On Glassware

A brief discussion of glassware. For a relative beginner such as myself, appreciation of proper glassware is not really a consideration. I understand the thinking behind having different shapes for different varietals, but I am not sure that I percieve much difference. Is the shape really so important to truly enjoying that glass of expensive wine?

There have been a few scientific studies regarding this, and most reach the same conclusion - that the shape can have an effect on aroma, but this is often fairly minimal. What appears important is the basic shape, which is a oblong ovaloid shape that allows the aroma to be trapped somewhat. Remember that the smell is one of the most important aspects of wine enjoyment, and that smell is intimately linked to taste as well.

The material is also important - glass is fairly porous and can be ruined if you use your wineglass for something strong like coffee, for example. Again, however, one of the most important parts of enjoying wine is seeing the color. I can judge some varietals by color, and you can't see color if you are drinking from a flask!

So - if you are just getting into wine and are looking for some glassware beyond the "10 glasses for 10 dollars!" deals, I recommend the lower end Riedel glasses, particularly the Overture line. These are light, crystal glasses that are amazingly strong. They are large, allowing for more aroma. And any wine snob that visits will at least be impressed with your glassware, if not the wine!!!!!

Happy Drinking!

2004 Dante Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection

Winemaker Michael Pozzan, inspired by a trip through the Tuscan countryside, has put together a surprisingly good value in his 2004 Dante Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (under $10). Now, I'm the first to admit that I'm a sucker for a California Cab these days, but I'm very picky about what I like. I prefer a thick, layered taste with noticable but not overbearing tannins, dark fruits and a hint of cream. This wine has most of those characteristics, if a bit unrefined.

The tannins are a little harsh and there is a very slight bitterness to this wine, although not nearly as bitter as some others I've tasted recently. For the price (I got it for $8, but have seen it online for $6) this is an excellent value. This would be an excellent wine to pair with food - pasta or a strong cheese - as it holds up well without being too dominant.

2003 Famiglia Bianchi San Rafael Malbec

I've had three bottles of the 2003 Famiglia Bianchi Malbec ($23) over the last few months and this has become a hidden gem for me.

Most Malbecs today hail from Argentina, although it has its roots as one of the six Bourdeaux blending grapes. In fact, it is becoming more common to see South American wines that make single varietal (or close to it) from grapes that have traditionally been used for blending.

This is a wine that benefits from a little air after opening. The first smell and taste is a bit on the peppery side, with fairly strong tannins. This is probably a result of aging ten months in oak. Some of my colleagues have detected a hint of smoke, while I smell fig, ink and dark fruit. This wine reminds me of some Calfornia Cabernets, only a little more tannic. After ten or fifteen minutes this wine really opens up, revealing it's layered depth - cherry, fig, a little cream and still just a hint of pepper.

I can't even compare it to the wine below - this is in a different class and well priced at around $20.

2002 Frei Brothers Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

For a party I decided to bring a nice bottle of wine, so I picked up a bottle of the 2002 vintage Frei Brothers Alexander Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($22). I have had another offering by this winery before, and although I didn't like it, I thought that stepping up in price might yield a better result.

I was wrong.

I found this wine to have an unpleasant sour edge, with little in the way of finish. It was too fruity and had only a little of the complexity that I've come to love in a good Cab.

Not recommended!