Throughout my 39 odd years with wine glasses, I have tried more than my fair share. For many years I used the Riedel Magnum for everything. When I hosted groups at my home I was well prepared. At one time I had about 80 of these glasses. They were functional and strong.
These days the groups are smaller, maybe 4-6 at any one time. For these moments I use the Eataly glasses in top photograph, made by RCR Luxion. These are pictured below. I take them to BYOs and they travel well. Strong and perfectly shaped and not too big. I own about 20 right now and they have become hard to find.
Then there is my lineup. Starting from right to left is my new favorite, the Glasvin Aromatic. I had a concern when I ordered this one as I thought it was too big (width). I have come to love it, you can view wines downwards better and for some of the Barolos I have been enjoying, this is key. The glass is perfectly balanced and on the swirl test is perfect. (I roll the glass between my thumb and forefinger and see its imperfections and unevenness. 95% of the glasses out there fail this test, even the Eataly glass mentioned above. Hand blown has its rewards. I use this for Barolo and Brunello. I own two.
My second favorite recently replaced by the Glasvin is the Conterno Sensory in the #2 position in photograph. Pricey but beautiful I tend to go less to it these days and reach for the Glasvin. I own one.
My third favorite and holding strong for about 8 years now is the Riedel vinum new world pinot noir (position #3), of which I have about 6. These have become quite pricey these days. For Pinot Noir, these are my go to’s
In the #1 spot in photo is the Riedel Grape Pinot Noir. I love this design and recently broke one. When I went to replace I was shocked that its price has doubled from what I paid for 2 ($39), so I did not replace.
Another new glass that I am on the fence with is the Made In red. Bought 4 and gave 2 to my brother.
The top shelf has one of my two Les Impitoyables Champagne. Best champagne glass I have ever used. I also have 2 Les impitoyables Old Red glasses that I use for my ‘oldish’ Cabs. For younger Cabs I go to the Riedel Extremes hidden in the back. somewhere. To be honest, I don’t drink much Cab these days. Whites usually get the Eataly glasses.
The statue should reflect me and my weariness in all of this glassware stuff, but no, after 39 years, I still love it all.