Wine Glasses Demystified

To keep things simple I examine three quick details before choosing a stem. Firstly is the alcohol content. Glassware with a more narrow bowl and wider rim diameter will allow more ambient airflow thus quelling the perception of booze in a high alcohol wine. This can be important if you want more of the fruit aromas to show through and not the warming aroma of alcohol. Try smelling vodka out of a martini glass vs a brandy snifter and you’ll see what I mean. If you are a fan of reds from warmer climates, chances are they will have elevated alcohol, these show well out of classic shaped red wine glasses. These are generally larger tulip shaped glasses and can vary slightly in rim diameter. Merlot, Shiraz/Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the like, are at home here.

Secondly is the aromatic intensity of the wine. Generally more aromatically intense red wines are served in glasses with a wider bottom of the bowl with a more narrow rim diameter. Examples being, Gamay, Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir. Pinot is renowned for its bright fruit aromas and complexity of other ‘non-fruit’ aromas. These are more apparent in a wider bottomed glass with a narrow rim. Hence the advent of the Burgundy and New World Pinot Noir glasses. The shape allows the wine to be swirled in order to coax more aromas from the wine whilst keeping them from dissipating before one can have a good sniff. Don’t forget that the vast amount of flavours discerned from a wine are due to the nose and not palate alone. SMELL IT!

My third rule of thumb is slightly more ambiguous but can certainly be the most important. What are you looking to get out of the wine? Considering how various glass shapes and sizes impact the perception of a wine can be tailored to caress wines into showcasing different characteristics. For example, you purchase a Pinot Noir and put it in a Pinot Noir glass. That stands to reason doesn’t it? What you didn’t account for is 14.7% alcohol and upon smelling it, you notice it isn’t quite as aromatic as you expected. The alcohol could be dominating your senses resulting in the wine showing a little numb or quiet. You then decide to try it out of a glass more suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon, and voila, the alcohol has a place to go other than up your nose and the aromas reveal themselves. In this specific example you could also bring the temperature of the wine down a few degrees to calm the perception of alcohol, but that is a story for another day.

Looking forward to when we delve into white wine glassware. Whites, especially

more aromatically coy ones, can have remarkable variances in expression with various glassware. Have fun, drink up (responsibly), remember that wine is about inclusion, and is best served amongst friends.

Chris Turyk - I love wine, a lot. I’m a Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma graduate, and get in everyones way @ unsworthvineyards. Follow my personal antics @farmersomm

Tasting Room Open Friday & Saturdays 11am - 5pm or by appointment. 250 597-4075 6798 Norcross Rd, Duncan

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Unsworth Vineyards 2018 Unsworth Rose

Estate grown red varietals Cabernet Foch and Cabernet Libre combine to make a dry, crisp and aromatic full-bodied rosé wine with hints of cranberry and blackberry. “Alderlea Rosé resembles a Provence-style of rosé, a perfect summer wine that pairs exceptionally well with seafood and poultry dishes or simply a sunny patio. $24.25 This vibrant coastal Pinot Noir Rosé has notes of wild strawberries, and delicate, dried herbs with pronounced minerality. This dry Provençal- styled Rosé is wonderful by itself and loves to be paired with Mediterranean fare. $22

Rocky Creek Winery Robin’s Rose 2019

Brand new Tempranillo rose this year. Robin’s line of wine. This Rose has wonderful aromas and flavours of cherries and strawberries. There is a great color that fills up a glass beautifully. This Rose is available only at the winery. Enjoy with patio season

Alderlea Vineyards 2018 Rosé

or takeout such as gyros. $27.50

Silverside Farm

U-PICK 2020 Season July 16th - August 30th Thursday/Friday 12-6 Saturday/Sunday 8-4 Please book an appointment to pick, $3/lb 250-743-9149 or berries@silversidefarm.com 3810 COBBLE HILL RD. COBBLE HILL, BC (250) 743-9149 www.silversidefarm.com

Cherry Point Estate Wines 2019 Spritzy Rosé

This unique wine is made with three grape varietals that were planted at the farm 27 years ago, which are represented by the three dancing muses on the label.

Fresh with aromatic scents, subtle minerality, and slightly effervescent, is a perfect wine for those after work moments. $25

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