Monday, November 26, 2007

Cyber Monday and Proper Stemware

Today is the Monday after Thanksgiving, so-called "Cyber Monday." Traditionally (at least since the internet commerce age), today is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. The theory is that workers return to their offices after the Thanksgiving holiday, and since late Nov. is a slow time at many workplaces, end up shopping for Christmas gifts online. Internet retailers, capitalizing on the idea, have started to have big sales on Cyber Monday to entice shoppers to waste even more of their time and money from their cubicle. If Valentine's Day is a Hallmark Holiday, then Cyber Monday is a Amazon Holiday.

While I was actually very busy at work today, I still found some time to browse for some internet deals. The best one's I came across were at Amazon, where I found some huge discounts on wine glasses. I currently have inexpensive all-purpose wine glasses that I am pleased enough with, but I have always heard that a great wine will never reach its fullest potential unless it is drunk from a quality glass. However, fancy wine glasses are quite expensive, and I rarely drink wine that is good enough to warrant a glass that costs more than a few dollars in price. With with Amazon's sales marking down Spiegelau, Waterford, and Riedel glasses by up to 50%, I decided that today was as good as any to buy some nicer wine glasses.

Browsing the selection of glasses, I realized that shopping for stemware can be just as overwhelming as shopping for wine. Each producer makes glasses for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Viognier, Riesling, the list goes on and on. With all the choices to choose, from I decided to purchase a pair Waterford Mondavi Bordeaux glasses that were marked down to $25.00 from $50.00. All I wanted was a glass that was large enough that I could swirl a full serving of wine without spilling, and these seem like they will do the trick. I also purchased a pair of Waterford Mondavi Champagne flutes for the same price.

Since I had to keep my purchase a good deal, I selected the free Super Saver Shipping Option from Amazon, so who knows when I will actually receive the glasses and try them out. But I will definitely report back-- I think the first wine in my new glasses will have to be a Cabernet.

What are your thoughts on wine glasses? Is it really worth it to invest in good ones? What are the differences between glasses for each varietal?

7 comments:

RougeAndBlanc said...

I am just curious, what not Riedel?

Eddie Howard said...

Unfortunately, the best deals were on the Riedel tumbler-style glass; I wanted glasses with stems. The Riedels with stems, while on sale, were still a bit much for my budget. I will eventually invest in some Riedel's, but I do not drink nice enough wine yet to merit the purchase. Do you think I should reconsider? I still have time to change my order...

RougeAndBlanc said...

Well, the Riedel Vinum Extreme series (suitable for restaurant use) is not so expansive No more expansive than your Waterford. Personally, I think Waterford is a tad heavy in the hand.
Check the Riedel info here:
http://www.wineenthusiast.com///E/details.asp?Ep=An/0//A/3102&uid=9289555C-9491-4086-B40D-601E16E33C92&AfID=ZSHP

Compartive shopping result here:
http://www.pronto.com/Riedel-Vinum-Extreme-Cabernet-Merlot-10302086467-CG

RougeAndBlanc said...

BTW: If you like the brand/style, you can always add to them later.
In my mind, Cab, Pinot & Bubbly (2-4 each) should cover all grounds as starter

Eddie Howard said...

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll stick with the Waterford for now, but I think I'll aslo purchase two Riedel Burgundy glasses as well to kick off my stemware collection. There were some great deals on the in the Pronto comparison. And stupid question, but how does the Cabernet glass differ from the Pinot Noir glass-- why is one better for Cab and the other better for P.N.?

RougeAndBlanc said...

I wish I have a scientific answer to your question. All I know is that the aroma of Pinot is more intense from a Burgundy glass (because of the wider bottom and narrower rim) and the Cabernet (or Sirah/Cab Franc,zinfandel, etc.) is better from a Cabernet glass. (Maybe the flow of aroma is better with the taller glass).
If you are into Italian wines, then a set of Borolo glass is a must have.
Also, you can also use the Cab glass for whites and even sake, and that is why I suggest Riedel Vinum Cab glass because of the cup size is almost a general purpose glass.
Sorry for the long winded answer.

Eddie Howard said...

No need to apologize for being long winded; I need all the advice I can get. Thanks so much for the explanation.