Whether sweet or dry, white or red, wine requires specific serving styles in order to reach its full flavor potential. In addition to proper temperatures, each type of wine is elevated when paired with proper stemware.
When planning your event, you may have encountered the many varieties and styles of wine glasses available at Party Rental Ltd. There are a few key characteristics that can make choosing your glassware an easy process. Debbie Barnes, Business Development Manager and Linda Vacey, Relationship Manager in the Hamptons Office, have provided their knowledge and wisdom to guide you through the process.
Debbie Barnes shares her thoughts and recommendations on glassware choices for a variety of red wines:
With the exception of the Riedel, THE ONE and Premier collections,
Party Rental Ltd. glassware, are more design oriented than varietal specific. With that in mind, here are my recommendations for the glassware:
The Riedel Red Wine Glass, 22 oz. can be used for most varietals including
Bordeaux, Burgundy, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Brunello and Riojas.
The bowl of this glass allows for the wine to “open up” and it controls where the wine hits the palate. The diameter of the rim of the glass adds to the overall appreciation of the wine and it’s finish.
THE ONE Red Wine Tasting Glass, 19.5 oz.
Because of the shape of the bowl, THE ONE Red Wine Tasting Glass, 19.5 oz. is better suited for California and Oregon Pinot Noirs and Bordeauxs
as it allows for more swirling and aeration of the wine. While the tapered rim controls the aroma where the wine hits the palate for the bouquet and texture of the wine to be at its’ best.
The Premier Balloon Red, 16 oz. is more of a “generic” red and because of the size of the bowl, allows much more aeration (from swirling), so the bouquet and flavor become more pronounced. This glass can really be used for most red wines and especially the heavier ones such as Cabernets, Merlots and Tempranillos.
Madison Red Wine / Water Glass 12oz.
The Madison Red Wine / Water Glass 12oz. is more of a design statement
rather than an authentic wine glass. This can be used for any of the reds,
but a true wine aficionado would not choose this shape glass.
Linda Vacey shares her recommendations on white wine glasses with us:
A white wine glass “bowl” will be more U shaped and upright than that
of a red wine glass. This allows the aromas to be released while maintaining a cooler temperature. The thinner the rim the less the glass will distract from the wine.
The white wine glass style that’s best for younger whites has a slightly larger opening directing the wine to the tip and sides of the tongue to taste the sweetness. The glass for more mature white wines will be straighter and taller to dispense the wine to the back and sides of the tongue to taste the bolder flavors. White wines are usually best to drink chilled, with lighter foods such as fish and poultry, and are more inviting during the warm summer months.
The tall stem and open bowl at the top will allow an oaky
Chardonnay to display more intense flavors.
With its open bowl may be paired with a Riesling which has a
sweeter floral bouquet allowing the aromas to release.
Riedel White Wine Glass 13.5 oz.
With its tall slender bowl, the Riedel White Wine Glass, 13.5oz.
may be paired with a delicate Chablis or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Handblown White All Purpose Glass 10.5 oz.
The delicate slender bowl may be paired with a Pinot Grigio
to complement its full bodied citrus flavors.
Sometimes selecting the style of stemware may seem like an afterthought yet it’s essential to enhancing the wine experience at your party, event or special occasion.
Many thanks to Artisano Iron Works for allowing us to take images at their beautiful gallery and event space.
Cheers!
