Ah, the complicated and mystified world of wine. As the Sotheyby’s Wine Encyclopedia informs us, there are an overwhelming 1,368 wine grape varieties. People dedicate years of their lives to studying these varieties, not to mention the complexities, aromas, terroir and vinification of wine and still, it remains somewhat of a mystery to the average consumer.
And, to further complicate the juice of a grape, is the vessel in which it is served. Wine glasses, made in every shape and size, crafted for each and every grape variety are exorbitant additions to the enjoyment of wine. In 1986, Georg Riedel surely only added to the mass confusion surrounding wine when he reached the scientific discovery that, yes, for each wine, a different model of stemware can enhance the flavours and aromas. Riedel, a 10th generation Austrian glass maker, crafted a line of a machine-made, varietal specific crystal glasses called Vinum. The series featured 16 plus different glass shapes for different types of wine – a glass for everything from Sauvignon Blanc to Port. Until the release of Vinum, consumers were accustomed to using just one wine glass and the new stemware line seemed to be way over the top. Many wine drinkers percieved this new line of glasses as nothing more than a scheme to generate revenue, on the back of the grape. Georg Riedel was determined to convince the sceptics; he would go on prove the value of his stemware by hosting ‘wine glass tastings’ to demonstrate first hand the difference a glass shape can make. It was true, regardless of his profit motivations, that there was a noteworthy difference in the taste of wine, dependant on the shape of the vessel.
But, if you look at the varying shapes and sizes in the Riedel collection of glassware (see below), you will notice similarities and near duplicates in the glassware collection. There is a way to drink smart, to maximize flavour and save your poor, old pocket book. Sorry Riedel, but there’s only three kinds of wine glasses that any wine lover will ever truly need.
Notice how the Syrah/Shiraz, Bordeaux/Cabernet (from the reds) and the Chablis, Reisling and Sauvignon Blanc (from the whites) are relatively similar in shape and size? Notice how the Montrachet stemware (white) and the Burgundy/Pinot Noir stemware (red) are very similar, too? These glasses can be used interchangeably, between white and red, between style, flavour and colour.
#1 The Bordeaux or Cabernet Wine Glass
The full bodied wines that will be served in the Bordeaux wine glass (such as Cabernet Sauvignon) requires a larger bowl to aerate the wine and soften the tannins. This same wine glass can be used to enjoy a white, like Sauvignon Blanc, where a larger bowl and long stem work to keep the white wine chilled.
#2 The Pinot Noir/Burgundy Wine Glass
The larger bowl enhances the delicate aromas and flavours of a Pinot Noir. This same style of glass would work well to concentrate the aromas of a white wine, specifically a chardonnay or fuller bodied white.
#3 The Champagne Flute
Tall and thin, with a narrow rim, Champagne flutes are designed to preserve the bubbles, with a deep but small pocket cut at the bottom of the glass that allows a steady stream of effervesence to rise.
These three styles of glassware make a well-rounded trio of glasses that can be used universally throughout the spectrum of grape varieties (with a few small exceptions).
But, if the only thing in your cupboard tonight is a coffee mug, remember the words of St. Thomas Aquinas,
“Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of good wine.”
No matter what the vessel.
Interesting and useful info. Well done, Kate!