The On Wine Times

Riedel Vitis – Virtual Perfection

2012-02-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, when it comes to wine glasses, I am partial to the Riedel brand. Being a lover of wine, and being in a business that predominately focuses on high-end wine glasses is kind of like being a parent. Say you have four kids. You love them all out of duty and kinship, but let’s be honest--most of the time, there’s one that gets favored more. Maybe because you get along better, you have common interests, they have the same sense of humor as you, whatever the case. It’s human nature. So, Riedel is my favored kid of wine glasses. To take it a step further, the Riedel Vitis line of glasses is my favored Riedel kid. I love them because they are varietal-specific, they are designed--as are all Riedel wine glasses--taking the characteristics of each type of wine into consideration before they are produced, and they are, quite simply, the most gorgeous glasses out there (in my humble opinion). I sincerely hope my kids don’t need therapy after reading this article…

Varietal Specific Wine Glasses

Over 50 years ago, Claus Riedel pioneered the concept of creating wine glasses that delivered the most accurate representation of each type (varietal) of wine. Until then, a wine glass was a wine glass. They were all-purpose and generic. Riedel recognized that the size, shape, bowl, and height were all factors that needed to be considered on a by-grape basis when crafting a crystal wine glass. Take a lofty Cabernet Sauvignon for example. A Cab needs more surface area to breathe, open up the nose, evaporate alcohol and balance the interaction of the acids, tannins, fruits and minerals of the wine. The requirements of a young Riesling, for instance, are dramatically different. All of these factors are meticulously studied by Riedel when crafting a new line of their glassware, and when they launched the Vitis glasses in 2006, it was no different.

Vitis Wine Glasses - The Twist is the Pull

Vitis glasses are striking in appearance. They are not ornate, but rather clean and angular in design. What sets them apart is that they feature a pulled stem, which creates an indent in the bottom of the bowl. This indent reflects light, which makes the wine dazzle with an added dimension. It also creates fluidity about the glass--the glass and the stem seem to flow into each other. Not just a cosmetic feature of a wine glass, a pulled stem tends to be a little more durable than a stem that is attached to a bowl. That’s one of the more vulnerable points of a non-pulled stem…where the stem meets the bowl.

So, now you know this author’s preferred “wine child.” Seriously, whatever Riedel wine glass you go with you’re making a fantastic choice. It’s all a matter of your taste. The company simply doesn’t make a single inferior glass--they are all designed to ensure you get the absolute best performance for your wine drinking experience.

Cheers!

Henckels Pro – The Platinum Standard in Professional Knives

2012-02-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

I remember moving into my first apartment in college. It was so exciting and cool to get out of the dorm and have my "own" (it was a tiny dump and I actually had two roommates but it was as close to my own as I'd had at the time) pad. A friend of the family kindly cleaned out her cupboards and donated decades' worth of kitchen stuff to my new digs. A very-well-seasoned cast iron skillet, well-used Tupperware in various shades of gold and green, an array of mismatched forks, knives and spoons, and kitchen knives that were as dull as the day is long. Don't get me wrong...to this day I still remember her kindness and generosity and will do so until the day I kick--but the stuff was dull, man. The mother of my best friend from home had a saying for when she'd get frustrated with a dull knife (imagine a hint of angry Midwestern twang): "This knife's so dull you could ride bareback on it to Effingham (hours away in Illinois) and back and not get cut!" In the age of texting and emoticons, I am seriously LOL as I write, hearing her voice in my head. Well, I no longer have to use secondhand cutlery, but the experience laid the foundation for a healthy respect for and love of good knives. Henckels cutlery now graces the kitchen counter at our home and I can honestly say it's the best I've used.

Henckels - The Company

Henckels has a long, rich history of making knives. Peter Henckels, who was a master knife maker (cutler), started the Zwilling J.A. Henckels brand in June of 1731 in Solingen, Germany. Adopting and adapting the star sign for its birth month, the Twin logo is one of the oldest and most recognized trademarks in the world. J.A. Henckels has enjoyed hundreds of years of being regarded as one of the premier producers of fine cutlery, and it is the largest manufacturer of kitchen knives on the globe. The knives they forge are known to last at least a generation or more, which makes the seemingly higher-priced knives pay for themselves over time. I personally have had my Henckels knives for decades and they perform just as well now as they did when I got them.

Anatomy of a Knife - An Abbreviated Version

A knife has two parts: a blade and a handle. Within those two parts (and I'm talking about kitchen knives specifically) are two elements: the bolster (where the blade meets the handle) and the tang (the part of the knife that is inside the handle. There are several ways the handle can be attached to the knife, including pins, screws, rivets and molding. Riveted handles are considered to be a better type of handle by those in the kitchen knife know. A full tang means the metal runs the length of the whole handle, which provides better balance and strength than a partial/half tang.

The Latest and Greatest - Henckels Pro

The most recent incarnation of a classic, the Henckels Pro series (not to be confused with the Profection series) of professional knives was born out of Zwilling's mission to improve the classic 3-rivet knife after careful consideration of the architecture of the extremely popular Pro S line. Their quest to manufacture the best of the best resulted in the Henckels Pro line. Several enhancements were made in the creation of the Pro line, but perhaps the most important were the changes made to the bolster. Henckels curved the bolster so that the area where the thumb and index finger meet it is more comfortable and safe, while at the same time offering more precision. Another benefit of the Pro line bolster, speaking specifically about the chef's knife is that the entire length of the blade can be sharpened, from bolster to tip--allowing you to use the entire blade to cut. The blade is also significantly more curved so you can chop using the classic Western circular or rocking cuts and Asian chopping style cuts.

Henckels Pro - More Benefits

Henckels enhanced upon the Pro S line to improve weight and balance and offer a heavier full tang. The Pro knives are forged, in an exclusive process called SIGMAFORGE, from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel, which is then hardened with ice in a in yet another exclusive process called Friodur. The benefits include:

- Perfect geometry
- High forging precision
- Higher blade stability
- Less metal fatigue
- Improved cutting edge retention and lasting sharpness
- Maximum anti-stain/rust quality and more blade stability

While these professional knives will run you a little more than some of the other Henckels offering, they are certainly worth every cent in my opinion. I recently acquired a set and I love the balanced performance and the way they feel in the hand. I would definitely recommend these knives to anyone looking to invest in a superb set of cutlery. A word of caution about the knives, though--and I know my friend's mom would back me up on this--you do NOT want to ride to Effingham and back on them bareback...wouldn't be prudent.

Cheers!

Riedel O Series Wine Glasses

2012-01-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at a new bar here in South Florida recently, and as I was looking around at the fairly young, hip and predominantly professional-looking crowd (used to be called yuppies…is there a more current word for young, upwardly mobile professionals?), along with the modern, equally hip design and décor of the place, I noticed that the crystal stemware they were serving their wine in was not stemware at all…it was the increasingly popular and trendy stemless wine glass, or wine tumbler. As I took the place in: the cool vibe, the good-looking, and for the most part, youngish crowd, I just had to chuckle. The bar that used to stand there was one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest--and perhaps crustiest--bars in history. I smiled as I sat at the half-outside, half-inside bar and wondered what the former regulars who used to haunt the old establishment--running the gamut from lawyers, to judges, to construction workers, to electricians, you name it, would think were they to walk into the place. I can confirm that the former place did not serve J. Lohr chardonnay as their house white, as they do at the new. Nope, it was more of a dark, cigarette smoke-hazed, Budweiser-in-a-bottle-type joint with a jukebox, two well-scarred pool tables and lots of stories. O, but I digress…

Riedel Crystal - The Innovator

As I’ve said before (perhaps ad nauseam), Riedel crystal is synonymous with innovation in fine crystal wine glasses, so it makes sense that the company that pioneered wine glasses designed specifically for each type of wine 50 years ago also pioneered the first varietal specific stemless wine glasses. The same year Claus J. Riedel passed away, 2004, was the same year they launched the first wine tumbler in history designed for each type of wine. The Riedel O series wine glasses are a modern twist on what Riedel launched in 1986 via the Riedel Vinum line of varietal specific stemware. The Riedel benchmark for wine tasting glasses, the Vinum line was designed taking each of a wine’s characteristics into account when produced. The size, shape, bowl size--all of these factors were carefully considered when Riedel Vinum wine glasses were engineered and ultimately produced. The Riedel O Series is essentially the Vinum wine glass without the stem.

Benefits of Stemless Wine Glasses

Other than being stylish and trendy, stemless wine glasses offer a couple of benefits that might appeal to the wine enthusiast. First, and most obvious, there is no stem--which means no stem breakage. The area where the stem meets the bowl of the wine glass is vulnerable. I’ve had countless experiences of stems breaking off my wine glasses, and admittedly, it’s annoying and expensive when replacing a high-end crystal wine glass. That’s not to say that wine tumblers don’t break, it’s just they are a little more stable and don’t have the breakable appendage. Another advantage of stemless wine glasses is that they fit in the dishwasher. Now, if you’ve ever read many of my other articles, you know I am not an advocate of putting crystal wine glasses in the dishwasher, but some people like the convenience and ease of washing their wine glasses in the dishwasher. The third advantage of a stemless wine glass--specifically the Riedel O wine glasses--is that they provide maximum quality and functionality as their stemmed Riedel counterparts, but they also lend a more casual feel to a gathering or wine tasting.

Fashionable and functional, I definitely give Riedel O wine glasses the thumbs up for wine tasting and entertaining.

Cheers!

Lenox - An American Treasure

2011-11-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

The name Lenox has always been associated with fine tableware and giftware. As a kid, I remember thinking that their gold-tipped china was the stuff of royalty. In fact, it's the stuff of presidents. Their wares have graced the White House for decades as the American choice for tasteful, sophisticated tableware and serveware. They've also been featured in museums, they've garnered numerous awards and they've been used in private homes for elegant food service for decades. The Lenox story is long and rich...founded on Walter Scott Lenox's desire "that Lenox, Incorporated shall at all times manufacture the highest possible grades of porcelain, that the standard of excellence already attained shall ever be advanced..." --the company continues to serve Americans, and indeed the world, with quality and distinction.

Lenox - The Company

What started in 1889 as a quest to set the "highest standards for quality, artistry and beauty," has steadily emerged to being one of the most renowned American producers of china, crystal and metal gifts that rival the world's best. Walter Lenox was born in Trenton, New Jersey in 1859. It's a little-known (let me qualify, to those outside the industry and outside of Trenton) fact that Trenton, because of it's proximity to transportation lines, clay and fuel, was the state capital's premier ceramics center during the 19th century, hosting around 200 potteries. Lenox, gifted in the disciplines of drawing and clay, worked at several potteries beginning in 1875, and he ultimately became the design director for a company whose specialty was the American version of Irish Belleek--a cream-colored, thin porcelain popular in Victorian times. Eventually the company went out of business and at this time, Walter Scott Lenox set out to start the company we now know as Lenox (I grew up in the Midwest thinking the company was named Lenox China because that's what everyone in the region seemed to call it).

Lenox - The Crystal

Many people assume Lenox is primarily tableware and serveware, gifts and home accents. In fact, Lenox produces some exceptional crystal wine glasses and champagne glasses, too. They got into the crystal business in the mid 60s (although they'd dabbled in the crystal business prior to that) and their crystal stemware rivals the other high-end crystal manufacturers but does so at a more affordable price point. I won't say it's dramatically more affordable, but in this day and age, every buck counts. Just like their china, Lenox crystal stemware is simple and elegant, which I enjoy. Some of the wine glasses and champagne glasses feature their signature metal accent (in this case it's platinum) on the rim, which is reminiscent of their metal-tipped tableware for which they are famous. I must say, a table outfitted in their china and crystal wares is truly something to behold. It's impressive but not over the top-I guess that's why it's the stuff of presidents...
Cheers!

Louis Cooper is a 37 year veteran of the retail trade. An avid wine connoisseur, in 2007 he started OnWineTime to offer the wine enthusiast the finest wine glasses, decanters and wine accessories from around the world. Located in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, OnWineTime carries over 300 different wine and beer glasses and over 100 wine and spirit decanters from the top glass producers in the world, including Riedel, Schott Zwiesel, Wateford, Eisch, Spiegelau, Peugeot, Ravenscroft and Nachtmann. The real wine and beer glass superstore.

Riedel Sommeliers Wine Glasses

2011-11-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Merriam-Webster defines the word sommelier as: "a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service: a wine steward." Actually, the term encompasses more than just that. A true sommelier is someone with an intimate and extensive knowledge of wine, wine serving, and wine and food pairing. To me, it sounds like a dream job...I can dream, can't I? It's a more specialized job than just a waiter serving wine. In fact, a true sommelier is charged with sourcing and stocking wine, managing the cellar, carefully selecting wines to complement a restaurant's fare and interacting with customers. This person lives and breathes wine and is dedicated to enhancing the wine-drinking experience for an establishment's patrons. Heroes, in my humble opinion! It's no wonder that Riedel, one of the most preeminent manufacturers of crystal wine glasses, named their premier varietal-specific line of wine tasting glasses the "Sommeliers" collection.

Claus Riedel - Crystal Visionary

More than 50 years ago, professor Claus J. Riedel set out on a quest to design crystal wine glasses that were specific to each type of the beverage. He was a pioneer who understood that the size and shape of crystal glasses were of utmost importance when it came to the bouquet, taste, balance and finish of a wine or a spirit. His design work revolutionized the way glasses were produced, because up until that time a wine glass was not unique--the only variable was the size of it. His research and development resulted in a focus on three things: the bowl, stem and base. No frivolous ornamentation or decoration, just simple, elegant wine glasses designed according to the Bauhaus principle of form following function. It was a simple yet groundbreaking endeavor. Sadly, Claus Riedel passed away in 2004, but his contribution to fine crystal stemware lives on and as a result of it, we know and appreciate that the type of glass used for tasting wine is as important as the wine itself. Kudos and thank you, Claus!

The Riedel Sommeliers Collection

Introduced in 1973, the Riedel Sommeliers glass line quickly garnered worldwide attention for excellence. The varietal-specific (meaning wine from a single grape type) glasses are produced taking every characteristic of each wine type into account. There are three variables when creating a wine-specific glass: size, shape and rim diameter. As an example, Bordeaux-specific glasses typically have a large, tall bowl. A perfect illustration of this would be the Riedel Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru wine glass for red wine. It's simple in design--no frills. It is specifically designed for the heavier reds of the Bordeaux region of France. It has an impressive, large bowl that provides the appropriate surface area for full-bodied reds to be swirled, opening up the nose of the wine and evaporating the alcohol taking into account the interaction of the fruits, minerals, acids, tannins and alcohol. The tall height of the bowl allows for the optimal amount of oxygen to fill the glass, enabling the person drinking it to experience a heightened sense of the aroma, or bouquet of the wine. The cut rim allows the wine to direct smoothly onto the center of the tongue, creating the perfect balance of fruit, tannin and acidity. This is just one example of the Sommeliers collection and its varietal-specific wine glasses--they offer a different design for each type of wine...30 in all. All of the Sommeliers wine glasses are executed in lead crystal and mouth blown in Austria.

So, unleash the wine sommelier in your soul and experiment with varietal-specific wine glasses. You will be shocked at how the taste varies from wine glass to wine glass. It truly does make a difference.

Cheers!

Boska – When Cheesy Is a Good Thing

2011-10-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Cheese, glorious cheese! I don’t think I know one single person who doesn’t like cheese. I know people who steer clear of it for physical issues, which I will not delve into because that would probably be too much information, but you probably get the picture. And I can honestly say I can’t think of one single cheese I’ve ever tried that I have absolutely disliked. Not to sound like Forrest Gump’s best friend Bubba, but there’s white cheese, yellow cheese, hard cheese, soft cheese, bleu cheese, goat cheese, fried cheese, Swiss cheese, French Cheese, Greek cheese, Italian cheese, stinky cheese, mild cheese, mature cheese, cream cheese…the list goes on and on and on. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to give a nod to the Dutch. It’s no secret that the Hollanders love their cheese and have been producing their superb dairy delights for centuries. Lucky for us! It’s no wonder that one of the most-renowned producers of cheese-related products and cookware is itself Dutch. What was started 100 years ago by Willem Bos as a business of making cheese tools for local farmers in the town of Bodegraven (near Gouda, where Gouda cheese is made, go figure!) is now one of the most trusted names in cheese cookware and serveware--run by a fourth-generation Bos. This family is committed to cheese!

Types of Boska “Cheeseware”

A cheese lover’s dream, Boska Holland offers a whole host of quality products for the lover of cheese. My guilty culinary pleasure has always been fondue (which is actually a national dish of Switzerland). Admittedly, cheese fondue isn’t necessarily the healthiest of treats, but in moderation--just like with anything else in life--I don’t feel there’s anything wrong with it, and those times when I do indulge in it I relish it (I want it right now…might have to put it on the menu for this weekend!). It is a casual, engaging way to get together with friends or family, eat delicious food, drink a nice bottle of fine wine and have some really great conversation. It’s also a fun way to discover the vast amounts of gourmet cheese that exists out there and experiment with ingredients you may not have thought of previously. I particularly like Boska Holland because they have perfected the art and science of the classic fondue with stylish flare. They have the traditional round fondue pots and also the more modern-looking square pots. They are functional and attractive, and considering the brand is hugely popular amongst cheeseheads (not just those in Wisconsin!), they are extremely affordable. That said, Boska makes more than just fondue pots, they also offer cheese curlers, slicers, boards, serveware and cutlery--essentially, a complete arsenal for the cheese enthusiast.

Cheese Fondue Recipes

There are limitless possibilities when it comes to fondue. They’re not limited to cheese, obviously, but because Boska is so cheese-friendly I wanted to focus on that specific fare. I remember the first cheese fondue I ever had…it had Gruyère cheese and I want to say a spirit like brandy in it (this was a long time ago, forgive me). I thought I’d died and gone to a heaven of cheesy deliciousness--I’ve been hooked since. I especially enjoy fondue around the holidays…I think because of the warm, cheery ambiance it contributes to the season. Here’s a quick, basic recipe that features several cheeses, including smoked Gouda (I wanted to include a recipe containing Dutch cheese from the area near Boska) to get you started if you’ve never done the fondue thing before.

I really hope you enjoy the experience of making fondue like I do--it’s a simple way to entertain and enjoy a bit of the good life without breaking the bank!

Cheers!

The Vita-Mix Professional Series 500 Blender

2011-10-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

There isn’t a better marriage in existence than fine wine and fine food (okay, maybe I exaggerate…ice cold beer and fishing are also a match made in heaven in my opinion). If you are a wine enthusiast or connoisseur, odds are you agree. In my experience traversing the wonderful world of wine, I find that many lovers of the beverage also love to cook--and cook like pros. It’s one thing to go out to a fancy restaurant and enjoy gourmet food, and don’t get me wrong, I love to do that, but it’s another thing entirely to prepare a meal at home that could actually be served in a great restaurant. The sense of satisfaction of serving your friends or family a dish that was meticulously created--from the amalgamation of the ingredients to the adornment of the garnish--is just plain awesome. Making your own fine fare is made much easier with excellent equipment. I remember the pièce de résistance in my mother’s (and her mother’s) kitchen was always the KitchenAid® stand mixer with all the bells and whistles. While this piece of equipment is still a fabulous addition to a culinary arsenal, I’ve found another exceptional product that I don’t know how I lived without all these years--the Vita-Mix Professional Series 500 Blender.

Vita-Mix: The Brand

Established in 1921, the Vita-Mix brand has racked up a solid reputation for quality, dependability and durability with those in the culinary know. They are used commercially by professionals and in homes by cooking enthusiasts alike. What I find really impressive is that every one of their machines is built at their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, even though they are sold in over 75 countries. Equally, if not even more, impressive is that the Culinary Institute of America has endorsed and partnered with Vita-Mix on their Professional Series of products--it’s actually called the CIA Professional Series by Vita-Mix. If “The World’s Premier Culinary College” is prepared to lend their name to a line of products, you know they have to be good--the institution isn’t one those dime-a-dozen trade schools advertising via reality-type commercials geared toward kids searching for something to get them off the couch. It’s the real deal.

The Vita-Mix Blender: Why to Buy

I’ve found that the Vita-Mix Professional Series 500 Blender can do anything a food processor can do, and at the same time “crush” their competitor’s at doing what traditional blenders do…like a blender on steroids. I find its strong points to be puréeing soups and sauces, crushing ice, grinding your own spices or coffee beans (excellent feature for people who like grinding their own beans…also for recipes that include coffee, like a succulent Kona-crusted steak…yum!), juicing, emulsifying homemade salad dressing (I hate when poorly emulsified dressings separate and leave loads of oil on the lettuce), making excellent smoothies…and even better, frozen drinks (I live near Margaritaville, so this is an important feature to me!). It also can prepare dough. What’s great is that even though it can do all of these things and many more, it is remarkably simple to use. Another plus is that the container is made of BAPA-free Eastman Tritan copolyester--it’s more durable, lighter and safer than a heavy glass container. I could go on and on about its outstanding features and quality engineering, but in the interest of brevity, I’ll just say I am a huge fan…

Are There Any Cons?

In my opinion, the only thing that could be perceived as a little negative about the Vita-Mix Professional Series 500 Blender is its cost. You’re going to pay more for it than you would a run-of-the-mill blender and I’ll be up front about that. But, if you truly are passionate about cooking and have the budget, I’d say it’s definitely something to consider. If you do consider it, note that there’s a 7-year parts and performance warranty on the machine, which is pretty incredible. If they’re willing to offer that kind of warranty, you know they know the integrity of the machine and our willing to place that bet. Additionally, if you cook a great deal, you’d probably go through at least a couple of blenders over the years--add up replacements and do the math…it might work out to be the same. Lastly, the Vita-Mix Series 500 blender comes with a gourmet recipe book and a cooking class on DVD featuring celebrity chef Michael Symon--cool little extras.

Cheers…and Bon Appétit!

Schott Zwiesel Tritan - Crystal on Steroids

2011-10-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, admittedly that's an exaggeration, but Schott Zwiesel has pretty much set the bar significantly higher for durable crystal wine glasses. In conjunction with the University of Erlangen in Bavaria, Germany, the company spent many years researching and developing a unique, patented type of glass that is harder and more resilient than traditional crystal stemware.

Why is Tritan Better - Beauty Meets Brawn

Schott Zwiesel Tritan glassware is the Angelina Jolie (à la Lara Croft Tomb Raider) of the luxury crystal stemware world--exquisitely beautiful, yet oh so strong. Producing Tritan glass includes a mix of proprietary ingredients and an extremely advanced manufacturing process. It's interesting to note that Schott Zwiesel removed lead from the their crystal and replaced it with the much stronger titanium, among other additives, making it far more durable than its competitors. In fact, studies have shown that Schott Zwiesel Tritan glass is up to 40% less prone to breakage. As far as resilience, the crystal is dishwasher safe, having been independently tested on a long-term basis to stand up to 1,000 dishwasher cycles with no damage, blemish or loss of brilliance. As I've stated in previous articles, I'm not an advocate of washing fine crystal in dishwashers, but I'd probably be more apt to chance it with these glasses.

Breaking Point(s)

Crystal stemware in general has three areas that are particularly vulnerable to breakage:
- the rim
- where the bowl meets the stem
- where the stem meets the foot

Taking this vulnerability into account, Schott Zwiesel developed technology to temper each of these points, increasing strength and resistance to breakage. This is definitely a plus for a person like myself--I have granite countertops in my kitchen and this has lead to a graveyard of wine glass parts whether due to human or kitty error (yes, kitties do get on your counters when you are not looking).

Form Follows Function

As with many high-end crystal wine glass manufacturers, Schott Zwiesel takes into account the types and characteristics of wines when designing their glasses, along with the way they feel in your hand and where the wine falls on your tongue when you take a sip. They are designed so that when filled to the pour line, you can completely tilt the glass for maximum enjoyment the wine's bouquet and the overall wine-drinking experience itself. Beautiful, strong and dishwasher safe, I feel Schott Zwiesel Tritan glassware is an excellent choice for elegant entertaining or everyday use.

Cheers!

Nambe - Art and Function Unite!

2011-10-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

When I think of New Mexico, I think of artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her Ghost Ranch artists' retreat. I think of artsy people in general when I think of New Mexico, because almost every person I've met who is from there or who has lived there is artsy. It makes sense to me that one of the most renowned makers of innovative, artistic dinnerware, serveware and home accents was born in New Mexico. Named after an ancient village in the high desert just north of Santa Fe, the Nambé line of wares for the home is truly inspired. Their credo is to design and produce products that are beautiful, artistic, quality and above all functional. According to the company, the word "Nambé" (pronounced na:m'bei) means "people of the round earth." They explain that that the native Tewa people describe Nambé as being "born of the earth and fertile imagination." Their products could not embody this belief more...

The Breakthrough - Nambé Alloy

Formerly Winkler Mills--a manufacturer of traditional copper and bronze cookware and gifts--in 1951, the company was offered to the retiring owner's secretary, Pauline Platt Cable. It was in 1953 when the company really struck "gold" with a groundbreaking new invention--a proprietary alloy developed by Martin Eden, a former metallurgist with the Los Alamos National Laboratory who worked on the Manhattan Project. The development of this alloy was such a breakthrough, it inspired the design and production of an exceptional line of cookware and serveware the likes of which had until then been non-existent--it was the birth of Nambé Ware. The "recipe" for the alloy was and continues to be a highly guarded secret, which makes it all the more intriguing. What we do know is that it's made up of eight different metals and doesn't contain lead, silver or pewter, although it has the look of highly polished silver and the feel of steel. The remarkable--if not quizzical--characteristics of the alloy is that it is safe for food and it can withstand extreme temperatures; you can put it in the oven, on the stove, on the grill or in the freezer. It's important to note here that it also retains temperatures very well, for either hot or cold foods, and it does not chip, peel or tarnish. Over the years a couple of other companies have developed similar alloy technology, but in my opinion, none can compare with the design and quality of Nambé; they have an arsenal of designers and craftsmen who meticulously form, polish and test each product crafted in the alloy before the Nambe name graces it. In fact, their award-winning designs have been featured at museums and shows across the globe over the span of the company's life to date.

Nambé Now

Nambé continues to be an innovator of beautiful, functional products for the home--still heavily focused on what they craft in the Nambe alloy, although over the years they have branched out into several other products, including fine crystal and porcelain, along with exquisite, inspired home décor items. Their commitment to quality and design is as strong as it was when they were born in the 50s, and they remain a trusted, popular brand among people who enjoy the good life...including me.

Cheers!

Peugeot Crystal - Glasses with Horsepower!

2011-10-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

When most people hear the name Peugeot, it's usually an innovative, European-built automobile that comes to mind. In fact, for over 200 years the company that was originally based in the steel industry has had its lion emblem on an array of products other than cars, including bicycles, scooters, pepper mills, salt mills, coffee grinders...and even dress crinolines. It's interesting to note the latter female dress accessory gave way the Peugeot automobile business. Fortunately for the wine enthusiast, in 2006 the lion began gracing an extraordinary line of crystal wine glasses. With its philosophy of combining "emotion with excellence," Peugeot once again scored big in the quality game.

Peugeot Wine Glasses

Peugeot manufactures a variety of wine glasses, but for the purpose of this article, we'll focus on three of the most popular: the Peugeot Esprit 180, the Les Impitoyables and the Les Universels lines.

Peugeot Esprit 180 Wine Glasses

Besides offering the combination of beauty and functionality, this line has a unique benefit. They allow the taster all the benefits of much larger high-end crystal wine glasses, while their smaller size takes up less space--they can easily fit in the top rack of the dishwasher (as I always say, I'm not an advocate of putting fine crystal in the dishwasher but Peugeot says you can with the Esprit 180 line with the exception of the crystal champagne glass). The angular shape of the Esprit wine glasses, along with the volume of their bowls, allows for quick release of each wine type's aromas and characteristics. The super-fine rim that leads to the lip of the glasses is nearly undetectable, and the shape of it allows for maximum exposure to the olfactory senses and placement of the wine on the tongue. The glasses are mouth-blown and feature pulled stems, which means the stem is a seamless part of the glass--not a separate piece attached to the bowl. I personally enjoy pulled-stem wine glasses a little better for no other reason than I just think they look a bit more elegant. My two cents...

Types of Esprit 180 Wine Glasses:
- Pinot
- Merlot
- Blanc
- Champagne
- Casual (tumbler-shaped, no stem)

Peugeot Les Impitoyables Wine Glasses

French for "the pitiless," the Les Impitoyables line of mouth-blown wine glasses from Peugeot offers up some attitude, along with a great wine-tasting experience. Attitude because the line, designed to be "exacting instruments for professionals and enlightened amateurs," opens up each type of wine to its full potential--whether it's the finest of the fine...or garbage. These glasses are truly designed to serve a purpose while at the same time, they exemplify the Peugeot philosophy of coupling emotion with excellence--they are just as aesthetically pleasing as they are superior tasting glasses. Like the Esprit 180 collection, the angular shapes and bowl sizes of the Les Impitoyables glasses are crafted to release the aromas and alcohols of each wine optimally, and to present the flavor notes, characteristics and bodies of each for the most honest presentation. Also like the Esprit 180 line, the rim and fine lip of the glasses are impressive in that they optimize the delivery of the wine to the olfactory senses and place it on the tongue with perfection. These are in-your-face glasses! You will pay a bit more for them, but if you want professional-level tasting, they are a great choice. The line also includes a universal stemless tasting glass suitable for all wine. A signature etched on its foot authenticates each Les Impitoyables glass.

Types of Les Impitoyables Wine Glasses:
- N1: Young Reds, Ross and Spirits
- N2: All White Wines
- N3: Mature Reds
- N4: Champagnes and Sparkling Wines
- Le TASTER Tasting Glass for All Wines

Peugeot Les Universels Wine Glasses

A more affordable line of Peugeot wine glasses, Les Universels wine glasses offer excellent brilliance, quality and craftsmanship. The line is "dedicated to the pleasure of dining," enhancing the experience of a meal with simple elegance while at the same time offering functionality for enjoying the type of wine for which they were designed. I particularly like this line because you get an exceptional wine glass for everyday use, but you don't have to spend a lot to get it. The only drawback in this line as far as I'm concerned is that it doesn't offer a glass specifically for whites, which are my favorite; however, they do offer two glasses specifically for whiskey--always a plus, in my mind!

Types of Les Universels Glasses:
- Le Grand Bourgogne
- Le Grand Bordeaux
- Le Grand Cognac
- Le Whisky
- Le Baby Whisky

Whatever your level of expertise in the enjoyment of tasting wine, Peugeot offers wine glasses to suit every one of you!

Cheers!

Spiegelau Crystal - Strength and Beauty Unite!

2011-09-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Talk about a rich history in business...the first mention of the Spiegelau factory dates back to 1521 in the last will and testament of Erasmus Mosburger, a city official of Grafenau, Germany. The company that started in the enchanted, fairytale-esque Black Forest of Bavaria, Germany, has been producing its renowned glassware for 500 years (that's 3,500 dog years). Pretty impressive, and evidence they know what they are doing when it comes to glass. Over these hundreds of years, they have produced a variety of glistening glass products including glass mirrors, beads and decorative bottles for the lavish and vain lifestyles of the royal courts during the sixteenth century. From these fineries to snuff bottles, to drinking vessels and more, the Spiegelau name is steeped in the tradition of quality artisan glass-making. Today, their goal of making the very best glass products remains solid... and their philosophy that the wine experience be a "pleasurable, fun part" of today's lifestyle fuels their commitment to producing exceptional wine glasses and wine accessories that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and durable--all at great value when you compare them to other high-end crystal brands.

Spiegelau Platinum Glass

Adhering to the principle of producing fine wine glasses that are beautiful, functional and "tough," Spiegelau came up with an innovative, intriguing process for producing glass. Their platinum glass process involves passing the glass through platinum-lined tubes as it travels from its powder (solid) to its liquid stage as it melts. The science behind it is that it removes any impurities and imperfections that are present. It also serves to prevent the leaching effects presented by other equipment linings. The result is an extremely brilliant, durable glass--either for wine or beer. This is a more expensive way to produce the glass, but somehow Spiegelau manages to keep their pricing significantly lower than other glass manufacturers using similar technology to produce stronger crystal, such as Schott Zwiesel and its Triton® technology that uses titanium in its process instead of platinum. Perhaps the most obvious explanation for the more affordable Spiegelau is that it is machine-made instead of mouth-blown. The purist may insist on only mouth-blown crystal wine glasses, but in my opinion, if you want an exceptional wine glass that is affordable and doesn't necessarily shatter every time you or your cat knock it over on the granite countertops (guess whose household I speak of?), Spiegelau is a great choice.

Other Benefits of Spiegelau Wine Glasses

Although I've said it a hundred times if I've said it once, I am not an advocate of washing crystal in the dishwasher but I know there are some people in this world who love their convenience no matter what--even if they purchase the most expensive crystal in the world, they'll pop it into the ole' Maytag and hit go. My personnel preference aside, Spiegelau enlisted the help of an independent laboratory to test the crystal's dishwashability (my word) and the findings were pretty striking. They put the crystal through 1,500 cycles in a machine and declared it to be "extremely dishwasher safe," after finding "no scratching, markings, loss of brilliance, foggy shadows, change in color or brilliance or build up of water chemicals and residue." That's a lot of cycles, so I tend to believe the lab's findings. I still wouldn't wash the wine glasses in the dishwasher, but that's a lot of cycles.

Spiegelau also manufactures a variety of other glasses for beer and spirits, along with crystal wine decanters--all with the same high quality, durability and performance.

Cheers!

Robert Mondavi Wine Glasses by Waterford

2011-09-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Wow. Just saying those names together in the same sentence makes me want a glass of wine. After growing up in a family immersed in grapes and wine, Robert Mondavi founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in 1966, with the intent of producing wines that would give European wines a run for their money. For a little bit of history, it was the first of the major post-prohibition wineries to open its doors in Napa Valley. If you haven't been living under a rock for the past several decades, you know that its goal of rivaling the European wines was met and that the Mondavi name is synonymous with some really exquisite wines. There was a time in its history when the brand produced and emphasized the lesser expensive wines (Woodbridge and Coastal) that Mr. Mondavi believed cheapened the brand, but the winery continued to produce premier wines as it still does to this day. With such a rich history and passion for fine wine, it's no wonder that the renowned Waterford crystal line decided to partner with Mondavi to create the Robert Mondavi Collection of crystal wine glasses and wine accessories.

Waterford Crystal

Established in 1783 in the Irish harbor town of Waterford, the crystal line was founded by two brothers, William and George Penrose, whose guiding principal was to "create the finest quality crystal for drinking vessels and objects of beauty for the home." For over a couple of centuries, Waterford has been producing superior-quality crystal that has garnered them a stellar reputation for quality, beauty and craftsmanship. My first experience with the Waterford brand was as a kid of about seven or eight. A friend's wealthy father had several pieces of it on his fireplace mantle and in his china cabinet, and my friend explained to me that it was "very fancy and expensive." It looked so beautiful, and when she showed me how to wet my finger and run it along the rim to make it "sing," I was hooked. She said "that's how you tell if it's expensive and good." It was my goal in life to grow up and by at least one piece of Waterford--it was on my bucket list. How pleased I was when Waterford partnered with Modavito create a signature line of their crystal...

Robert Mondavi Wine Glasses

The Mondavi Waterford collection features a glass for virtually every wine. The elegant look of the glasses reflect the classic Waterford quality, while their design has been optimized to accentuate and enhance the characteristics and experience of each particular type of wine. Bowl shape/size, lip, surface area, height--each is carefully considered when the glasses are produced, ensuring an unadulterated experience of the wine. Whether you are enjoying a glass of Robert Mondavi 2009 Chardonnay with its fruit, floral and spice notes, or a glass of Robert Mondavi 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon with its notes of dark fruits, chocolate and vanilla, rest assured, the respective Robert Mondavi glass offers a brilliantly beautiful, yet functional (and affordable!) way to enjoy it.

Types of Mondavi Wine Glasses:

- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Bordeaux
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Champagne

Caring for Your Robert Mondavi Wine Glasses

Waterford Crystal recommends you gently wash your crystal by hand in warm, soapy water, and carefully dry them with a lint-free towel. As with all fine crystal, avoid putting excessively cold or warm liquids in the glasses.

Cheers!

The Difference Between Bordeaux and Burgundy

2011-09-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

Location, location, location! The main difference between the two is that they are, before anything else, two separate regions in France. They are also two different kinds of wine. There are stringent laws in France about what grapes can be grown in each region based on centuries of trial and error to determine which grapes grow better in the respective regions. In France, wine is sacred part of life!
Bordeaux Wine

The Bordeaux region of France is the world's wine industry capital. It's generally considered an oceanic climate but with warmer summers, milder winters and more rain than most areas that are considered oceanic. The desirable climate, along with the high limestone content of the soil, make for the ideal place to plant the region's vines. Largely known for its grand reds, featuring various berry, cherry and floral notes and firm tannins--Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (grapes) blended with Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes, it also produces white Bordeaux (a.k.a. Bordeaux blanc). White Bordeaux is usually a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle grapes. The sweet white Sauternes dessert wines of the region are exclusively made up these three types of grapes. Bordeaux produces everything from everyday table wines that are extremely affordable up to some of the most expensive red wine in the world.

Burgundy Wine

The Burgundy region of France is a couple hundred miles northeast of Bordeaux and has a cooler, more continental climate with much more soil variation which allows for the production of excellent wine--both red and white. Like Bordeaux, Burgundy is one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in the world. There are several sub-regions of Burgundy, all with their particular nuances, so it's hard to generalize about the wine of Burgundy as a whole. A big difference between Burgundy wine and Bordeaux wine is that Bordeaux uses grape blends, and Burgundy uses predominantly varietals (single grape type). In fact, 90% of the wine produced in Burgundy is from just one grape--Pinot Noir (red). The white wines of Burgundy use the Chardonnay grape exclusively. The region of Beaujolais falls within Burgundy, producing the Gamay grape. The wine of this sub-region is not held in the same regard as the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; however, the Beaujolais Crus offer some very nice red wines, and each November the Beaujolais region produces a lighter, fruitier wine called Beaujolais Nouveau, which is quite popular.
Pairing Bordeaux and Burgundy with Food
When it comes to wine from the Bordeaux and Burgundy regions, much like any wine, it all depends on personal preference. A fun way to experiment with the wines is to taste a comparable quality of both on their own, and then try each with a meal. Some wine/food pairing for each are:

Bordeaux:

A red Bordeaux pairs well with beef, lamb and veal, game, a richer poultry such turkey and strong cheese. It's complements food made with red wine such as wine-braised meat or a rich stew.

Burgundy:

A red Burgundy (Pinot Noir) similarly pairs well with beef and richer poultry, but also pork roasts and delicate cheeses. They also (and no, it is not always taboo) pair well with certain seafood like tuna, salmon and shrimp.

If you are eager to taste and compare Bordeaux and Burgundy, a great idea would be to gather a group of friends and have a wine tasting. From there, you'll know which you prefer. Remember, there are specific wine glasses for each type of wine, and it's always important to make sure you choose the right one!

Cheers!

Eisch Sensis Plus Breathable Glasses

2011-09-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

The traditional process of wine aeration (letting a wine breathe) involves the use of a crystal wine decanter or carafe in which the sediment in the bottle gets removed and the aroma, or nose, opens up, enhancing the wine-drinking experience. This process can take up to one to two hours in a wine decanter and it is very beneficial to many wines-whether fine or table. But if you are like me (prone to the need for instant gratification), an hour or two can seem like an eternity when you can't wait to taste that bottle of fine wine you just acquired. What's an impatient wine enthusiast to do? Enter, breathable glasses.

Sensis Plus Wine Glasses
When I heard about a line of crystal wine glasses from Eisch Glaskultur that effectively aerated wine in two to four minutes as opposed to an hour or two, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. Loved the idea of it, but part of me thought perhaps it might be a marketing ploy (à la "it slices, it dices...it even makes julienne fries!"). I am thrilled to report that after I tried the Eisch Sensis Plus wine glasses with a friend, I can honestly say the things really do work. Not to take ANYTHING away from crystal wine decanters-they will always be an important part in the serving of fine wine, and they are recommended for older wines with more sediment. Some of them are also just so visually stunning it enhances the overall experience of drinking wine-like you're experiencing the finer things in life!

How Breathable Wine Glasses are Made
At the end of the production process, the breathable, lead-free Sensis Plus glasses are treated with an oxygenizing process that actually changes the molecular structure of the glass, allowing it to breathe. It's not a coating or a chemical treatment, and since it's a physical treatment, the effect never wears off.

Do Eisch Breathable Glasses Work with Just Wine?
Fortunately, no! They work with spirits too, most notably those that are wood-aged, such as cognac, brandy, Scotch whiskey, etc. Eisch points out that they are also good for fruit juices with high acidity, such as orange or pineapple juice, and they make breathable glasses for beer, champagne and espresso as well.

You Be the Judge - Breathable Glass Taste Test
If my singing the praises of Eisch Sensis Plus wine glasses doesn't convince you about the effect they have on dramatic, speedy wine aeration...try it for yourself! Get some friends together and get a couple of different bottles of wine, such as a Bordeaux, a Merlot, a young white wine (the breathable glasses also work very well with many non-red wines)--anything your palate desires. Then get the respective breathable glass for the wine type (Eisch wine glasses are pretty affordable for a higher-end crystal wine glass), and the same type standard glass for the wine type. I feel 100% confident you will not only taste the difference, but you will be a fan of Eisch.

Cheers!

Bodum Double Wall Glasses

2011-09-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Even before my career in wine, coffee and tea started, one of my favorite brands was Bodum. I love the innovative designs, the look, the feel and the unique "European-ness" of all of their products. They're just plain cool and classy at the same time. I write at length (some might say ad nauseam) about form following function and its importance in crystal wine glasses, coffee makers, crystal decanters, cookware--essentially anything related to fine consumables. That's why I was so intrigued when I discovered Bodum double wall glasses.

Borosilicate Glass vs. Traditional Glass
Borosilicate glass has been around for a long time--since the late 19th century. It was developed by a German glassmaker named Otto Schott. Normal glass is made up of quartz, sodium carbonate and calcium carbonate and is referred to as "soda-lime" glass. Borosilicate glass adds boron to the mix. The result is a glass that is strong, heat-resistant and lighter than traditional glass. Borosilicate glass is used widely in chemical laboratories (medical-grade glass) for its heat and chemical resistance. Taking these properties into account, the clever designers at Bodum developed their state-of-the art double wall glasses.

The Benefits of Double Wall Glasses
In addition to looking great on the bar or table, Bodum's insulated glassware/cookware is very functional. You can serve both hot or cold beverages or food in it and it keeps them just so--hot or cold--longer than their non-double-walled counterparts. Another great feature is that they are break and scratch resistant and can withstand swings in temperature which can make normal glass crack or shatter. The icing on the proverbial cake is that Bodum double wall glasses are dishwasher and microwave safe. I don't often advocate washing certain high-end glassware and crystal stemware in the dishwasher even if a company says you can. That's probably more a testament to my frugality rather than the aesthetics of the glasses; if I shell out a significant amount of money on a fine wine glass, I'm not going to risk it shifting or knocking into something else in the machine. That said, I feel very confident saying it's okay to put Bodum's double wall glasses in the dishwasher. I've seen the glasses run through the dishwasher time and again, and they've not become cloudy a bit.

Types of Bodum Glasses
Bodum features a whole host of double wall glasses --pretty much a type for any beverage you want to sip. Straightforward water glasses, beer glasses, coffee mugs, espresso shot glasses, highball glasses...if it's drinkable, you can serve it in a Bodum double wall glass.

So there you have it. If you want durable, functional and attractive drinkware or cookware, the Bodum double wall line is the way to go.

Cheers!

The Difference Between Bordeaux and Burgundy Wine Glasses

2011-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

The beauty of wine is that it is all different. Each has its own color, flavor profile, body, nose, notes, tannin levels and finish. The experience of each is taken into consideration when a really fine crystal wine glass is crafted. The size, shape, lip--everything-about the glass is researched so that type of wine is experienced to its greatest potential. An excellent example of the concept of form following function in wine glasses is the difference between Bordeaux and Burgundy crystal wine glasses.

Bordeaux Wine Glasses

The glass consists of three parts: bowl, stem and base. There are three variables when creating a wine-specific glass: size, shape and rim diameter. Bordeaux-specific wine glasses typically have a large, tall bowl. A perfect example would be the impressive Riedel Sommeliers series Bordeaux wine glass for reds (there are many other fine crystal manufacturers that make wine-specific glasses, but for the purpose of this article I'm using one of my personal favorites). It is a simple, unadorned-yet-elegant glass engineered specifically for the heavier reds of the Bordeaux region of France (or their international counterparts), which produces not only the varietal, but also the many blends that include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Carbernet Franc and Petite Verdot grapes. The large bowl of the Bordeaux-specific glass provides ample surface area for the full-bodied reds to be swirled to aerate and open up the nose of the wine and evaporate alcohol, taking into account the interaction of the fruits, minerals, acids, tannins and alcohol of the wine. The tall height of the bowl allows for the optimal amount of oxygen to fill the glass and enable the person drinking it to experience a heightened sense of the aroma, or bouquet. The cut rim allows the wine to direct smoothly onto the center of the tongue, creating the perfect balance of fruit, tannin and acidity.

Burgundy Wine Glasses

The Burgundy region of France produces its wine primarily using the Pinot Noir varietal. Actually, 90% of the wine produced in the region is made with Pinot Noir grapes, which are very fragrant and alluring. Again, using the example of the Riedel Sommeliers Burgundy glass, the notably wide, large bowl serves the purpose of aerating and opening up the nose of the wine, while also allowing alcohol to evaporate. This causes the aroma of the wine to rise to the nose of the taster, enhancing the experience of the complex aromatics. The cut rim of this red Burgundy wine glass flares out slightly, to allow the wine to flow to the tip of the tongue. Burgundy is generally higher in acid, and the placement at the tip of the tongue accentuates the sweetness of the wine.
Whether you are a fan of red wines such as the Bordeaux or Burgundy used in this example of wine-specific crystal wine glasses, or if you prefer white wine, you should experiment with wine glasses made for use with a certain wine variety. It is extremely interesting to discover how the same wine can taste completely different using different glasses. This is actually a really entertaining type of wine tasting you can do with your friends and neighbors--I personally enjoy doing it a great deal because it never ceases to amaze me how some very innovative crystal manufacturers have understood the concept of form following function and exhausted themselves, through trial and error, to perfect it.

Cheers!

What Is Lead Free Crystal

2011-09-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

When most people think about high-end crystal, they think about traditional leaded crystal--for instance a wine glass that has that wonderful, somewhat-heavy hand feel sparkling with faceted brilliance, and the lovely, sing-songy ring that resonates when you tap it. That kind of glass. For a very long time, it was only leaded crystal that produced these exquisite attributes. While lead crystal is still extremely popular, there’s another type of high-quality glass that can provide the same experience.

Normal Glass

“Normal” glass such as a typical water glass, beer glass, glass baking dish, etc., is what is known as soda-lime glass. Not particularly brilliant or beautiful, but functional, and in most cases far more durable than crystal. Soda-lime glass consists of several main ingredients--sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide, along with lesser amounts of other ingredients referred to as “fining agents.” These ingredients are melted together in a furnace at a very high temperature. The melted liquid sits for a bit to let the bubbles in it rise out of it--this is called “fining out.” The glass is then formed using different processes depending on the purpose of the final product, i.e., drinking glass, windowpane, windshield, etc. In the case of traditional crystal, lead is added.

Lead Crystal

Traditional lead crystal glass adds another ingredient to the regular glass mix--lead oxide. The addition of lead produces a couple of unique attributes that make the glass “crystal.” Soda glass contains molecules that are without structure--what is known as amorphous. There’s no specific order but that are bound tightly, making soda-lime glass more durable. The molecules in lead crystal have a distinct three-dimensional order. These molecules produce the sparkling brilliance in the glass. The crystal has a higher “refractive index” than normal glass and the higher the index, the more brilliant. Adding lead to the glass also makes it melt at a lower temperature and it makes it absorb less energy than soda-glass. This is what makes the crystal ring when you tap it.

Lead Free Crystal

While lead crystal purists will probably always use it, there is now an alternative with the same characteristics. This provides an option for those who enjoy high-quality crystal but are concerned with lead content in anything that holds consumables. This is relevant mostly in decanters, which I’ll touch on in a bit. When making lead free crystal glass, the lead is substituted with barium oxide (BaCO3). The introduction of barium oxide produces a glass with a comparatively high refractive index, subsequently making its brilliance greater. Barium oxide is also lighter than lead oxide, making the glass lighter with about the same durability. For those concerned about lead content in their crystal glassware, as mentioned before, it really only poses a health question for crystal decanters. The reason being wine and spirits are typically kept in decanters for longer than a glass of wine. This produces a greater window of time for lead to possibly leach out of it. I personally don’t store wine in decanters for a terribly long time--it’s more about aeration and presentation for me--so I am not concerned with the issue at all.

Lead Crystal vs. Lead Free Crystal

It’s really just a matter of personal preference whether you want to choose one over the other. There are several high-end crystal manufacturers who make exquisite lead free crystal. I have used both extensively and the only real difference I’ve noticed is the variation in weight. Either way, wines taste way better in a high-quality crystal glass than a regular drinking glass any day of the week.

Cheers!

Types of Wine Tasting

2011-09-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

There are endless possibilities when it comes to types of wine tasting. You have the traditional, widely accepted options, and more modern, creative types. There are sites out there that encourage visitors to create their own types of tastings, or parties, and share them with their other visitors. As stated before, I take great delight in getting together with friends and neighbors to have a wine tasting party, whether it be a classic tasting, a food pairing (very fun…two of my greatest loves, fine wine and food!), a dessert pairing--what have you. I think it’s best to begin with the traditional types to lay a foundation and go from there in an upcoming article.

Vertical Tasting

Vertical wine tasting involves using several different vintages (the year it was produced) of a varietal wine (single grape type, not a blend) from a single maker grown in a single vineyard. Say a Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker XYZ in Sonoma County from 2006, 2008 and 2009--same wine, different year. Vertical tasting illustrates how many different factors affect the seemingly “same” wine year after year. With this test you not only get a sense of the winemaker’s “feel” for what they produce, you also see how dramatically things can change the wine--factors like weather patterns, insect infestations, the use different barrels, etc., that play a role in what you experience at the tasting. Many experts suggest getting literature on the wine so you can read the particular winemaker’s notes to see what went down that year that may have affected it.

Horizontal Tasting

Horizontal wine tasting involves tasting a wine varietal from a single year but from several winemakers. For instance, you choose a 2009 Chardonnay from five different winemakers. What is different about this type of tasting is that you can either choose wine from a single region--Napa Valley, for instance--or choose the varietal from several regions--let’s say from Napa Valley, Argentina, Australia, South Africa and Chile. I like doing both types of tasting. In my experience, the differences in the wine can be more dramatic when conducting the latter type of tasting. Geography, geology and climate can be very different when you choose wine from several regions. I would suggest doing both types of horizontal testing but at different times. Two parties…even better!

Old World & New World Tasting

I really enjoy this type of tasting. You can probably guess what the name implies. A varietal wine from the “Old World, “ i.e. European wine: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. versus a varietal from the “New World”: United States, South America, Australia, South Africa, etc. --regions newer to winemaking. The most obvious difference between the two types is that Old World wines tend to be subtler in flavor and profile than the newer wine kids on the block. New World wines tend to be bolder on many levels. That’s not to say they are less desirable by any means. Just different. I have to be honest…I prefer Sonoma Chardonnay to its French counterpart. It’s all in your particular palate. I appreciate fine wine from every region of the world, but I just don’t want to take anything away from the newer wines. Try tasting a South African Cabernet with a French Bordeaux, or a California Syrah against its Rhone Valley counterpart. The possibilities are fun and plentiful.

Priceless Wine Tasting

This is another one of my favorites. Not because it’s any more or less enjoyable, it’s because it really drives home a point about perception and marketing in some cases. If you have the budget, get several different wines from all price points. Go as high as is comfortable/responsible, and as low as you wish (okay maybe not MD 20/20 or anything like that…you have to keep it believable!). Only you know the wines and their costs. As you and your guests taste the wines, have them note their take on it: likes/dislikes, flavor notes, characteristics, best/worst, etc. You will be surprised at the findings. The point here is that expensive is certainly not synonymous with quality in all situations. Many, many people equate expensive with good much of the time, whether it’s wine, clothing, handbags or fragrances. While some very expensive wines can be very exquisite, there are less expensive--in many cases dramatically less expensive--wines that are delightful. I was at my favorite crab place down here in South Florida last year for my birthday. Because my friends were treating me to dinner, I didn’t order one of the higher-end wines…I asked for a glass of their house Chardonnay. I was struck by how enjoyable it was. So struck that I asked our server what brand it was. Turns out, it was a very inexpensive brand you find at any grocery store. Guess what? That brand gained and continues to enjoy my business. If your guests know from the beginning which ones are the expensive wines, some will have an immediate bias. This is not only a test about wine; it’s also about human nature!

These are just a few of the various types of wine tasting. There are many more out there, but this will give you a solid base from which to start…and enjoy.

Cheers!

What Is Lead Free Crystal

2011-08-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

When most people think about high-end crystal, they think about traditional leaded crystal--for instance a wine glass that has that wonderful, somewhat heavy hand feel sparkling with faceted brilliance, and the lovely, sing-songy ring that resonates when you tap it. That kind of glass. For a very long time, it was only leaded crystal that produced these exquisite attributes. While lead crystal is still extremely popular, there’s another type of high-quality glass that can provide the same experience.

Normal Glass

“Normal” glass such as a typical water glass, beer glass, glass baking dish, etc., is what is known as soda-lime glass. Not particularly brilliant or beautiful, but functional, and in most cases far more durable than crystal. Soda-lime glass consists of several main ingredients--sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, and aluminum oxide, along with lesser amounts of other ingredients referred to as “fining agents.” These ingredients are melted together in a furnace at a very high temperature. The melted liquid sits for a bit to let the bubbles in it rise out of it--this is called “fining out.” The glass is then formed using different processes depending on the purpose of the final product, i.e., drinking glass, windowpane, windshield, etc. In the case of traditional crystal, lead oxide is added.

Lead Crystal

Traditional lead crystal glass adds another ingredient to the regular glass mix--lead oxide. The addition of lead produces a couple of unique attributes that make the glass “crystal.” Soda glass contains molecules that are without structure--what is known as amorphous. There’s no specific order but that are bound tightly, making soda-lime glass more durable. The molecules in lead crystal have a distinct three-dimensional order. These molecules produce the sparkling brilliance in the glass. The crystal has a higher “refractive index” than normal glass and the higher the index, the more brilliant. Adding lead to the glass also makes it melt at a lower temperature and it makes it absorb less energy than soda-glass. This is what makes the crystal ring when you tap it.

Lead Free Crystal

While lead crystal purists will probably always use it, there is now an alternative with the same characteristics. This provides an option for those who enjoy high-quality crystal but are concerned with lead content in anything that holds consumables. This is relevant mostly in decanters, which we’ll touch on in a bit. When making lead free crystal glass, the lead is substituted with barium oxide (BaCO3). The introduction of barium oxide produces a glass with a comparatively high refractive index, subsequently making its brilliance greater. Barium oxide is also lighter than lead oxide, making the glass lighter with about the same durability. For those concerned about lead content in their crystal glassware, as mentioned before, it really only poses a health question for crystal decanters. The reason being wine and spirits are typically kept in decanters for longer than a glass of wine. This produces a greater window of time for lead to possibly leach out of it. I personally don’t store wine in decanters for a terribly long time—it’s more about aeration and presentation for me--so I am pretty much not concerned with the issue at all.

Lead Crystal vs. Lead Free Crystal

Cheers!

How to Conduct a Wine Tasting - The Basics

2011-08-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

As far as I'm concerned, one of the finest, most enjoyable things in life is a good wine tasting. If you are reading this article then odds are you're a wine enthusiast too, and you have interest in learning about having a wine tasting--that's great! Tastings can range from a casual, intimate gathering of friends and neighbors, to an elaborate, upper-crusty affair. This author spends most time in blue jeans and flip-flops in the tropics, so you can probably guess which I prefer...

Step One - Look at the Wine

Pour a glass of the wine into appropriate (shapes and sizes vary from red to white wine, from young to mature - pour approx. 2 oz.) crystal glasses and give it a quick swirl. Carefully scrutinize the way it looks. Many experts agree it's best if you have a white background against which to look at it--a white tablecloth, a white linen napkin, a towel--whatever you have. As in choosing a diamond, examine the color and clarity of the wine. Mature reds will differ in hue, consistency, sediment levels, etc. Likewise with whites...more mature whites can be darker, younger ones can be lighter, and so on.

Step Two - Smell It!

The olfactory system figures heavily into the experience of wine tasting--the nose knows. Swirl the wine for a good 10 - 12 seconds to aerate and open it up. This also gets rid of some of the wine's alcohol. Take a sniff and note your initial impression. Wait a few seconds, and then smell it again. Don't be shy either--this time get your nose down in the glass and inhale deeper to take in the aromas. Take note of what you smell...oak, spices, fruits, berries, minerals, etc. The more you practice, the better you'll get at discerning the various aromas.

Step Three - Take a Sip

Ah, the best part of wine tasting...sipping it! Take a small sip and roll it around your tongue, from front to back, from side to side. Different taste buds taste different things--sourness, sweetness, saltiness and bitterness. Slurp in some air during tasting to further aerate the wine. Making a little seemingly inappropriate noise here is perfectly okay. At this point, you can either swallow the wine, or spit it out if you are tasting several wines and don't want to feel loopy.

The Three Phases of What You Taste

There are three phases you experience in wine tasting. The first phase of the tasting is called the Attack Phase. This is the first impression that the wine makes on your palate. The second is known as the Evolution Phase. This is what the wine actually tastes like on your palate. The third phase is called the Finish. This is the impression the wine has on you after you swallow it...how long you taste it and what the aftertaste is. This is a very rudimentary explanation of each of the phases...they actually could fill up a separate article.

Wine Tasting Tips:

- Never, ever hold your crystal wine glass by the bowl--always hold it by the stem. Your hands heat the wine up, which in turn, alters the tasting experience. - Decant the wine in a crystal decanter before the wine tasting. I recommend this for both red and white wine--not everyone agrees that whites should be decanted but I've done my own taste tests and I've definitely noticed a difference. Note that more mature red wine needs less time to breathe than young red. - Keep the wine at the correct temperature for tasting.

In an upcoming post, we'll visit the several different but equally enjoyable types of wine tasting. Until then...

Cheers!

Decanting White Wine

2011-08-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

If you're like most, when you think of a crystal wine decanter, you conjure up images of deep red--Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Syrah, etc. Wines high in tannins with sediment resting on the bottom of the bottle--the perfect candidates for decanting. Rarely is it that one thinks of decanting white wines. Most would argue that it is unnecessary to do so. Actually, not so.

Wine Aeration 101

When wine gets decanted, air surrounds it. This "warms" it a bit, which in turn helps release and enhance the flavor notes, body and finish, while at the same time oxidizing/mellowing the tannins. It also removes the bitter sediment that gathers at the bottom of the bottle during aging. When it comes to reds, the optimum breathing time for reds varies; as a general rule of thumb, more mature wine needs less time to breathe, and the younger wine more. All this being said about red wines, certain white wines definitely benefit from being decanted.

When to Decant

While it is true that most white wines are generally fine to drink straight from the bottle, there are certain whites that definitely benefit from wine aeration and certain conditions under which it is beneficial to decant a white. Oaky Chardonnay (as I always note is my personal fave), Mersault, French Chablis, Riesling, and certain young whites, among others, offer the same increased aroma, flavor notes, body and finish enjoyed by the appropriately aerated reds. On a situational level, when a when a wine is too cold, it's a good idea to decant. If it's too cold it wreaks havoc on the aroma, and using a room temperature decanter brings it up to optimal chilliness (still below room temp) quicker than waiting; however, if the wine is to warm, the same rule applies. Wine bottles provide decent insulation, so decanting can bring the temperature down if it's higher than optimal. When you've chosen a younger white wine, it's good to decant. Young whites tend to be "tight," or "closed." When you choose one, decanting opens the aromas up, thus enhancing the experience of your wonderful white. When you encounter an unpleasant odor, or "bottle stink," it's good to decant. In young white wines, winemakers often, but not always, use sulphur to kill bacteria... decanting gets rid of the stinkiness. This holds true for bottles with screw caps--they can be tighter than traditional cork, thus preventing ANY of the gases to escape, as does cork.

White Wine Aerators

If you want to aerate your white wine, but you don't have a decanter or don't want to lay down the cash for a high-end crystal wine decanter, there are actually nifty little gadgets called aerators, through which you pour wine from the bottle directly into the crystal wine glass. Several manufacturers make aerators specifically for white wine.

Whatever option is more desirable to you--and if you haven't already tried it--you should definitely try giving aeration a whirl. Odds are, you'll notice and marked and delicious difference with/in the aforementioned wines and situations.

Cheers!

What Is Crystal?

2011-08-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Fasten your seatbelts... time for a little generalized chemistry class on glass. Typical glass as we know it--everyday drinking glasses, window glass, bakeware, etc.--is referred to as soda-lime glass. It's made up of several essential ingredients, including sodium carbonate, lime, dolomite, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide along with smaller quantities of other variable ingredients called "fining agents." These raw materials are melted in a glass furnace to the whopping temperature of around 2400F. The molten liquid is then allowed to rest for a bit to allow the bubbles in it to rise out of it (referred to as "fining out"). The glass is then formed according to what it's being used for, i.e. a vessel to hold a beverage or a windowpane. Drinking glasses are formed by the blowing or pressing process, and flat glass by the float process. While all crystal is glass, not all glass is crystal. For crystal, you have to add an extra ingredient into the mix.

Heavy Metal, Man

When traditional crystal glass is produced, it involves the addition of the heavy metal, lead, to the glass recipe. While some manufacturers have developed lead-free crystal, historically, for crystal to be considered crystal, it had to have a certain amount lead in it. Soda-lime glass involves molecules that are amorphous, or without structure--there's no order to them but they are bound rigidly, making the glass more durable than crystal. The molecules in lead crystal have a distinct, repeating three-dimensional pattern. This produces the more brilliant, sparkly characteristic of it. It's based on an index called the "refractive index"--the higher the refractive index, the more sparkly the glass. The addition of lead also makes the crystal glass not have to be so hot when it's being worked. Another thing that distinguishes lead crystal glass is that it absorbs less energy than normal glass when struck (like when you tink tink it with your fingernail). That causes it to "oscillate"--producing the ring. If you're like me you can't resist tapping a high-quality lead crystal wine glass to hear that beautiful "song."

How Much Lead makes it Lead Crystal?

This varies pretty dramatically on a global basis. There's no rule set in stone, but the traditionally accepted lead content for a lead crystal glass is no less than 30% lead oxide. The European standards are much greater than in the US, which can be significantly lower and still be called crystal; however, there has been a trend of late that shows some of the higher-end European crystal producers to be dipping down to 24% lead content in their wares, which is completely sufficient in my opinion.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Crystal vs. Glass?

Not in my opinion, but I could be biased. If I have an the option to drink my Chardonnay out of a non-crystal wine glass that can be purchased at the Dollar Store, or say a Riedel crystal Chardonnay glass, I'll take the crystal any day of the week. To be fair, though, crystal is less durable than soda-lime glass, and breaks easier. It's also more sensitive to extreme temperatures. If the liquid is to hot, it can break and vice versa. This is no big issue, in my opinion, as most people wouldn't put anything extreme in a crystal wine glass. There are also those who have health-related concerns about lead leaching into their beverage. While lead is toxic and can leach into a beverage, it's when the wine or spirit has sat in the vessel for an extended period of time that any significant amount of lead is found in the liquid. Exercising common sense and consulting the Internet for information on how long it is safe to keep your beverage in a crystal vessel can eliminate worry on the issue.

Cheers!

KRUPS Cup-On-Request Coffee Maker

2011-08-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ever since the boon of the single-serve Keurig K-Cup coffee maker, coffee lovers have been enjoying just-brewed coffee one cup at a time. It’s an excellent, convenient way to enjoy your daily Joe. That said, we’ve come across another product that’s certain to give the K-Cup coffee maker a run for its money. KRUPS has come out with a coffee machine that offers the advantage of serving one cup at a time, perfectly brewed and dispensed, but without a K-Cup, or pod. This latest and greatest is the KRUPS Cup-On-Demand KM9000 coffee maker. While the Keurig machines offer high-quality coffee and convenience, it might make more fiscal sense over time to opt for a Cup-On-Demand by KRUPS.

Cup-On-Request vs. Keurig Coffee Makers

At first glance, the KRUPS Cup-On-Request coffee maker (when compared to the popular Keurig B70 coffee machine) is plus or minus $20 more expensive than the Keurig machine to purchase. You have two great machines here, so you might be thinking, “I’ll save myself 20 bucks and go with Keurig.” Not to take anything away from Keurig and their quality products, but if you think about it in terms of the long run, you’d save money going with the KRUPS machine. If you look at Keurig, you have to purchase their coffee pods (they call them capsules) for use in their machines. 18 capsules go for approximately $10. So, you have 18 cups of coffee for $10, which turns out to be .55 a cup. When you compare that to picking up a cup of coffee at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, that’s pretty good; however, with the KRUPS Cup-On-Demand coffee maker, you use the coffee of your choice that you get from the store--figure around $8 a pound right now. A pound of coffee renders anywhere from about 60 - 80 cups of coffee--I’ll err on the side of conservatism here, and say 60 cups. Do the math and you’re looking at .13 a cup with the Cup-On-Demand machine. Clearly the savings over time would be dramatic. It’s also less expensive on the environmental side; less plastic packaging gets tossed in the garbage.

KM9000 Coffee Machine - The Mechanics

What’s very cool about the Cup-On-Request coffee maker (among several other bells and whistles) is that KRUPS developed a patented heating system, called Precise Warming Technology™, which keeps the coffee in the removable stainless steel coffee tank a the precise brewing temperature (185 degrees F.) for up to 4 hours. KRUPS explains it more scientifically, but essentially, there are two heating elements--one heats the inside and the other heats the outside of the tank. You can brew up to 12 cups of coffee in the machine, and it dispenses the amount of coffee you choose (it’s fully programmable for size of cup, height, automatic brewing times, etc.) in a straight, splashless stream. If you’re like me, you end up with grounds and spillage on the countertop when using traditional automatic drip coffee makers, so I find this particular feature very attractive. The machine also tells you how long it’s been since the coffee was brewed which is important to me as a coffee enthusiast.

At the end of the day, both of these single-serve coffee technologies are great for a cup of freshly brewed coffee, but knowing how much money the KRUPS machine saves me, along with being able to brew any coffee I want, seals the deal.

Cheers!

The Riedel Amadeo Lyra Wine Decanter - a Modern Classic

2011-08-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Carly Simon song “Nobody Does it Better” comes to mind when I think about Riedel crystal wine decanters. They are extremely efficient when it comes to wine aeration; Riedel puts an inordinate amount of research and development into all of the glassware they produce. From the surface area of the bowl of a crystal wine glass and how it relates to a type of wine, to the shape of the lip, to the height, to the way it feels in your hand--they leave no stone left unturned when it comes to their wares and how they enhance the experience of a fine wine. What is so impressive to me is that they are as visually appealing as they are functional. Case in point: the Amadeo Lyra decanter.

Happy Birthday Mozart

Launched in 2006, the original clear Amadeo wine decanter was not only a commemoration of Riedel’s 250^th anniversary, it was also a celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose 250^th birthday was during that same year. Inspired by the lyre, a u-shaped stringed musical instrument used in Greek Classical Antiquity, the Amadeo looks more like a piece of fine art than a vessel whose purpose is to make your wine taste better. The larger opening on the decanter is where you pour the wine from the bottle, and the smaller opening pours the wine into the glass after an appropriate time of aeration. It’s extremely easy to use and complements the ambience of any environment. A hand-blown crystal wine decanter, no Amadeo is exactly the same.

The Black Amadeo Wine Decanter – a Dark Twist

During 2007, Riedel introduced a variation of the Amadeo--the Black Amadeo. This dark, striking decanter is more difficult to produce, making it subsequently more expensive. When producing the decanter, the glassmakers use manganese oxide, which gives the Black Amadeo shades ranging from deep, dark purple to pitch black. The reason it’s more laborious to make this decanter is that the manganese oxide makes the molten glass cool down much quicker, which gives the artisans less time to sculpt the glass. The Black Amadeo is just as striking to look at as the original clear decanter (admittedly, this author prefers the look of the clear); however, one drawback about the black version is that it is very difficult to see the wine in it. If you prefer the Black Amadeo, you could always guesstimate how many glasses have been poured from it.

The Riedel Black Tie Amadeo

If you like both versions of the Amadeos, you might consider looking at the Black Tie Amadeo, introduced in 2010. It offers both the brilliant clearness of the original Amadeo, but adds a sleek “tuxedo” stripe of the black coloring as an accent. As with the Black Amadeo decanter, manganese oxide is used to produce the black stripe, making this one more difficult to produce as well, which obviously makes it a little more pricey than the original.

Whatever your taste, the Riedel Amadeo decanter is an incredibly attractive, functional choice of decanter.

Cheers!

The Nespresso Citiz & Milk Espresso Machine

2011-08-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

You have to love the Swiss—not only do they have some of the most remarkable chocolates, pastries and mountains on the planet, they also have some of the best minds in coffee machine innovation. The Switzerland-born company Nespresso pioneered the concept of brewing gourmet coffee in precise proportion through their state-of-the-art espresso coffee machines. What began in the mid-70s as a Swiss-based success story eventually took hold beyond their borders--making them one of the most recognized, respected coffee machine brands on the globe. Lucky for us!

Which Nespresso Coffee Machine to Choose

There are several models in the Nespressso arsenal of espresso machines, all of exceptional quality. They offer options that both brew and froth, and others that stand alone. It’s really a matter of your personal preference as far as convenience and style--they all produce fine espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos and americanos. My personal preference is the Nespresso Citiz & Milk at the moment. Admittedly lazy, I like multi-functional espresso machines for home use. The Citiz & Milk has an eye-catching retro look and it comes in a variety of colors and finishes. It is extremely to use and features an attached warming milk frother for your coffee. It has two buttons for coffee-water ratios, both espresso and lungo. Both the frother and the water reservoir (which holds 1L/34oz) are removable for easy cleaning. And it looks great on our black granite countertop! I use the red one but they are all very attractive.

What Coffee to Use in the Citiz & Milk

It is important to note that Nespresso coffee machines only work with their pre-filled coffee pods (they call them capsules), but don’t fret…not only does Nespresso produce superior-quality coffee machines, their coffees are of exceptional quality, with a variety of blends and single-origin coffee. My personal favorite is the Dulsão do Brasil, as my palate is partial to Arabica coffee beans from Brazil, but they are all extremely enjoyable.

Nespresso Citiz & Milk Espresso Machine - Tips

- First and foremost, when brewing coffee---and I’m talking any coffee--always, always use filtered water if available. You can have the üburmachine and the finest coffee in the world, but if you don’t start with pristine water, you’re not going to get the best results. Particles and chemicals affect the taste!

- Be vigilant about cleaning your Nespresso Citiz & Milk Espresso Machine by following the directions in the manual. Gunk and junk build up from minerals in water and the oils released from the coffee during brewing--all can affect the taste of coffee and function of any espresso machine or coffee maker.

- Be sure to thoroughly clean the milk frother with after every use to prevent bacteria build up.

Enjoy your coffee!

Riedel Vinum XL Crystal Stemware – Not Just Another Pretty Face

2011-08-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that Riedel crystal wine glasses are some of the most sought after on the market--speak to any wine enthusiast or connoisseur and odds are they will all agree. Offering a host of different lines at varying price points, Riedel ‘s craftsmanship and attention to detail has earned them accolades in the wine world--they are used internationally at the finest restaurants and wineries. Not only are they brilliant crystal eye candy, Riedel wine glasses are extremely functional. Much thought is put into their design and production, factoring in wine type, age, characteristics and more. With more than 250 years of history, Riedel clearly has a firm grasp on the high art of high-end crystal glassware.

New Wine Needs the Right Line

With bigger, bolder, newer wines gaining popularity on the wine front, such as California Pinots, Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays, Riedel recognized the need to craft a line of crystal stemware that would supersize the flavor notes, characteristics, bodies and finishes of these wine youngsters. Just like people, immature wines present a different challenge than mature wines. Riedel’s mission to create such a glass would culminate in one of the best wine glasses from which I’ve ever sipped my beloved Chardonnay or yearly Beaujolais Nouveau--Riedel Vinum XL wine glasses.

Sometimes Size Does Matter - Riedel Vinum XL

Like its predecessor, the classic Riedel Vinum crystal wine glass (introduced in 1986) --Riedel’s “benchmark”--the Vinum XL wine glass (introduced in 2009) is a clear illustration of form following function. The original Vinum line was the first varietal-specific, machine-made crystal stemware to be developed as a result of craftsmen and connoisseurs rolling up their sleeves and having tasting workshops rather than sketching a glass concept on paper and going from there. The XL line was born out of the consideration of new wine. The glasses themselves are exactly the same as the Vinum glasses, with the only difference being their bigger size. Described by Riedel as “large, luxurious and lofty” (I love that description) the bowls are considerable and the area greater, offering more oxygen to the young wine--working with its chemistry to enhance the overall experience of it. The tannins, acid, and alcohol (among others) levels, along with concentration, of immature wines are significantly different than their elders, and maximum oxygenation is paramount in processing them.

More About Riedel Vinum XL

The Riedel Vinum XL line is crafted in 24% high-quality Bavarian lead crystal and offers exceptional glass color, brilliance and ring. The line is dishwasher safe, although because you will pay a bit more for them rather than the straight Vinum line, I personally wouldn’t risk cleaning them this way, because sometimes in the dishwasher (as the flight attendants for Southwest Airlines say about exercising caution when opening the overhead compartments after a flight) “shift happens.”

Cheers!

Do Beer Glasses Matter?

2011-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

We’re glad you asked! With the much ado about crystal wine glasses and how important choosing the correct size, shape and function is, the same holds true for the vessels that hold our heady, hoppy beverages. That’s right…beer glasses matter! Whether your guilty pleasure: an ale, stout, pilsner or lager, there’s a glass that was created specifically for it--and using the correct glass offers up the premium experience you were meant to enjoy when imbibing in your beloved brew.

Beer Glass Chemistry Class

Whether making a wine or brewing a beer, there’s a great deal of chemistry that goes on during each process. Both processes revolve around fermentation, which in itself is a complex science experiment, creating a myriad of components, characteristics and nuances in your beverage of choice. Compounds known as “volatiles”--alcohols, esters, hop oils, etc.--specific to a beer evaporate to create its aroma when the liquid is poured, and the foamy head traps those volatiles. Developing and maintaining the head of the beer is important because it ensures a consistently pleasant taste experience down to the last savory sip. Enter the correct beer glass.

Beer Glassware - Form Follows Function

Here in the US, when you think of a “beer glass” you (unless your are a beer enthusiast or connoisseur) typically think of a pilsner glass, a glass beer mug, or a pint glass. You may be surprised to know that in Europe, especially in Belgium (we’re talking hundreds here), the type of glass used to serve you your beer is specific to the beer you order, and in fact, some glasses are designed before the type of beer is. I remember waiting tables between stints at college at a “hippie” (and no offense to hippies; I love them) restaurant on the North Side of Chicago that boasted something like 100 different beers from around the globe. I was naively surprised to find out that there were several types of beer glasses and I had to be schooled on which to use when serving customers. I’ll never forget learning how to pour my first Hacker-Pschorr Weisse (that was fun…I loved the process and visual treat of pouring it!) in its unusually tall glass, and serving my first Chimay ale in stemware. Beer in stemware? Really? Before that point I only saw beer served up in cans--specifically good old Busch beer out of the fridge for my pop. Reminiscing aside, science plays a direct role in the design and creation of each type of beer glass, with the ultimate objective of ensuring you taste what was carefully crafted for you to taste. Each is designed to enhance the aroma, taste, head and profile of your beer, and you will be amazed at the number of types that are out there. We suggest you check out Beeradvocate™ for the wealth of knowledge they feature on beer glassware. Whatever brew does it for you, pouring it into the correct glass makes the best even better!

The Vinturi Wine Aerator - Your Wine Needs Room to Breathe

2011-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a wine connoisseur, a wine enthusiast or you simply enjoy a bit of vino here and there, you probably know that wine benefits from breathing. Typically, red wine benefits the most from breathing, although there are certain white wines that also improve when given time to breathe.

What’s the Because…Why Does Wine Need to Breathe?

Imagine you are warming up soup. While wine aeration is not cooking, there’s kind of a parallel here. As the wine gets surrounded by air, it “warms” a bit, which in turn helps release and enhance the flavor notes, body and finish of the wine while at the same time oxidizing/mellowing the tannins. If you’re like most, you enjoy your soup warmed up rather than cold--more of the soupy goodness is released when you expose it to the warmth. So, while we’re not really comparing wine aeration to making soup, you can kind of get the picture.

How Do You Know Which Wines Need to Breathe?

As we mentioned earlier, for the most part red wines benefit the most from aeration. That’s not to say that all red wines need to breathe for the same amount of time. A general rule here is that the older the red wine, the less time it needs to aerate. For instance, a more mature red wine needs less time to breathe (about 15 or 20 minutes), as opposed to a younger red higher in tannins (up to an hour). Let’s not forget about white wines though…there are several varieties like oaky chardonnays that benefit from breathing for a couple of minutes.

What’s the Best Way to Aerate Wine?

There are several ways you can aerate wine. You can use an actual wine aerator, you can decant the wine, or you can simply let the wine rest in a crystal wine glass. One of our favorites here at OnWineTime.com is the Vinturi wine aerator. The beauty of this handy gadget is that it speeds up the wine aeration process; your wine gets aerated in the time it takes to pour a single glass. They have a patented design that provides the optimal mix of air/flow time. Another great thing about the Vinturi wine aerator is that they have a version specifically for white wines too (that makes this author happy as I am partial to it!). Yet another praise we’ll sing here is that they have a travel version of the wine aerators too so your wine can breathe perfectly wherever you yourself are breathing--on a beach, in a hot tub or snuggling up at the ski lodge…anywhere! The Vinturi wine aerators are exceptionally affordable, allowing anyone from the connoisseur to the novice to get the most out of their wine-drinking experience. Whatever route you take to aerate your wine, enjoy a toast from OnWineTime!