Wine glasses are not just wine glasses. In fact, the type of wine glass you choose will have a big impact on how your wine tastes. That’s before you even consider the crystal or glass question. In today’s world, crystal glasses are a luxury investment. Particularly as they can chip or smash like a cheaper glass wine glass. Perhaps even more so, depending on the type of crystal glass you choose.
If you aren’t sure whether to invest in some crystal wine glasses. If you’re wondering if these beautiful, and possibly too fragile, glasses may be more trouble than they’re worth, keep reading. In this article, we look at the benefits of crystal wine glasses and help you figure out if they’re worth your hard-earned cash.
What Makes Crystal Wine Glasses Special?
Crystal wine glasses are made from a type of glass that has been mixed with minerals like lead or lead-free alternatives like titanium. This creates a glass that’s clearer and more hardwearing. The beautiful part of owning crystal glasses is that they refract light, so you get a sparkle and shine that you simply cannot get with glass wine glasses.
How long do crystal wine glasses last?
Crystal wine glasses that are high quality can last a long time, we’re taking family heirloom long time, even if they are being used and hand-washed. The first thing lots of people notice about crystal glasses is how they feel. They have a weight that you don’t get with glass wine glasses, and the higher the mineral content the weightier they tend to be. If you want your crystal glasses to last, invest in a set that has weight.
Craftsmanship and unique design
Some crystal glasses are cut using machines, while others are cut by hand. You can expect to spend more money if you choose to buy hand cut crystal glasses. But the beauty in the craftsmanship makes it worth the splurge. The light refracts better through hand cut glass and you have the advantage that you own unique glasses. When your glasses are hand cut there are no two sets the same.
Crystal glasses that are handblown will also often have a thinner rim, and the more modern crystal designs have the thin rim too. This does alter your drinking experience, and if you have owned the more traditional crystal glasses it takes a bit to get used to the thinner rim.
Crystal wine glasses feel luxurious and any time you drink from one you do feel a little bit special. It’s a moment that you can embrace and enjoy, which is why they can be a great investment if you enjoy drinking wine.
The Impact of Crystal on Wine Tasting
Crystal wine glasses can actually make your wine taste better. These are the reasons why your wine may taste better in a crystal wine glass:
- People say that when you drink wine from crystal glasses you getter a closer representations of the intended aromas and tastes of the wine. Crystal glasses provide a more authentic taste experience.
- Crystal wine glasses help the acidity and the balance of your wine. This is because they allow for overall better aeration of the wine. It can help make your wine to taste richer. It’s something you notice quite clearly if you have the same wine from a glass and then a crystal wine glass.
- The appearance of your wine is better in a crystal wine glass. The color of the wine will appear more vibrant as the light refracts on the crystal make your wine seem more full bodied.
- The weight and balance of the crystal wine glass in your hand will also add to your experience. It makes you want to savor each sip a little more and can even make you more mindful about how you drink, making the whole experience more enjoyable.
Durability: Are Crystal Glasses Fragile?
Crystal wine glasses are beautiful. They add that element of your luxury to your home, but they’re also a fairly durable investment in stemware if you enjoy drinking wine. Despite appearances you’ll find modern crystal, especially lead-free crystal, surprisingly tough.
They will still smash if dropped but the issues with stems overbalancing and causing spillages isn’t such a problem with crystal wine glasses. They are less susceptible to scratching in comparison to their glass counterparts and although not advisable you can put some modern crystal in the dishwasher.
Thee trick to keeping your crystal glasses for a long time is learning how to take care of them. Never stack them as this will likely lead to chipping. And consider investing in the special wine glass holders if you invest in crystal stemware as this is one of the best ways to store them.
If you don’t have the wine glass holders always store your crystal wine glasses with the rims facing upwards. This is because the rim is one of the most fragile parts. It is the thinnest part of the glass and more likely to chip if bumped.
Aesthetic and Visual Appeal
We all know that part of what makes our food and drink appealing comes from the way that it looks. There’s something about pouring a deep red wine into a crystal glass that just makes it feel extra special. Crystal wine glasses have this way of catching the light that regular glass just can’t compete with.
They also add that luxury feel to your room when they are set out while you enjoy your drink. It doesn’t matter what your style of décor is. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for modern cut crystal designs or the more traditional cut crystal patterns, they elevate your room.
Then there’s the impact on the taste, crystal glasses look so good that they can trick your mind into finding the wine you drink seem more expensive. From the depth a crystal glass adds to your wine which makes it more appealing, to the benefits the actual glass brings to the taste, it alters the entire aesthetic of your experience.
Crystal glasses have customisation options. You can get them engraved or etched, making them perfect for gifts or special occasions. Having a set engraved for a wedding, is a great way for people to have a reminder of their special day. It’s little touches like that which make crystal glasses more than just glasses. They become part of your household and your story, so when you sit down for a drink from one you have a moment too.
Are Crystal Wine Glasses Worth the Investment?
The answer is yes, but it really depends on how much you value the overall wine experience. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys savoring a glass of wine at the end of a long week then crystal glasses can definitely enhance that experience. They bring out more flavor and aroma. They look gorgeous on the table, and they’re durable enough to last for years if you take care of them.
That said, they are an expensive investment and if you’re on a budget they are an unrealistic cost. There are some great alternatives out there offering some of the benefits of crystal, without the higher price tag. But if you’re thinking long-term, and want something that’ll elevate every glass of wine you drink, crystal glasses are a solid investment.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, crystal wine glasses offer more than just aesthetics, they elevate the wine-drinking experience. Whether it’s improving your wine experience or adding a touch of elegance to your table, crystal glasses are a worthy investment for wine lovers. You don’t need to break the bank and can pick a set up to try fairly cheaply in thrift stores. Why not invest in a pair of crystal wine glasses and try the benefits for yourself.
