Choosing the right glass for the type of wine served is a real art, and although some producers now offer glasses adapted to each grape variety and wine region, the wine gourmet will need only a few types of glasses without much harm. Although in ancient times gold and silver glasses were used to consume this noble beverage, wine feels best in glasses used for this purpose since the 15th century. Contrary to appearances, the colour of the glass, the shape and size of the glasses imprints their mark on the perception of this drink. Although there are no standards that define the size and shape of glasses suitable for particular types of wine, a number of rules are 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 have the opportunity to assess the colour qualities of the drink, its density and clarity. Glasses for red wine should be larger than glasses for white wine, with a wider and lower spell. It is good if the glass at the edge is narrower than in the middle part - this allows you to collect and appreciate the aromas of a noble beverage to the full. White wine dishes, smaller and less cracked, can take on the shape of a tulip. True wine connoisseurs should also buy glasses for full red burgundy, which are quite large, with a considerable width and high leg. This allows the drink to bring out its full aromas. Special champagne glasses are also required, with a slim and narrow spell that keeps the bubbles shining longer.
While the shape and size of the glasses is not strictly defined by any rules, the way they serve wine is subject to certain rules. First of all, before serving, the glasses should be rinsed with water without the addition of detergents, so that dust and chemicals do not affect the taste of the drink. When different types of wine are to be served for lunch, the appropriate glasses must be placed at a 45° angle to each glass, 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 "turn the wine". This will bring out the entire bouquet of the drink and fully appreciate its value. When consuming the drink, hold the glass by the leg, not by the bowl, in order not to heat the contents unnecessarily. By fulfilling these few basic rules, we will have a chance to enjoy all the virtues of a noble drink without destroying the common savoir-vivre rules.
Drinking heavier drinks, such as whisky, for example, is also governed by its own rules. Whisky glasses are usually wide and low to keep the beverage cool - sometimes in original shapes. Connoisseurs recommend tasting whiskey with ice alone or, better still, with cooling stones to cool the drink without diluting it. It is worthwhile to buy cooling accessories, moulds and ice accessories to enjoy the taste of a perfectly served beverage.
Alcohol experts also recommend drinking beer in special beer mugs and glasses. The appropriate shape of the vessels brings out the full taste of beers, especially kraft beers. Complete a convenient set of useful beer accessories, such as a beer cooler, saucers and bottle openers to keep them always at hand when you feel like a cold mug of beer.
