Choosing the right glass for the type of wine to be served is a real art, and although some manufacturers nowadays offer glasses tailored to each grape varietal and wine region, the wine connoisseur will only need a few types of glasses without much harm. Although in ancient times goblets of gold and silver were used to consume this noble beverage, wine feels best in glass glasses, which have been used for this purpose since the 15th century. In spite of appearances, the colour of the glass, the shape and size of the glass all affect the perception of the drink. Although there are no standards that define the size and shape of glasses suitable for specific types of wine, several rules have become generally accepted.
First of all, the vessel in which the wine is served should be made of clear thin glass. Only in this way will we be able to appreciate the colour qualities of the drink, its density and clarity. Red wine glasses should be larger than white wine glasses, with a wider and lower neck. It is good if the glass is narrower at the rim than in the middle - this allows the aromas of the noble liquor to be collected and appreciated to the full. White wine vessels, which are smaller and less bulbous, can take the shape of a tulip. True wine connoisseurs should also stock up on glasses for full-bodied red Burgundy, which are quite large, with a substantial width and a high leg. This allows the liquor to bring out its full flavours. Special champagne glasses are also essential, with a slim and narrow neck that keeps the bubbles sparkling for longer.
While the shape and size of glasses are not strictly defined by any rules, the way wine is served in them is subject to certain rules. First of all, the glasses should be rinsed with detergent-free water before serving, so that dust and chemicals do not affect the taste of the wine. If different types of wine are to be served with dinner, the appropriate glasses for each type should be set at a 45° angle, in the order of consumption from right to left. They should only be filled to about 1/3 of their height to allow guests to "swirl the wine". This will allow the entire bouquet of the drink to come out and be fully appreciated. When drinking, the glass should be held by the stem, not by the top, so as not to unnecessarily heat the contents. If we follow these few basic rules, we will have a chance to enjoy all the qualities of a noble drink without violating the common rules of savoir-vivre.
On the other hand, drinking heavier drinks, such as whisky, also has its own rules. Whisky glasses are usually wide and low to keep the beverage at a low temperature - sometimes they take on original shapes. Connoisseurs recommend tasting whisky with ice alone or, better still, with cooling stones to cool the drink without diluting it. It is worth stocking up on chillers , moulds and ice accessories to enjoy the taste of a perfectly served drink.
Beer connoisseurs also recommend drinking beer in special beer mugs and glasses. The right shape of the vessels brings out the full flavour of beers, especially kraft beers. Put together a convenient set of useful beer accessories, such as a beer cooler, coasters and bottle openers, so that you always have them at hand when you fancy a cold mug of beer.
