Buying exquisite crystal stemware is not just about showcasing your style or setting
a beautiful table. Crystal stemware, which is often used for wine, can improve the
overall experience of your drink if it is enjoyed out of a glass that is the right
size and shape. For example, red wine consumed out of a champagne flute will not
allow the wine to breathe in a way that the full bouquet of the wine can be released.
Read below to learn about crystal and the role it plays in the craftsmanship of
stemware, the basics needed to start a stemware collection, and what to consider
before purchasing.
Crystal Basics
The difference between glass stemware and crystal stemware is that glass is formed
by blending sand with other materials, while crystal is formed by blending crystal,
a semi-precious stone, with those materials. Crystal is more expensive, but always
results in high-quality craftsmanship. Some manufacturers add lead to the crystal—about
24 percent lead is common, but there can be as much as 33 percent. The more lead,
the more sparkle and the heavier the stemware. Lead also makes the crystal easier
to cut during the manufacturing process, but it does not automatically mean the
crystal is of higher-quality. Crystal is either hand-blown or machine made. Hand-blown
glass is more fragile than machine made and is excellent for tasting an expensive
bottle of wine, but is not practical for everyday use.
It’s important to note that too much lead can be harmful to the body. Therefore,
if you plan to store wine or liquor in lead crystal, you should do research as to
how much lead is safe, and how much lead can seep into the beverage over time.
Stemware Basics
Stemware is most often used for the enjoyment of wine. Today’s manufacturers have
crafted stemware for all varietals of wine. Ideally, you can start with a set that
includes a red wine glass, white wine glass, and champagne flute. If your budget
is tight, you may consider the all-purpose goblet. If your budget
has flexibility, you can add a water glass and a burgundy glass—an oversized red
wine glass meant for enjoying light bodied reds, like Beaujolais.
Most often, stemware should be held by the stem, but you can hold a glass by the
bowl to keep red wine at its served temperature or warm a white wine, if it’s a
bit too chilled. A wine glass should not be filled more than half full. Part of
the enjoyment of drinking red wine is the ability to swirl the wine within the glass,
slightly tip the glass, and examine the legs and color of the wine.
The thinner the lip of the glass, the better. The flow is more even and there
is less
material between your tasting palette and the wine. A thin lipped glass
tends to be found at the higher end of the price ranges and is more fragile, but worth the
extra money.
Red Wine Glass
A red wine glass is designed with a larger bowl and wider mouth than others. This
is to allow more air to circulate—allowing a full-bodied wine to breathe. A full-bodied
red, like a Cabernet Sauvignon is best served at about 64° F—while a Pinot Noir,
a light bodied red, might be served at 54° F. A 4 to 6 ounce pour is appropriate
for red wine.
Two of the most common red wine glasses are “Bordeaux” and “Burgundy.” A bordeaux
glass has the wide bowl, but is a bit taller than the burgundy. The idea is that
the tall glass will move the wine to the back of the palette, where it’s best to
taste full-bodied reds and the shorter burgundy glass will move the wine to the
front of the palette, best for a light bodied red.
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White Wine Glass
A white wine glass is narrower than a red wine glass. This allows the wine that
is usually served at about 43° to 52° F to remain chilled. Holding the glass
at the stem also helps to keep the wine at its intended temperature. A 3 to 5 ounce
pour is nice for a white wine.
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Champagne Flute
Who doesn’t love bubbles? The tall, slim glass is designed for maximum enjoyment
of the bubbles, keeping it chilled, and enjoyment of its taste. A champagne flute
usually has about a 6 - 7 ounce pour and is served at 45° F.
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Other Stemware
In addition to the stemware basics listed above, a complete collection may include
a cocktail or “martini” glass, a specialty margarita glass, and a brandy snifter,
which has a very short stem—you are supposed to cup the bowl of the glass with your
hand—this warms the brandy and brings out its aroma. Some people also put a highball
and double old fashioned in the stemware category; even though they don’t have stems.
A highball is tall and slender and used for iced drinks, while the double old fashioned
or “rocks” glass is short and round—used for scotch or even water. If you’re interested
in adding any of these specialty glasses to your collection, make sure they are
a part of the collection or see if there is another collection that will complement
the style of stemware you choose.
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What to Consider
Stemware can have a classic, modern, or old-world feel, but the shape of the glass
can take
precedence over the importance of style if you're at all concerned
with how the shape can affect your drinking experience. Decorative crystal stemware that is tinted
or has cut glass is beautiful and may suit your style perfectly, but keep in mind that
it can deter from fully appreciating the color of the wine.
Know your budget. If your budget is tight, look for an inexpensive set that includes
a wine glass, goblet, and flute. Know how many sets you are going to need, and make
sure you can keep within
your budget. Another option is to buy goblets for everyday use and then a set of
higher-quality glasses for when you entertain. If you
are registering for a gift
and have some freedom with your requests, think about all scenarios: everyday, weekend
entertaining, and holiday gatherings. Or simply match the number of dinnerware place
settings you have and add a couple more, as inevitably there will be one or two
that break.
Caring for Crystal Stemware
You want your crystal stemware to last a long time. Its lifespan may depend on how
you care for it. Crystal stemware should not experience drastic temperature changes—do
not put ice cubes in a hot glass. Generally, crystal stemware should be washed in
hot, soapy water. Use a lint-free cloth for the best drying results. Due to the
fact that crystal is porous and can pick up the smells of its storage space, it’s
a good idea to wash the stemware again prior to use.
Price Ranges
In the $0-$25 price range, you will find single piece stemware that can be added
to a set or purchased on its own. For example, Mikasa “Park Lane” crystal stemware
goes for as little as $9.99 and the Luminarc Vinery collection by Arc International has pieces
ranging from $19.99 - $24.99.
The $25 - $50 price range will provide inexpensive sets that include a red wine
glass, white wine glass, and champagne flute. One example is the Mikasa Oenologue Collection
that sells for $29.99. Or you might find a set of four of the same glass – like the set of four white wine glasses by Bohemia Crystal for $40.00.
The $50 - $100 price range provides more sets of glasses. The Miller Rogaska collection
offers you a choice of four glasses of the same style or you can mix and match wine, flute
or goblet for $62.50. The stemware in this price range is of better quality and
tends to have more distinctive styles.
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