3 minute read
A Glass Half Full
- Michael Broadbent, British wine writer (1927–)
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Words and photos by Jacqui Chaisson Hardcover Book: Italy, Gary Malin - Indigo Books Wine: Matos Winery & Distillery
Those of us who truly love wine know that the glass is just as important as the vintage. It’s all about the ceremony of uncorking a fine bottle of wine, choosing the right vessel and filling the glass half full.
I love collecting wine glasses and my current favourites are Italian wine glasses: goblets, tumblers and vintage stemware. The Italian dining table is bare without a bottle of wine. They drink wine at lunch and dinner, also as an aperitif they usually have a glass of wine. Italians normally serve their wine in tumblers - what we would recognize as a common juice glass. Here are some examples that can get you started on your collection. Many of these can be found at local thrift stores or antique shops on the Island. There are also lots of reproduction stemware and tumblers available at various home decor and speciality boutiques. Happy hunting... Saluti!
Vintage tumblers from the 1970s are the perfect choice for the cottage. These are stamped, but there are vintage glasses with hand-painted designs.
These hand-blown glasses are infused with colour, simple yet beautiful. Visit an Island glass studio and choose a variety of colours.
I simply love these vintage tumblers, they make me feel so Italian! The avocado glasses are reproductions of vintage glasses - the pink crystal tumbler was found in a local antique shop - a great find!
For a simple choice, look for hand-blown, delicate crystal or a plain glass. Local thrift stores have an amazing variety for a few dollars apiece. Don’t worry about having matching sets. After all, it’s about the wine.
Vintage footed goblets are made from a heavy, hardy glass that can withstand the occasional enthusiastic “clinking.” In addition to the green, you can find them in pink, blue, white, cranberry and amber.
