When Building Your Glassware Collection, Consider Your Favorite Type Of Wine

Folks putting together an impressive showcase of wine in their home often tend to focus solely on the varietals in their display. Yet too many aspiring connoisseurs treat the glassware as an afterthought. However, choosing the appropriate vessels for your nectar of the gods allows you to relish the perfection of nature to the fullest. Still, considering all the available choices of glassware, it can be a somewhat intimidating decision.

Maximilian Riedel is the CEO and President of Riedel, a company that has specialized in creating glassware for wine lovers since 1958. He shared his thoughts with us regarding how to choose the best goblets for your grapes. Noting that everyone has a go-to wine they gravitate toward, he said, "I recommend selecting varietal-specific glassware that complements the type of wine you enjoy most often." Once you've identified your favorite vintage, you can narrow down which sort of stemware will best complement it.

However, some folks new to the magnificent world of wines are still experimenting with different varietals. If you aren't yet sure what your preference is (or you happen to appreciate several varieties), keep it simple. Riedel said, "We have a great selection of glasses made with the beginner in mind, including Riedel's Wine Friendly collection, which is certainly a great place to start as we have one standard red glass and one standard white glass for this collection." On the other hand, if you have nailed down a go-to grape you know will be on display at any given time, a more specific receptacle that accents the full body and bouquet is in order.

The difference between red and white wine can feel colossal, but within those classifications are several sub-genres. A white wine that pairs well with ham (like Chardonnay) is quite different than a sweet wine that best pairs with pizza (like a Riesling). As for reds, a dry, full-bodied merlot displays a very different profile than a sweet red blend. All of these contrasting characteristics in wine can be accented with the right glass. 

While each varietal can be elevated with the appropriate glassware, Riedel had a special suggestion for one in particular. He said, "If you know that you appreciate Cabernets the most and want to ensure the best tasting experience while you're at home, you should opt for a set of Riedel Winewings made for Cabernet. The unique curves of these glasses act as a mini decanter for your Cabernet, enhancing the flavors you love."

At the end of the day, your stemware collection ought to be more than just a shining display of generic vessels for fermented grapes. It should be assembled with as much attention as the wine itself receives. Carefully choosing glassware specific to the varietal you most enjoy affords you the best way to experience the acidity and tannins in your wine that excite the palate and ease the mind.