Much as I would love to have a cupboard full of high-end, varietal-specific glasses, that just seems a bit too-too for a space-starved New Yorker. This has been a year of remodeling and carefully editing possessions – out with the lemon squeezer and in with a proper set of wine glasses. But which ones?
After arduous research, I opted for the Scott-Zwiesel 'Fortissimo' Bordeaux wine glasses. The Bordeaux shape is classic, and all-purpose enough to enhance any varietal from a big Barolo to a flowery Roero-Arneis. What’s genius is that they have fortified the glass with titanium to lend brawn and resilience, while still maintaining brilliance and clarity. Measuring in at nearly 11 inches tall, their height and elegance make them the supermodel of the wine glass world. Plus, the 22-ounce capacity makes for good swirling. It just took me a bit before realizing that I was serving one-third bottle pours in each glass. Lucky dinner guests.
That said - I still keep a separate set of glasses for bubbly as I’m a purist when it comes to sparkling wines. Ultimately, I’d like to replace the current set with the champagne flutes from the Fortissimo line, which would have been a perfect addition to my leisurely brunch at home with B. today that involved Ca’del Bosco Franciacorta. As one of Italy’s premier producers of bubbly, this bone-dry spumante (which is a generic term for sparkling wine in Italian) is made from a heavenly blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc and is among my top picks for ringing in the new year – although I’m also contemplating Bruno Giacosa Spumante.
No story is complete without beautiful irony. I broke one of my titanium wine glasses the first time out the gate - but that was due to user error. Strong as they may be, evidently they cannot withstand a CaesarStone-to-cement-floor drop in a fit of conversation (or at least that's the blog-friendly version)...
Cin cin e buon anno a tutti!