SPIEGELAU

Start with the range, because it sets the tone for the whole table. Definition is the modern flagship line: sleek, thin-walled and long-stemmed, made for people who take wine seriously. Authentis and Vino Grande are sturdier and more classic in shape, which makes them the logical choice for hospitality venues washing large numbers of glasses at once. Willsberger Anniversary has a twisted, faceted stem and stands out on the table without becoming showy. The Perfect Serve Collection was developed for behind the bar, with small sizes such as a 7.8 cl coffee glass and a 5.2 cl shot glass.

After that you choose by shape and size. For sparkling wine the range runs from a narrow 18.5 cl flute, which holds on to the bubbles for a long time, to a roomier 27 cl Authentis that can also handle mature champagne. With the tumblers: 27 to 36 cl for whisky and spirits on ice, 43 cl if you want to use a large ice cube, and 30 to 37.5 cl for the longdrink models from Vino Grande and Lounge. Most ranges are supplied by the dozen, which makes reordering easier for a bar.

Fill a wine glass to its widest point, not higher. With the larger Definition glasses, that is about one-third full, and the space above is not wasted but where the aromas collect. Hold the glass by the stem, even with red wine, because the warmth of your hand raises the temperature faster than you think. Swirl with the glass on the table.

With a flute, pour in two stages: first a splash against the sloping side, let it settle, then top up to two-thirds full. The heavy tumblers from Definition and Lifestyle are made for drinks you sip slowly. Three to four centiliters of whisky in a 27 cl glass gives the alcohol room to evaporate, and with a large ice cube in the 43 cl tumbler you can make an old fashioned without it becoming diluted. The same glass works just as well for a stirred negroni .

Thin glass and the dishwasher look like a contradiction, but with Spiegelau the opposite is true. The lead-free crystal is hard enough to be washed daily without the rim chipping quickly, and the glasses are tested through a large number of wash cycles without going dull. What does matter is how you load them: separately, with room around the stems, on a short programme and at a low temperature.

Hard water is the real culprit. Limescale settles on the bowl and turns it milky, and on thin glass that shows up faster. Use rinse aid sparingly and, if in doubt, rinse afterwards with a dash of vinegar in the water. Polish while the glass is still warm with a lint-free cloth, holding the bowl rather than the stem, and store the glasses upright so the rim stays clear.

If you want to compare Spiegelau with other glassware, the overview page with wine glasses provides the quickest impression of shape and content. The flutes are listed separately under champagne flute glasses and the heavy tumblers under whiskey glasses. The decanters from Vino Grande and Perfect Serve can be found under decanters. Spiegelau also makes glasses developed with craft brewers, which belong among the specialty beer glasses. For stirring and measuring behind the bar, a bar spoon is essential. If you still don't know which series suits your table, the questions below will help you choose.