Jorge Perez, Director of Marketing - Bridal and Special Events for Waterford Crystal, and I’m excited that he will be our “go to” resource for Fine Crystal and Chinaware industry news, bridal and design trends, and more. Mr. Perez is a seasoned tabletop authority, with specific areas of proficiency revolving around the tabletop, bridal and entertaining world. I can’t express to you how delighted I am to have his phenomenal expertise as an educational resource for our company, Clients and blog followers. Thank you Jorge!In light of this great new relationship and with summer dinner party, outdoor entertaining, and the height of wedding season upon us this seams like the ideal time to consider the link between "celebrations and fine crystal stemware". Specifically, this post will be the 1st in a 4 part blog series designed to introduce and demystify choosing wine, sparkling spirits, and the right stemware for entertaining especially for wine novices. Let’s begin by taking a simplified look at the steps one goes through as they experience a glass of wine. We will start with red wine, then white wine, champagne (for any occasion), and finally wedding registry and everyday dinning. At the end of each post I will touch on the right stemware to select for the wine, perhaps some basic etiquette, and I’ll share some beautiful items offered by our friends at Waterford Crystal. So let's get start with the 1st in this 4 part series of tips for wine novices, "Of Wine and Waterford".
Part I - Red Wine and the 5 Senses:
Believe it or not when you are at a reception, wine tasting party, or just sharing a bottle of wine with some friends the process actually involves all 5 of your senses.
1. Sight – Wine may seem either red or white at first glance but look a little closer and you’ll see a spectrum of shades. After pouring about an ounce of wine in a glass gently tilt the glass away from you, allowing the light the shine through it. Now take a good look at the wine’s color. Is it a true burgundy color or does it have tints of pink or shades of plum?
2. Smell – The shape of the glass plays a big role in experiencing the smell (or "bouquet") of a red or white wine (but more about that later). Carefully swirl the wine in the glass, close your eyes, take a whiff and try to identify what you smell. You may be surprised. Wines pick up a lot of scents and flavors from where, when, and how the grapes were grown and processed. Think of it like the different seasoning in a scrumptious soup. You may smell spices like clove, wood of the barrel the wine was stored in like ceder, fruit like cherries or peaches, and even flowers like lavender.
3. Touch (Body of the Wine) – As the wine pours over your lips you will experience the wine’s mouth-feel (also know as "Body"). So, how does it feel? Is it thin, light and delicate like the feel of water or is it as thick and velvety as light syrup? The “Body” of a wine will fall into 3 groups; soft-bodied which are light, full-bodied which are the fullest and usually the most intense flavors of wine, and medium-bodied which falls between the two. World renowned Sommelier, Andrea Emmer-Robinson once compared the difference in these bodies to the different textures of milk. Is it the mouth-feel like skim milk, whole milk, or cream?
4. Taste:
Now it’s time to put it all together. See this sample chart below on “Reds” which gives examples of what you may taste in and describe in the following popular light, medium, and full-bodied red wines.
4. Taste:
Now it’s time to put it all together. See this sample chart below on “Reds” which gives examples of what you may taste in and describe in the following popular light, medium, and full-bodied red wines.
5. Sound: O.k., well, you got me. I like to think of this as just the social aspect of sharing a good glass of wine with friends. Hosts and guests should remember to communicate their thoughts while drinking the wine. Remember to discuss the wine; ask others what they taste and smell, toast to the occasion, laugh, and enjoy!
Wine Glass Selection - Red Wine
Traditionally Red wine is served in a round, bowl-shaped wine glasses perched on a tall stem while white wines are served in more elongated, tulip-shaped glasses whose stem begins lower than that of a red wine glass. Although some newer designs differ slightly from this standard,
these designs were developed to aid in maintaining cool temperatures and swirling the wine to allow air into it. Over the years Waterford has launched an exceptional series of collections featuring designer stemware collaborations with world renowned designers like Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, and most recently wine artisan Robert Mondavi.
Traditionally Red wine is served in a round, bowl-shaped wine glasses perched on a tall stem while white wines are served in more elongated, tulip-shaped glasses whose stem begins lower than that of a red wine glass. Although some newer designs differ slightly from this standard,
these designs were developed to aid in maintaining cool temperatures and swirling the wine to allow air into it. Over the years Waterford has launched an exceptional series of collections featuring designer stemware collaborations with world renowned designers like Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, and most recently wine artisan Robert Mondavi. With choices ranging from delicate to boldly designed etchings, the Marc Jacobs (as seen on the left) collections creating more distinct looks for a tabletop design. Designs from the Marc Jacobs collections can offer complementing elements, patterns, or textual accents to a table's design.
Since 1966 the Robert Mondavi Winery has been one of the most dominate driving forces behind creating the now iconic
Napa Valley Wine Region starting with the release of its now world famous Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaker gained international acclaim in 1976 when its wines put Napa Valley on the global wine map with their historic Paris wine tasting appearance - walking away with 1st prize. In addition, its famed vineyards have captured the imagination of California artists for years - being portrayed the warm, lush landscape in vibrant paints. It is no wonder that the Robert Mondavi collection is one of the newest designer collaborations from Waterford. Some designs reflect the traditional shapes of red and white crystal stems are known for while others present more unconventional designs, offering white wine stems with noticeably a more full, rounded shapes. These designs from Waterford feature sleek and simple lines (as seen in the Burgundy wine glass on the right) - which complement any classic or contemporary table.
Napa Valley Wine Region starting with the release of its now world famous Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaker gained international acclaim in 1976 when its wines put Napa Valley on the global wine map with their historic Paris wine tasting appearance - walking away with 1st prize. In addition, its famed vineyards have captured the imagination of California artists for years - being portrayed the warm, lush landscape in vibrant paints. It is no wonder that the Robert Mondavi collection is one of the newest designer collaborations from Waterford. Some designs reflect the traditional shapes of red and white crystal stems are known for while others present more unconventional designs, offering white wine stems with noticeably a more full, rounded shapes. These designs from Waterford feature sleek and simple lines (as seen in the Burgundy wine glass on the right) - which complement any classic or contemporary table. to be continue...
For more information on other stunning fine crystal and designer collaborations from Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, Robert Mondavi and more please visit http://www.waterford.com/. If you have questions about entertaining, event planning or designing a breathtaking event feel free to contact me.
No comments:
Post a Comment