As a passionate wine lover, you know that wine is more than just a drink – it's a sensory experience. From the moment you open the bottle to the final sip, every aspect contributes to the overall taste. However, one often overlooked factor that can greatly impact your perception of a wine is the glass itself.
Investing in quality wine glasses should be a top priority for any wine enthusiast. The finest glasses are expertly crafted to bring out the best in a wine, allowing you to fully appreciate the aromas, flavors, and textures. Whether you're hosting a tasting or indulging on your own, the right glass can elevate even the finest vintages.
There are two main types of wine glasses - varietal-specific glasses from brands like Riedel designed for certain grape varieties, and universal glasses like those from Zalto and Gabriel Glass made for various wines. Varietal glasses highlight a wine's unique traits, while universal glasses are versatile for exploring different styles.
A newer option is the Amelie glass range, featuring just four glasses with distinctive dimensions. The Amelie glass range is produced by Grassl, an Austrian company known for their mouth-blown, durable glassware. The Amelie "Elegance" and "Intense" lines feature distinctive dimensions, with the former being around 3cm shorter than universal glasses like Zalto's, positioning the drinker's nose closer to the wine's aromas. We find that their "Elegance" line works well for everything from Champagne to bold reds, consistently delivering an enjoyable experience.
I recommend trying wines in both an Amelie glass and a Zalto universal glass. This side-by-side tasting will demonstrate the noticeable impact glassware can have on your wine appreciation more than any description. See and smell the difference for yourself.