Winemaster discover the true taste

Transcription

1 Winemaster discover the true taste with Joe Wadsack Dartington Crystal Torrington Devon EX38 7AN England t f e info@dartington.co.uk professional wine consultant

2 contents Winemaster an introduction with joe wadsack To enhance your enjoyment and understanding of wine, Dartington Crystal created The Wine Master collection. Each individual glass is designed for a specific style or variety of wine to enhance the tasting experience. These benefits have been recognised and endorsed by Joe Wadsack one of today s leading professional wine tasters and presenters. We hope this booklet will help you get the most from your glasses and the wine you enjoy in them. An introduction with Joe Wadsack What makes a good glass How to taste Taste The basics Buying, Storing & Serving The Collection White Wine Chardonnay Burgundy Champagne Grand Cru Shiraz Merlot Bordeaux Chef s Taster Rosé Wine Cooler Carafe Brandy Port Sherry Dessert Wine Water Glass Caring for your crystal Solo wine tumblers Joe Wadsack won the coveted International Wine and Spirit Communicator of the Year Award in Having first studied wine making in Bordeaux, he spent several years working as a wine buyer and expert consultant for several leading retail chains before embarking on his own broadcasting and writing career. Joe s enthusiasm for wine is truly infectious and his straight talking style made him an ideal choice as the Dartington consultant for Wine Master and other wine related glassware. He also has a great palate, this enabled him to become the youngest ever International Senior Wine Judge at The Royal Melbourne Wine Show. Having talked to wine enthusiasts and tasted wines all over the world I am very aware of how a well made glass can really bring the aromas and tastes of wine alive. There are many alternatives out there but I feel that Wine Master offers everything I want in a wine glass for my home. With enough variety to do the job, each chosen shape has been tailored to enhance your drinking pleasure. A wine glass should be a thing of ultimate function, balanced and beauty. The Wine Master range has all of these things, and I am delighted to help explain what they do and how they work. Tasting Notes 26 1

3 what makes a good wine glass? Discovering the true flavour and character of any wine starts with a good glass. Experts agree that Wine Master glasses have everything it takes to deliver the best tasting experience! how to taste A fine smooth rim lets the wine flow easily onto the lips and tongue to enhance tasting experience. Fine pure crystal allows the wines true colour and condition to be clearly seen and appreciated. Bowl shapes specifically designed (for shape, proportions and capacity) that work in harmony with the characterstics of the style of wine that the glass is matched to. Balance the subtle combination of foot, stem and bowl that always feels good to handle with differing amounts of wine. Tall elegant stems allow the glass to be held without warming or obscuring the liquid. Wine is part of everyday life. Get bogged down in the so-called mystique and you ll probably miss the point. Its up to you what you think of a wine - no one is right or wrong in deciding what a wine tastes like. Take a little time to pay attention to what you re tasting and I will guarantee you will enjoy your wine more. Look Pour the wine into the glass so that it is a third full and tilt it against a light background so you can see the range of colours in the wine. Look at the rim of the liquid not the middle. It should be clear and bright and not cloudy or hazy. The appearance of the wine will tell you about the likely flavour, weight and age. Wine from very sunny climates tend to have rich vibrant colours. As a wine ages, whites gather deeper golden hues which can also indicate oaky or sweet flavours. Young reds often have a purple tinge which darkens to brick red with age. Swirl and Sniff It s important to give the wine in the glass a good old swirl to help release its aroma. Then stick your nose into the glass close to the liquid and take one or more good sniffs. You should be hit by a range of amazing smells a wine can have. Any unpleasant smells usually means you re not likely to enjoy drinking it. The nice aromas are good clues to the flavours in the wine. Remembering the different flavours and smells will help you compare different wines. Slurp Now you are ready to taste. Make sure you take a decent slurp into your mouth enough to properly coat the tongue and all areas of the mouth. Swirl and chew the liquid around your mouth and then suck some air through the wine before you swallow it. This sipping and slurping ensures the wine s flavours reach all the various taste sensors in the mouth.while this is all going on, think about the taste and textures you are picking up. Then you can make the final decision did you like it or not? 2 3

4 taste the basics buying, storing & serving Acidity A natural part of any grape juice; the acids in red wine provide bite and give whites their tangy freshness. There are dozens of different kinds of acids and their resulting taste sensations. The sensors that detect acids are at the side of the tongue. A lack of acidity can make a wine too soft or flabby. In order to maximise your enjoyment of wine drinking, it s worth learning a few important tips to ensure that the wine arrives in the glass in top condition. Sweetness Where there is fruit there is always sugar. Sweeter fruit flavours are detected on the tip of the tongue and, just like acids, there are lots of them. Fruit flavours are often used in describing how a wine tastes lemon, gooseberry or apples in whites; blackcurrant and blackberry for reds. The balance of fruit and acidity is the backbone to a wine s structure and taste. Alcohol The degree to which the sugar has been converted to alcohol during the wine making will affect the level of alcohol present. Alcohol influences the aromas and flavours detected and is usually linked to the richness or power that a wine has. Other Flavours While acid, fruit and alcohol are distinct flavours, there are many other sensations from the wine and it s production process. Bitter tannins from the grape skins and stems, or the oak barrels used in storing are just some of the factors that can add elements of flavour. Wine is a very simple and natural product. Although the taste characteristics of wine can be very varied and complex, the basic elements that make a wine taste how it tastes are the same. The only thing that varies is the balance of these elements due to different grapes, growing regions and production methods. Buying Firstly, you should make sure that the bottle is in good condition and, where possible, that it has been stored in reasonable condition prior to your purchase. It shouldn t have any signs of leakage around the neck, nor should the wine level fall below the capsule when the bottle is placed upright. Dented screwcaps are to be avoided too. If you are buying the wine to keep for a reasonable amount of time (more than a year), then ask if there is any of the wine stored elsewhere, where the wine hasn t been subjected to bright lights and temperature variation. These two things along with vibration and very low humidity cause the most damage to wine in storage. Storing If you have checked that the wine is in good condition, then ensure that it continues to be kept in the correct environment. Do NOT put it in a rack in the kitchen. This is the worst possible place for wine storage. Extremes of temperature, noise, humidity, and light variation all happen in the kitchen on a daily basis. The clichéd cupboard under the stairs is actually the next best place to a proper cellar, as long as it is radiator free and the wine is out of the light. Serving White wine is often served too cold. With the exception of dessert wine and fizz, white wine should be served at a temperature slightly warmer than a typical refridgerator. I remove the wine from the fridge where it should have been placed at least a few hours before. I then remove the closure and leave it on the side for 5 minutes. This seems to help the aroma of the wine. For red wines, it pays to own a decent carafe or decanter. Most wines will benefit from being aired in one for between 5 minutes and half an hour, depending on how young and intense the wine is. Few wines throw a sediment these days unless the wine has significant age, like a port for example. It is essential to have a decanter for those occasions too. Merely pulling the cork from a wine and letting it breathe is not enough. In fact wine breathes better if poured into the glass ten minutes before drinking, if a decanter is not available. I decant youthful top end oaked whites too. There is no reason why whites shouldn t benefit from decanting as much as reds. Red wines should be served one or two degrees cooler than the temperature of the room. Red wine that is too warm is possibly the biggest wine sin of all. 4 5

5 white wine chardonnay An all-purpose white wine glass designed to accentuate the elegant focused aromas, and fresh incisive flavours of crisp unoaked white wines. Grape varieties that work particularly well in this glass are Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, in both its dry and sweet forms, and other cool climate whites, such as Soave or Pinot Grigio. The tall bowl helps to accentuate the lighter, more fruity and floral aromas, while the elegantly curved lip heightens the perception of acidity and freshness in the wine. The perfect glass from which to enjoy the world s most popular grape variety. In truth, it works particularly well on all rich, creamy whites that have had some barrel fermentation or oak treatment Although New World Chardonnay is by far and away the most popular example of this style, many other commonly oaked varieties would benefit from being served in this wonderful glass. Tasting is improved through its shorter bowl shape. By reducing the distance of the drinker s nose to the liquid, while still having sufficient volume for the wine s vapours to mingle, it helps integrate all the wine s fruity aromas with the spicy characters of the oak. The wide lip also gives the impression of softening the wine, reducing its acidic characters. Other successful matches with this glass include Viognier, Semillon, Gewürztraminer and Rhône-styled white wines. 215mm 35cl 190mm 40cl 6 7

6 burgundy champagne The Burgundy glass, for those lovers of this style, is a most important glass to own. Drinking great Pinot Noir from anywhere in the world out of an unsuitable glass will result in missing out on many of the more subtle aromatic nuances and textural pleasures of this truly great wine style. The large, wide bowl is essential to allow the complex aromas of the wine to harmonise. A wide lip also helps to rein in the typically high acidity and to accentuate the creamy texture of the wine. Italian red wine lovers will need this glass too, if the great reds of Piemonte, namely Barolo and Barbaresco, rate high on the list. Nebbiolo, the grape variety responsible for these great red wines, is similar in many ways to Pinot Noir and hence needs a similar glass. Champagne and sparkling wines vary greatly in style. Therefore, the communication of the sensory qualities needs to be as neutral as possible so that the glass does not favour one style of champagne over another. This classic flute is modelled on an elongated professional tasting glass, so that it displays all of the wines facets to the full. The fine crystal bowl shows off the visual fireworks that a glass of champagne provides, and a narrow lip helps keep the thread of bubbles flowing. A long slender stem makes this perfectly balanced glass a delight to hold and keeps warm hands well away from the wine. 230mm 65cl 235mm 20cl 8 9

7 grand cru shiraz The Grand Cru is designed with the fine wine enthusiast in mind. The extra large bowl and carefully shaped lip were specifically created to improve the characteristics of mature fine wines. Whether it is a classic classed-growth Bordeaux or a fully mature Reserva Rioja, this stem allows the full complexity of the wine to sing. The flared lip delivers the wine to the sides of the tongue, which promotes a gentle rounding of the often slightly attenuated and lean finish of mature red wine. The Grand Cru allows fine wine to be enjoyed on its own, or with food. They are the true hi-fi of the wine glass world articulating every nuance of fine wine. A must have for lovers of aged wine. Designed specifically to enhance the sensory qualities of the world s most popular red grape variety, the Shiraz glass is a pleasure to use. Shiraz, or Syrah as it is also known, has qualities that do not vary, irrespective of where it is grown. Whether a humble cool climate Syrah from South of France or a sought-after blockbuster Shiraz from the McLaren Vale in Australia, they all share similar traits. Namely, a pure fresh briar fruit quality which is accentuated by the tall bowl, and soft fruity texture that is enhanced by the narrower lip design. By bringing the fruit forward in the wine, fine Syrah and Shiraz alike can be enjoyed slightly younger if served in this glass. Other wines that work well in this stem include the fashionable Mourvédre variety, Malbec (the national variety of Argentina), and the often tough variety Pinotage from South Africa. 250mm 83cl 240mm 55cl 10 11

8 merlot bordeaux The Merlot glass was created to match the popularity of this widely grown grape variety. The Merlot based wines of California and Chile, and increasingly the rest of the New World, are quite different in structure to the classic Merlot dominant wines of France and Italy. New World Merlot tends to be higher in alcohol, and lower in acidity than its classic European counterparts, and justifies its own unique glass design. The bowl shape helps release the warm aromatic tones of the wine, while the sharply tapered lip increases the impression of freshness and youth in the wine, making the most of the acidity in the wine and improving its balance. During tasting trials, we discovered that this glass works superbly with Iberian wines based on the Tempranillo grape, plus Southern Rhône reds made from Grenache. So fans of Rioja or Châteauneuf du Pape will also appreciate using this glass. Within the Wine Master collection the Bordeaux glass is perhaps the hardest working. It has to be able to enhance the qualities from a blend of many different grape varieties simultaneously. In effect, this particular stem will work for any Cabernet Sauvignon of Cabernet Franc dominant wine or blend; from the red wines of the Loire, to the Cabernet Shiraz of South Australia. Cabernet has a degree of firmness and structure that requires plenty of aeration, while providing one of the most haunting and subtle aromas that the wine world has to offer. The moderately tall bowl focuses the classic black fruit aromas of Cabernet, while the straight, wide rim helps to soften the typically rigid tannins of the variety. Tuscan wines, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, also excel with this glass. A very good all-round dinner stem, and possibly the most versatile of the Wine Master range. 205mm 51cl 235mm 60cl 12 13

9 chef s taster rosé For the serious wine enthusiast, or, like me, the tasting professional, there is a strong need for an extremely analytical glass that shows all facets of all wines - warts and all. There are several reasons for this. Most importantly, before committing to purchasing several bottles of wine, a good tasting glass will give a frank appraisal of the wine, and will highlight any faults that the wine may have. Secondly, if you are serious about learning wine you will need a set of tasting glasses that most clearly demonstrate the differences between one wine and another, to give you that all important edge in blind wine tastings. It is this glass, the Wine Master Chef s Taster that convinced me not only of the quality of Dartington Crystal, but the functional performance of the glasses. This is the only tasting glass that I now use in analytical assessments of both red and white wines submitted to me from all over the world, every working day of my life. The fastest growing category of wine drinker is the Rosé enthusiast. About time too! The worlds best Rosé s are not only some of the finest wines with or without food, but they also offer some of the most extraordinary value for money available today. The great Rosés of Southern France and Northern Spain rarely cost much more than a regular bottle of branded Australian Shiraz. The off dry Rosés of California and the dry but richly fruity Rosés of Australia will also benefit from this cleverly designed glass. A slightly smaller bowl capacity concentrates the subtle flavours but is still large enough to enjoy and swirl the wine to gain maximum aroma. The splayed lip also accentuates the rich mineral texture of France s finest Rosés, while intensifying the fruit character of New World examples. As the latest introduction to the collection I am sure it will be a successful addition to the Wine Master family. 210mm 38cl 175mm 24cl 14 15

10 wine cooler carafe This generously proportioned wine cooler is designed to surround the bottle with ice and water to ensure wine is kept cool before and during the enjoyment of it. The design incorporates two lips, which make for easy carrying and emptying. Serving Tips The best way to cool wine is to put them in ice and water (for some reason people often forget the water) for ten minutes. The cooler is a perfect vessel for this. To warm them, tepid water will be just as effective. Avoid serving red wines too warm (at centrally heated room temperature, some very classy wines can taste like alcoholic soup) and don t over-chill dry whites; you ll hide their flavour This elegant yet simple carafe is designed to serve all types of wine from young to old. The dimple base helps aeration and provides a useful handhold when pouring. Its bulbous profile allows a standard size bottle of wine to breathe properly before serving, whilst the long crystal neck ensures the wine is poured smoothly and cleanly into the glass. Decanting Almost any still wine will benefit from decanting. As a rule, the wines which are most likely to benefit are young reds and older, tougher wines. A young wine will improve from the extra aeration from decanting, whilst any deposits in an older wine will be eliminated. Always decant wine one to four hours prior to serving depending on its origin and age. First remove the capsule and wipe the neck with a cloth, then remove the cork and wipe again with a cloth. Finally pour the wine into the carafe. 215mm 270mm 75cl 16 17

11 brandy port The deep bowl and flat base of this classic glass enables the spirit to be swirled and warmed in the hands to release its bouquet and brings alive the complex aromas and flavours of all kinds of brandy from fine old Cognac to Armagnac, Marc de Bourgogne and Calvados, not to mention the brandies produced outside France in the countries ranging from Spain to Australia. It will also bring out the best in a fine malt whisky if one is served as an alternative to brandy at the end of a meal. There is a tradition whereby the measure of brandy is judged by pouring the spirit into the glass while it is laying on its side. When the liquid reaches the rim, the measure is deemed sufficiently generous. The generosity of this glass is such that many hosts may prefer to pour rather less or better still, allow their guests to serve themselves. The Port glass brings alive the complex plummy-spicy flavours of Vintage and Tawny Ports. Both bottle aged Vintage port and wood-aged Tawny varieties exhibit intensely rich but subtly different flavours. While it is usual to serve port in smaller glasses, this Wine Master stem allows a generous amount to be poured and then for the wine to be properly nosed and appreciated. Tannic Vintage Port will benefit from being served rather warmer than Tawny, which has lost its tannin during the long period spent in the barrel. Any port that is well aged will have thrown a heavy sediment. It is important therefore to decant them carefully before serving. Unfortunately once opened port rarely keeps. To enjoy it at it s best your port should be finished up within two or three weeks. 165mm 82cl 160mm 16cl 18 19

12 sherry dessert wine Sherry is only truly made in Andalucia in Southern Spain and there is a wide variety to explore. This generous modern, yet classic glass is conceived to compliment the wide range of flavours to be found in dry and drier fortified wine. Recalling the traditional Copita glass used in Jerez, it will bring out the refreshingly savoury flavour of Fino sherry, the salty tang of Manzanilla and the nutty, raisiny character of old Amontillado and dry Oloroso. Similarly, it will be ideal for a steely dry Sercial Madeira or the slightly softer, more lime-and-orange-peel-taste of Verdelho. The pale styles, both dry and sweet are best served lightly chilled. Once opened most sherry will not keep more than a week or two, so if you are unable to finish a full bottle in a fortnight, try to buy a half. The Dessert Wine glass has been designed to release the complex intensity and luscious flavours of wines such as Sauternes and Barsac, Vouvray Moelleux from the Loire; Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese wines from Germany and the intense late harvest and ice wines from Austria and Canada. Dessert wines, as their name suggests, are more usually served at the end of a meal, but there is no reason to be hidebound by this convention. Sauternes, for example is traditionally enjoyed in France both with Foie Gras and with Roquefort cheese. Elsewhere, it and other similar late harvest wines are similarly delicious with any blue cheese, from Gorgonzola to Stilton. Dessert wines are also delicious sipped by themselves as an aperitif or instead of a liqueur. When serving them with dessert, bear in mind that the fruitiest wines the Rieslings and the Muscats will go best with fruit based dishes, while creamier puddings will particularly suit the less overtly fruity style of Sauternes and Vouvray. 190mm 14cl 180mm 26cl 20 21

13 water glass Like wine, water deserves to be drunk from a glass fit for the purpose. Fine crystal enhances the purity and clarity of still or sparkling water, and the classic lines of this footed glass look good too. caring for your crystal Water is a useful cleanser of the palate when wine tasting, and is a refreshing compliment to wine with a meal. So with an appreciation of wine comes a natural appreciation of water! A French connoisseur once defined the difference between the two liquids by saying that water was what he drank when he didn t want to be distracted by flavour. Wash crystal using warm water and a soft cloth. Rinse with clear warm water. Dry with a soft cloth holding glasses by the bowl. Avoid twisting stems during washing and drying. Stand or store stemware right side up to avoid damage to rims. For dishwasher cleaning use a low temperature cycle and a quality brand of detergent. 150mm 30cl 22 23

14 solo wine tumblers Can a glass without a stem still be good for wine? Well if the glass is carefully designed and well made then why not? Tumblers have always been a practical and popular choice for drinking and by shaping them to complement our favourite wines, Dartington now offers a new and original tasting experience. The shape and proportion of the glass bowl is the main element that enhances any tasting. Solo wine tumblers use the same classic bowl shapes as Wine Master, but exchange the elegance of a foot and stem, for the practicality and versatility of tumblers. The special concave bump in the base of Solo tumblers even lets the glass sit in the hand for swirling and tasting without over-warming. They easily fit into the dishwasher and take up less room on the table or in the cupboard. So for an informal but serious way to enjoy your wine I think Solo tumblers have a great deal to offer. Chardonnay White Wine Burgundy Shiraz Brandy Carafe Water Glasses 90mm 50cl 110mm 40cl 120mm 67cl 135mm 54cl 100mm 58cl 225mm 75cl Set of 4 colours turquoise green amethyst blue 125mm 37cl Solo Wine Tumblers have been designed in a range of shapes to meet most wine drinker s needs. These classic shapes can be matched to their namesake style or variety but are suited to many other wines that share similar characteristics. The convenience of Solo tumblers is completed with a handy size carafe that works for wine or can be used for water. As a finishing touch to the table, there is a set of water glasses in four cool colours. Solo glasses not only work for wine, they make a really practical choice

15 tasting notes tasting notes Name & Vintage Appearance Nose Palate Name & Vintage Appearance Nose Palate 26 27

16 DiskArt DiskArt 1988 tasting notes Name & Vintage Appearance Nose Palate PROUD TO BE BRITISH International Distributors 28 Spain Montorcier Cambra C/La Granja 4 Pol Industrial Alcobendas Madrid Spain t: Italy Michielotto Spa Viacisal Frazione S Antonio Porto Mantova Italy t: Canada Northdale Trading 55E Beaver Creek Road Richmond Hill Ontario L4B 1E8 Canada t: Russia Genlex 28 Korp 1 Narodnago Opolchenia Street Moscow Russia t: Australia Whitehill Silver & Plate Co. Pty Ltd Dawson Street Brunswick Victoria 3056 Australia t: Hong Kong The Gidumal Organisation Unit G J S/F Block 2 Kwai Tak Industrial Centre Kwai Tak Street Kwai Chung NT H12 t: