Wine Accessories and Glasses

                                                  It has been discovered recently that lead in glass decanters and wine glasses have caused an unacceptable exposure to dangerous toxins. Long term storage has been known to leach lead into the stored contents, therefore, causing health hazards.

It has been considered that the historic association of gout within the upper classes of America and Europe, was, in part, caused by constant use of lead crystal decanters to store whiskey and fortified wines.

Ravenscroft crystal, which is hand blown in Europe, produces a line of stemware that is individually crafted and is absolutely lead free - it also boosts the bouquet of all wines. Ravenscrofts’ Amplified tasting collection is very similar to Reidel’s crystal Vinum Extreme collection, yet Ravenscroft  glasses and decanters are lead free.

Port wine sippers are unique wine glasses designed specifically so that your hand warms the spirits as you sip slowly through the stem. This method enhances the flavor of liquors and port wines. Port wine is typically heavier, sweeter, and has a higher alcohol content than most wines. Port is usually a sweet red wine, but also comes in dry, semi-dry, and a white variety.

Port is produced from grapes grown and processed in the Duoro region of Portugal. It is then fortified with brandy to stop the fermentation, leaving residual sugar in the wine to boost the alcohol content. The wine is then aged in cellars or caves before being bottled.

Port received its name in the latter half of the 17th Century from Porto, a seaport city at the mouth of the Douro River, where it was brought to market or exported to other European countries.  The Douro valley where port is produced,  is now a protected region,  and is the third oldest wine region in the world,  after Tokaji and Chianti.

Serving wine with a meal enhances the menu,  inspires conversation,  and along with using attractive crystal stemware,  adds sophistication to the dinnertime experience.

Red wines should be opened about one hour prior to serving to allow the wine to “breathe” and mix with the air to develop full flavor and aroma. White wines and champagnes should be opened just before serving. Remember to twist the bottle, not the cork.

Wine often drips when poured, but this can be prevented with care. You can place a fabric-lined ring near the top of the bottle  to catch that pesky drip. You can also purchase a non-drip wine server, or you can also try the “pour and roll” technique which takes a bit of practice. When pouring is complete, pull bottle up and away from the glass and curl bottle slightly to the right or left. This technique appears professional, but keep a napkin ready, just in case.

If you love your fine wines, then you probably know that each type of wine should be consumed from a different kind of glass. Many wine fanatics would tell you that the experience of sipping their favorite Pinot Noir from cut crystal wine glasses is far superior to sipping from a cheaper version.

The process of drinking wine is about more than tasting it. A fine wine should be appreciated for its looks, aroma and flavor layering. Professor Claus. J. Riedel was the first person to design glasses for different kinds of wine. He worked with experienced wine tasters to determine how glass size affects the intensity of the aroma for different wines, which shapes direct wine to certain parts of the tongue and how fruitiness and tannins are emphasized by certain shapes.