Wine Glasses, How Do They Affect Wine?

Wine Glasses, How Do They Affect Wine? – Episode #111

October 19, 2006

Wines tasted in this episode:

Spreadsheet courtesy of Chris Stanisci
2003 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir North Slope
Caymus 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon SOLD OUT

Today Gary tackles a very important topic that many people discuss and debate at a fever pitch in the wine industry. Gary grabs two great wines and attacks this subjuct head first, please join in the discussion and let us know what you think. Also this is tell your friends thursday. Pass the WLTV word around!

229 Responses

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October 19, 2006

Susan
Karen,
I am sure there is a real difference not just perceived.
I have been to wine tastings and had wine out of proper wine glasses.
I just don’t have much in the bank at the moment.
I can tell a real difference between what I have at wine tastings and out of my cheap coffee mug.
It is night and day!
Really!
October 19, 2006

E
By the way: those large flour-sack towels are perfect for drying glasses off, especially if you have really hard water like we do. Lose the fabric softener when you’re washing them, though …
October 19, 2006

E
Who’s that hiding in the decanters? David Letterman? Andy Dufresne?

Not only does free shipping rock, by the way, but halfway across the country by Thursday? Land speed record.

Sam – I don’t know if they still make them, but the entry-level Riedel Ouvertures aren’t a bad deal; the generic red and white are nice if a little on the small side, and the magnum does pretty good all-purpose work (in fact, I think it’s the WLTV weapon of choice most days).
October 19, 2006

Dan G.
Gary, Super show. One of my favorites. Very Edumacational like the decanting episode. Like a few others have said before me; theres no way Im going out and buying 8 different set of stemware (have better things to spend money on). One or two do just fine by me. Have to score this one a 98.

Whats up with the comment. I used to like the Yankees till they won the World Series. Which of the 26 are you talking about. Thats assinine! Does that mean since the Jets have actually won one a loooong time ago you’re going to dump them too?
October 19, 2006

Susan
100 !?!?!?!?!?!?
Keep the comments coming Vanyiacs!!
October 19, 2006

Susan
Vanyiacs-
Since I don’t own any wine glasses yet.
How are you supposed to wash wine glasses?
Does anyone know?
October 19, 2006

Greg
Gary,

Nice billboard outside of Giants (Jets) stadium.
W-I-N-E!
October 19, 2006

Jaye
PeteB – I use dishwashing liquid with a good rinsing. Then dry with a lint-free towel. Bascially everything you aren’t supposed to do. Haven’t tasted soap or cloth yet!
October 19, 2006

PeteB
I really enjoyed this episode and I echo the sentiment above, I hope to see more like this.

QOD: Only with the nose have I noticed a difference btw. glasses. Now, would I run out and get a different glass for every wine – the answer is no – I’ll stick to the basics – a glass for reds, a glass for whites and a glass for the bubbly.

However, what I would also like to note that I have experienced an extreme difference in glasses when I dine out, but I don’t think it was the glass that made the difference, but rather how they were cleaned. For example, my wife & I tried the Cain Concept out at a restaurant – we experienced a really shocking vanilla nose on the wine. But when we tried it at home in our glasses, the vanilla nose was completely absent and the taste was also very different. So we were wondering what the difference was – then we tried a Cab. Sauv. at another restaurant and what would you know – the same exact vanilla nose. Now our glasses at home were not far off from the glasses in the restaurant and we decanted the same time as in the restaurant (plus we did it 3 times), so the only difference we can guess is the way the glasses are cleaned at some restaurants. At home we basically use hot water and minimal detergent on occasion. I don’t know, but has anyone else experienced the same?
October 19, 2006

Chuck W
SS Chris….thanks one more time for the spreadsheet. I do not buy without it. The Mets have no pitchers and they are going to win this thing.
October 19, 2006

Chris Marcantonio
Gary,
October 19, 2006

SS Chris
Did anyone see that catch by Endy Chavez?

AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Mets!!!!!!!
October 19, 2006

DennisA
Enjoyed a “Hearty Burgundy” in a “looney toon” grape jelly glass on a lawn chair on a summer evening.
Priceless, Absolutely Priceless
October 19, 2006

Susan
Gary-
More education – excellent!
Thanks for the tip using a funnel and taking wine to a restaurant.
I just have to find a restaurant that will let me BYOB and not kick me out!
October 19, 2006

Susan
SS Chris,
Sorry about that.
I meant to say time
consuming.
Anyway, I haven’t had much sleep.
I am not a good speller even when I have had sleep.
October 19, 2006

Susan
Brandon M,
I am glad to see I am not the only one who works!
I wasn’t at home for almost a month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My new job is good
but being gone that long is exhausting!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
October 19, 2006

Susan
Gary-
I don’t care what anyone says.
I like the shirt and tie!
It is a cool outfit!
It shows you (& Liz) have good taste in clothing!
Or is that Liz & you?
Anyway, you have good taste!
October 19, 2006

Jaye
oops . . . no diference between Syrah and Bordeaux.
October 19, 2006

Susan
SS Chris-
THANK YOU sooooooooooooooooooooo…………
much for all of your work on the spreadsheet!!!!!
I am sure it is very time confusing!
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
October 19, 2006

Jaye
Hiya Karen — I also disagree with you . . . to some degree. After buying my Syrah glasses I noticed there was little (if any) discernable difference between the two samples. However, there is a very noticeable difference between the Chablis and the Bordeaux. There is also a very noticeable difference between drinking wine out of gorgeous Waterford crystal and a Riedel wine glass . . . and by the way, the Riedel Vinums cost a lot less than my Waterford too.

For most people the difference in taste would be absolutely imperceptible. This is also why I would never waste a 20 year old Bordeaux on someone who thinks Yellowtail is “awesome”. However, for those of us who really look for those differences in wine . . . the things that make a wine unique — the shape of the glass does seem to make a difference. And frankly, I have no problem spending $24 on a Bordeaux glass that I will use over and over and over again to drink wines that cost $30 – $300. If I am spending that much on a wine, and have then allowed it to cellar for 5-15 years, I want to make sure I am getting every aspect of that wine.
October 19, 2006

Rob M.
Gary, Please don’t apologize for not getting to questions when you deliver episodes like today and yesterday. Outstanding episodes, fun, educational, and informative. I continue to enjoy every day!
October 19, 2006

Kahuna
Karen – Great post – But sorry I dont buy it. Science says there no such thing as a curveball. I don’t belive that either
October 19, 2006

MarcT
On a second side note…I have paid $865 for one bottle of wine…WTF?!?!?!?!?!
October 19, 2006

JohnM
Muchas gracias to both GaryV and SS Chris. This epi gets a 98.
October 19, 2006

MarcT
Thanks for the info SS Chris…you are great…Thanks again for your efforts!