Were you aware there is a wine glass made for just about every grape varietal on the market? Here is a quick overview. Chardonnay, Cabernet/Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, Zinfandel, Sauternes, Port, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Petit Syrah ( I am told you could double up on this glass with the Zinfandel…but slightly gauche) Riesling, Montrachet, Pinot Grigio, Temperanillo…etc. Ridiculous isn’t it?
Here are some thoughts on buying wine glasses. Cover the basics; grab a nice Cabernet, Burgundy, Champagne and Chardonnay stem, end of story. If you have these four essentials you are well covered for pretty much any occasion. You can even pare it down one step further and go with simply, red, white and Champagne if you wish, no worry you will not be the talk of the Bridge Club.
Another thought, buy glasses you can throw in the dishwasher. That’s what it is there for and along with opposable thumbs is one of the best things to happen to the wine world since Agoston Haraszthy. However, if a wine glass does not have a stem; it is not a wine glass. Those dishwasher safe, stemless aberrations of the classic wine glass are awful. Let the FBI and the CIA collect your fingerprints if they want them but not your wine glass. I would rather not have a big fat thumb print blurring the garnet beauty of an 82’ Echezeaux or even the “serve well chilled” Mad Dog 20/20 for that matter.
So all said, buy glasses that you find beautiful, are well balanced and rest in your hand nicely, are dishwasher safe, do not cost a king’s ransom and by all means have a stem. Remember, the wine is the show, but the glass adds to the beauty of the performance.
Chardonnay fans...do not walk, run to your local wine retailer. Tonight we had the good fortune to sample Clos De La Barre 2002 Meursault, Domaine Des Comtes Lafon. Holy Toledo! It was a little on the pricey side at about $44 bucks but worth every penny of $100. The nose is amazing, pure creamy honey with a hint of vanilla which opens up to a rich toffee after about 20 minutes. It has a long...buttery finish that goes on for an eternity. It's deep golden color and silkiness on the palette round this perfectly balanced beauty off to perfection. This wine is what Chardonnay is all about, simply amazing. I generally write about two wines on my Thursday blog but this bottle was so exceptional I do not want to take anything away from it. If you can find it, buy it, you will not be disappointed, regardless the price. Drink it. With Fish, Shellfish, Vegetables, Chicken or, simply by itself. WOW! Life is short, enjoy this wine!!!!!
DM
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