat jar. Identifying food and water bowls makes feeding easy without the mix-up. Pet feeding has never been this safe and organized, made from high-fire, restaurant quality porcelain it is cadmium and lead free. Designed with a string of puppies surrounding the outer sides of the bowl, it blends nicely with simple or extravagant decor. This dog bowl is microwave-safe and let’s you give your pet warm meals at any time. It pets also dishwasher-safe for a hands-free clean up.

 

This lightweight, quality Ceramic food bowl is a great colorful alternative to plain dishes and bowls. Our colorful Pet Dishes are made from food-safe ceramic and can be used indoors or out. Pet dining in true designer style, with customized ceramic bowls! Fit for a King ceramic bowls is sure to make your pet s mealtime rule! Please purchase online http://www.katiewongnyc.com in NewYork city.

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