SAVOUR Manitoba

SAVOUR MANITOBA | WINTER 23 35 T he simplicity of a clear, stemmed glass provides the perfect vessel to analyze everything from colour and age to clarity and bubbles. You've likely seen those analyzing a glass of wine who are able to tell the type of wine right down to vintage. It turns oenophiles into magicians to amateurs around them. During study or at tasting events, small glasses known as the ISO (or International Standards Organization) are used. It may seem odd to those who prefer pretty crystal cut or coloured options — especially in the days when glasses seem to be much larger than what was used in decades past. Watching someone hold up a glass of wine to view, then lean it slightly, turn it back upright, then swirl it by the stem only to insert their nose and then take a taste is a common sight. But for the experts, the clear glass can lead to the revelation the wine is, in fact, a 2020 Barossa Valley Shiraz and not a 1995 Vosne Romanee, for example. Through the glass they would note the deep intensity, purple tinge to the colour and a higher viscosity rather than a far paler intensity of an aged Burgundian Pinot Noir, which would have more of a brick red or tawny colour with age. On the appearance alone, these deductions can start being made. To the untrained onlooker watching those getting the answers right, or even close, seems like magic. In fact, this method of tasting is more akin to being a detective. Each point you gather during the process is a clue and the clear glass is your magnifying glass. Talent, education and practice — and, naturally, a great sense of smell — no doubt come into play. Some see the stemmed glass, — and, in particular, the ISO — as pretentious. However, no one would begrudge a CFL player for buying a great pair of cleats that would allow him to kick a field goal. How is this simple glass used by a sommelier or wine lover a pretentious choice? After all, the same crew imbibing with the ISO has likely drunk from a red Solo cup during an event. It's just when judging or enjoying wine and spirits that there is a reason we bring out the big guns — or little ones in this case. And the stem has a role here too. Your hands are naturally warm. And when judging wine, temperature matters. Warming the glass with your hands can affect how the wine tastes. If you are at an international event representing your country or company, getting it right is important. So when you are at the next wine festival or choosing your next set of wine glasses, keep in mind that looking through clear-coloured glasses will reveal the truth about your next glass of wine. T h e s i m p l i city o f a c l ea r , s t e m m ed g l a s s p rov id e s t h e per fect v e s se l t o a n a lyz e e very t h i ng fro m c o lou r and age to cl a r i t y a n d bub b les .

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