Itโs hard to talk about great foodโour area of expertiseโwithout talking about how much we love wine. We love talking about all the different varieties of grape, how to drink wine properly, and, of course, the best glass to serve it in.
Of course, weโd be remiss not to mention the stemmed vs stemless debateโi.e., does the stem really make a difference? The short answer is yes, if you want to enjoy your wine as much as possible itโs worth using stemmed wine glasses. Letโs get into all the reasons why.
Stemmed Wine Glasses
The iconic silhouette of a stemmed wine glass is almost as much a part of the wine-drinking experience as the wine itself. Not only is it incredibly elegantโboth to have and to holdโbut it preserves the temperature and, thus, the taste and aroma of good wine, whether red or white.
Advantages of Using Stemmed Wine Glasses
1. Better Temperature Control
When you hold a glass of wine by the bowl, the heat from your hand transfers to the glass and raises the wineโs temperature. This isnโt just an issue for chilled white or rosรฉ wines, but also for higher quality wines with more complex aromas and flavor profiles.
2. Keeps the Bowl Smudge-free
It may seem incredibly nitpicky, but a big reason to use a stemmed glass is to keep from smudging the bowl. This can make it harder to assess the color and texture of the wine, and is commonly considered a fine dining faux-pasโespecially when it leaves your host with a greasy glass to clean.
3. Easier Swirling and Aeration
Most wines benefit from swirling, which helps to introduce oxygen into the glass that results in releasing more of the aromas while softening tannins. A stem can help you swirl the glass with less movement of the wrist, reducing the chance of spilling.
Considerations of Using Stemmed Wine Glasses
Fragility and Storage Concerns
Wine glasses have a reputation for being fragile, but higher-quality stemware has less tendency to break. Because our wine glasses are made from two piecesโa bowl and stem pulled from the same piece of glass, and a foot added as a counterweightโrather than the typical three, theyโre stronger and more balanced.
That being said, if you live in a space with limited storage space and/or have pets or children running around, having stemmed wine glasses around might pose a bit of a risk.
Where to Use a Stemmed Wine Glasses
1. Wine Tastings
For wine tastings, where the focus is on appreciating each wineโs bouquet, body, and color as much as possible, a stemmed glass will likely be the option at hand at vineyards.
2. Elevated or Formal Dinner Parties
Stemmed glasses make every event feel a little more elegant, so theyโre a no-brainer for serving wine at formal dinner parties, champagne for wedding toasts, or at other fancy occasions.
3. With Specific Wine Types
If youโre uncorking a nice bottle of Burgundy or another high-quality wine, youโll want to keep the wine at a consistent temperature, as well as keep the bowl clean and fingerprint-free. Stemmed glasses are also preferable for prosecco, rosรฉ, and other chilled wines.
Stemless Wine Glasses
A stemless wine glass is exactly what it sounds like: a glass thatโs all bowl, no stem. Because theyโre a little less formal, some wine drinkers reach for them when theyโre going for a more relaxed vibe.
Advantages of Using Stemless Wine Glasses
1. Better Stability
Because stemless wine glasses typically have a rounded bowl that rests on a flat base, theyโre simply less likely to tip over than a stemmed glass.
2. Versatility and Convenience
While you can serve non-wine beverages out of stemmed glasses (we love using them for cocktails, or even beer), some events call for more casual drinkware.
3. Easy Storage
If you have limited cabinet space and/or vertical storage options, a set of stemless glasses might be a better option.
Considerations of Using Stemless Wine Glasses
1. Temperature Regulation Issues
As we mentioned, one of the most importantโif not the most importantโfunction of a stem is to prevent the wine from absorbing the heat of your hand, which can dull the flavors and aromas. This is why many sommeliers and discerning wine drinkers arenโt fans of the stemless glass.
2. Limited Suitability for Certain Wines
While this totally depends on your personal preference, many wine drinkers view stemless glasses as overly informalโparticularly in formal restaurants or wine bars. If youโre looking for a more upscale look, a stemmed glass might be a better pick.
Where to Use Stemless Wine Glasses
1. Casual Gatherings
Stemless glasses are a great match for informal events like barbecues, casual dinner parties, or pretty much any gathering that involves kids or pets.
2. Outdoor Events
A stemless glass can be a safer option for outdoor events, where uneven terrain, wind, or other elements can more easily lead to tipping or breaking.
3. Informal Wine Tastings
For a less buttoned-up-feeling wine tastingโlike at homeโa stemless glass can be an ideal serving vessel.
Whatโs the Difference, and Does It Matter?
We think everyone should enjoy wine the way they feel most comfortable, whether that means using crystal stemware or a juice glass, trattoria-style.
That being said, a stemmed glass really can enhance the wine-drinking experience, and possibly even turn a casual wine-drinker into a serious aficionado. So if youโre going to buy a single set of glasses, we think stemmed is by far the most versatile option.
Ready to Shop?
So much of what we do revolves around making our customersโ lives easier and more enjoyable, whether that means eating off the best ceramic plateware or cooking with professional-grade pots and pans. Thatโs why we care so much about the type of wine glass you choose: Whether youโre hosting a formal dinner party or just enjoying a quiet night at home, sipping from a quality glass can improve your wine-drinking experience tenfold. And because our Wine Glasses are as sturdy as they are elegant, we think theyโre more than up to the task.