The sherry glass
the glass for the perfect sherry presentation

Sherry glasses - shape, size and characteristics

A distinction is made between sherry glasses with a long stem and sherry goblets with a short base. The long stemmed glasses and glasses with ice bases are generally intended for dry, light-colored sherry varieties and the glasses with short bases for sweet, dark sherry varieties.

Sherry glasses with stem

Visually, the stemmed sherry glasses are comparable to a classic white wine glass. However, these sherry glasses resemble a tulip in shape. This means that they have a belly and a tapered opening. The advantage of these long-stemmed sherry glasses is that the aromas are concentrated in the belly of the glass. By gently swirling the spirit, the aroma develops particularly intensively in the belly of the glass. The long stem also ensures that the drink stays cool for longer as it is not warmed by the hand. Although the capacity of the tulip-shaped sherry glasses is around twelve centilitres, they are only filled with around five centilitres.

The recommended drinking temperature of seven to 14 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of sherry, is thus kept constant for a long time. Another advantage is the reduction in drinking speed that these sherry glasses bring with them. This allows all the fruity notes to be perceived. Sherry is served as an aperitif, with food and as a digestif and not, as is assumed, only with certain meals. The shape of these sherry glasses not only allows the sherry wine to fully develop its wonderful aromas. The sherry glasses, which are available in both timeless, simple and elaborate designs, are also a visual highlight on any table setting.

Sherry goblets with short foot

Sherry goblets with a short foot are mainly used to pour sweet, smooth, dark liqueur wines. The opening of these sherry glasses is also designed in such a way that the wine can breathe and the classic bouquet of sweet and semi-sweet sherry varieties unfolds at room temperature. These goblets often have a slight V-shape, which allows the full aromas to develop. Hand warmth plays virtually no role with dark sherry varieties.

Sherry glasses - Materials

As with all other types of glass, a wide variety of materials are used to make sherry glasses. Glasses made from clear glass, tritan glass and crystal glass are available on the market.

Clear glass

Sherry glasses made of clear glass are characterized by their robust finish and a non-porous surface. This makes them particularly hygienic. As clear glass glasses are produced industrially, they are generally quite inexpensive. They are suitable for frequent use. They can be cleaned in the dishwasher without hesitation. However, the temperature should not exceed 55 degrees Celsius to protect the surface of the glass.

Crystal glass

If you opt for sherry glasses made of crystal glass, you get glasses that are much harder than classic clear glass glasses due to the addition of metal oxides. Crystal glasses have a beautiful shine and appear very clear. Crystal sherry glasses should never be cleaned in the dishwasher, as they are more sensitive than clear glass models. They should be cleaned gently and dried by hand with a soft microfiber cloth.

Tritan glass

If you want the advantages of clear and crystal glass in one glass, then sherry glasses made of Tritan glass, patented by Zwiesel Kristall, are the right choice. Tritan glass is very stable and has a very intense shine.

Regardless of the material from which the glass is made, the drinking temperature is crucial for optimum sherry. The rule of thumb here is: dry sherry wine is drunk very cold, sweeter sherry wine only slightly chilled. The ideal temperature also depends on the age and residual sweetness of the wine.

Sherry Glasses – Criteria to Consider When Buying

When buying sherry glasses, several criteria should be considered:

• The glasses should have a wide bowl to fully develop the aromas and taper towards the top;
• Additionally, sherry glasses should have a long stem to keep the wine cool for longer;
• The volume of the glasses is also important;
• The material matters as well; for example, crystal glasses are quite robust;
• Durability is essential; the more stable the glasses, the longer they last;
• The sherry glasses should be easy to handle;
• Clear glasses are preferred so the contents are easily visible;
• The stems should be seamless, meaning they should be blown from a single piece;
• Of course, design is a crucial buyingcriterion as well. Sherry glasses come in various designs, so choose according to your taste;
• An important factor is the ease of cleaning. Sherry glasses should be dishwasher safe.

Brief Conclusion

No matter the occasion for serving a fortified wine, sherry glasses complement any beautifully set table. In these special glasses, traditionally called copitas in Spain, the aromas of the liqueur wine unfold optimally. As the bowl of these glasses tapers towards the opening, the nose is treated to an exceptional bouquet. To prevent the wine's temperature from being influenced by body heat while holding the glass, sherry glasses typically have a long stem. Dry, light liqueur wines are served in these glasses. Sweet, luscious, dark wines are enjoyed in sherry glasses with a short stem.

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