Glasses Really Do Make a Difference

Riedel XL Pinot Noir glass

We bought some special Pinot Noir glasses while we were in Oregon. They are made by the famous wine glass makers, Riedel. 

Originally, the story goes, they were designed as Oregon Pinot Noir glasses, but marketing them as that met some obstacles. They are now known as Riedel XL Pinot Noir wine glasses--but they are Pinot noir glasses. 

I did a test the other day with some friends.

I poured Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir into the glasses. I also poured the same wine into some regular wine glasses--unbeknownst to those drinking the wine.

The Test

I asked them to compare the wines.

Wow--three people were involved. All three were convinced that I had poured different wines into the glasses. All agreed that the wine in the Pinot Noir glasses was superior to the wine in the straight wineglass. It was difficult to convince them that the same wine was in both glasses.

Amazing confirmation. 

Glasses really do make a difference. The right glass enhances the smell and, therefore, the taste of a wine.

If you have ever had to drink wine from a plastic glass--like on an airplane, you understand what a travesty it really is. Even a great wine will not show to its potential in a plastic airline glass.

To fully enjoy great wines, take the time and spend the money to get stemware, glasses, that compliment the wines being served.

Do the test yourself--you will be amazed.

-- Bob and Christina Doan, Elkridge, MD