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, no higher. On the larger Definition bowls that is about a third, and the space above it is not wasted: it is where the aroma gathers. Hold the glass by the stem, red wine included, because the warmth of your hand raises the temperature faster than you would think. Swirl with the glass resting on the table.

With a flute, pour in two goes: first a splash against the sloping wall, let it settle, then top up to two thirds. The heavy tumblers from Definition and Lifestyle are made for drinks you sip slowly. Three to four centilitres of whisky in a 27 cl glass gives the alcohol room to open up, and with a large ice cube in the 43 cl tumbler you can build an old fashioned without it watering down. For a stirred negroni the same glass works just as well.

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 of wine glasses gives the quickest sense of shape and capacity. The flutes have their own page under champagne flutes and the heavy tumblers under whisky glasses. The carafes from Vino Grande and Perfect Serve are listed with the decanters. Spiegelau also makes glasses developed together with craft brewers, which sit among the craft beer glasses. For stirring and measuring behind the bar, add a bar spoon. If you are still unsure which range suits your table, the questions below will help you decide.