How Much Do You Know About Stemware?

Stemware is defined as a type of glassware typically mounted on a base with a stem leading up to the bowl or the actually liquid holding area of the item. For the most part, stemware is constructed from glass, but is also manufactured from other materials such as ceramic and metal. Additionally, stemware is characteristically fancier and more suited for formal occasions at times, hence the higher price tag that is carries compared to standard glassware and drinking vessels.

The Different types of Stemware

Goblets And Chalices

Despite the fact that the array of stemware available on the market today is very diverse, these items are typically classified into one of the following 6 categories:

* Brandy Snifters - used for brandy and cognac
* Chalices or Goblets - used for wine drinking and tasting
* Champagne Flutes - the name implies the obvious usage
* Cocktail Glasses - more specifically Margarita or Martini Glasses
* Cordial Glasses - for aperitifs, cordials, and liqueurs
* Wine Glasses - again the name implies the obvious usage
* Stemless Wine Glasses - shaped the same as the conventional wine glasses and relegated to use with red wines

Additionally, the type of foods or meal that you are serving will determine the type of stemware that you should use with your table setting.

Several schools of thought exist where the materials that stemware is most commonly manufactured from. Typically, these materials include one of the following in ascending order of least to most desirable:

* Cut or fused glass - not a desirable material to use since it is apt to interfere with the wine's flavor and oftentimes have a rough and/or thick lip that makes drinking the liquid uncomfortable for some individuals.

* Blown glass - the most common yet second best choice of material to use. It is also considered acceptable or desirable for the casual wine drinker due to having a thinner lip compared to cut or fused glass.

* Lead crystal - the material of choice where the more serious wine drinking circles are concerned. The advantages of lead crystal are purely aesthetic due to the fact this is a heavier material, has a higher refraction index for clarity, and results in an ease of workability during the manufacturing process.

How to Choose the Ideal Stemware for Your Table Setting

Based on the vast diversity of designs and styles, shopping for stemware is not always any easy proposition. In fact, it can get confusing and extremely frustrating as a result. Here are a few suggestions to assist you in your search for the ideal stemware for your table:

Sticking to the basics eliminates a lot of grief. The first decision involves the material that the stemware is made from. So you need to decide if you want crystal or glass. Most likely, this will be determined based on how casual or formal the stemware is that you are searching for.
Shape is the next consideration. If capturing the aroma of the liquid is the key issue, then you need to be searching for the proper shape that will enhance that element.

Design and style of the stemware depends on your personal taste. Regardless, this is what to consider next. This relates to not only the size of the bowl and rim but to how comfortable the lip of the bowl feels.

You know your budget the best. Once you have completed the three prior steps, you need to consider what your budget will bear. Stemware carries with it a wide pricing range from the very inexpensive to the extremely costly. Only you can know this part of the search and purchasing equation. Just make this a serious consideration and you should be safe regardless of your choice.

How Much Do You Know About Stemware?

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