Proper Stemware for Wine

The proper stemware doesn’t have to be expensive but it does have to be selected with care. The shape of the glass, more than the cost or the materials used, can make a dramatic difference in whether that wine that you are going to serve tonight shines or falls flat.

The Wine Country recommends using glassware from a company such as Riedel, Spiegelau, or another reputable manufacturer in the business of making crystal stemware specially designed for wine. We proudly stock Riedel Glassware in the Vinum (23% lead crystal), Wine and O series (non-lead crystal). Each of these styles offers a stem (or in the case of the O Series a non-stem) that is right for whites, reds, as well as specialty wines and liquors.

The shape of the bowl, or the part of the glass that the wine or liquor goes in, can radically affect the nuances of what you taste. It can direct the aromas and the flavors to the parts of the mouth and tongue that will maximize floral and fruit qualities and minimize acidity and tannin. For more information, see our guide below or consult with one of our specialists.

Wine	Vinum Glass	Wine/O Glass
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Bordeaux Meritage	Bordeaux	Cabernet/Merlot
Pinot Noir Red Burgundy Barolo/ Nebbiolo	Burgundy	Pinot/Nebbiolo
Syrah Shiraz Côte Rotie Hermitage	Syrah	Syrah/Shiraz
Chardonnay White Burgundy Viognier	Chardonnay	Chardonnay/Viognier
Riesling Chianti/Sangiovese Dry Rosé	Riesling/Chianti Classico	Riesling/Sangiovese