How Important Is the Wine Glass?

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With the thousands of types of glassware out there,

it can be very confusing trying to figure out

what type of glass to use.

I always suggest that although

you don't have to have one particular glass

for every different type of wine,

it's really good to have the best quality glass

that you can afford.

A glass like this isn't really useful for much.

It's incredibly durable,

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but other than that, it really doesn't give

you a wonderful experience.

The top of it is rolled, and so it doesn't feel

very nice against your lips.

This one's a little bit better,

it has a very nice thin edge.

It's lead crystal, but again, this holds very little wine.

And it's not just because I want to drink more,

it's really about being able to have enough wine

in the glass, and allowing the aromatics

from that wine to sit above the wine in the glass.

That's why the front of the glass is tapered,

to hold in all those beautiful aromas

that you can put your nose in, and smell them.

So I prefer a glass that has a little bit more room,

so that you can fill it a little bit,

and allow those aromas to dissipate from the wine.

These glasses, these O-series glasses are great,

they don't have a handle, though.

So if you're at a party, and you're standing talking,

very quickly, your drink will become warm.

And even a red wine that's too warm is not very pleasant.

So I prefer these for the dinner table.

That's the reason that most glasses have a stem.

So that you can hold onto it, not get the wine warm,

and not get greasy fingerprints all

on the outside of the glass.

If you really have a special occasion,

and want to get the very best,

it's really nice to have large glassware.

This in particular is almost a Bordeaux-shaped glass,

ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.

And what's nice about it is

it offers a great amount of room, for you to swirl.

You don't have to fill this glass to the top,

but it's very nice to have those aromatics unveil

from the wine.

It's also important to take good care of your glasses,

and always use a lint-free glass cloth.

What's great about that is

it doesn't leave anything on your glasses.

It's important, also, never to ever wash

that in fabric softener.

So I hope this gives you a little bit better idea

about how to choose glassware for your home.

And I hope that tonight,

you can pick up your favorite glass

and enjoy a glass of wine.

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