There are hundreds of glass models. However, when tasting a Monastrell wine, it is very important to choose a glass that allows revealing all its flavors.
The best glasses, according to the International Wine & Spirit Centre, have a common characteristic: the chalice narrows towards the edge of the glass. This allows the wine aromas to concentrate and be better appreciated.
1. Glass for Red Monastrell Wine
The glasses should have a wide chalice and a moderate opening. This design facilitates oxygenation, allowing complex aromas to gradually release. The wide base provides stability and support, revealing both the fruity notes and the tannins present in these structured reds. When touching the lips, the glass highlights the silky texture of the wine, providing a rich and enveloping entry.
- Mouth Shape: wider than that of a conventional white wine glass, to allow greater exposure to air, promoting the gradual oxygenation of the wine.
- Opening: moderate, directing the aromas towards the nose, highlighting the fruity and earthy notes typically present in Monastrell reds.
- Shape: the wide and rounded chalice highlights the tannic structure and aromatic complexity, providing a smooth and harmonious entry to the palate.
- Stem: should be long to prevent the wine from warming up due to hand contact. The thickness should be medium to provide good balance and facilitate grip.
- Size: considerably large.
2. Glass for Rosé Monastrell Wine
Glasses for Monastrell rosé wines are characterized by an intermediate body and a slightly widened opening. This design aims to maintain freshness and concentrate fruit profiles. The elegance of the glass enhances the experience, maintaining the typical liveliness of our rosés.
- Mouth Shape: the glass has a slightly widened mouth, with a small closure at the end forming a kind of “U”. This is designed to preserve the freshness and liveliness of these young wines.
- Opening: the subtle opening directs the aromas towards the tip of the tongue, highlighting the floral and fruity notes typical of Monastrell rosés.
- Shape: the intermediate body allows a balanced appreciation of the freshness and complexity of the wine, generating a smooth and harmonious entry.
- Stem: usually longer and narrower than that of the red wine glass. This helps to maintain the cool temperature of the rosé wine by preventing the hand from transferring heat to the wine.
- Size: moderate in size. The idea is to find a balance to appreciate the qualities of the wine without exaggerating in oxygenation, as rosé wines tend to be lighter and more delicate than reds.
3. Glass for Sweet Monastrell Wine
These glasses have a reduced chalice, wide body, and narrow opening. This configuration aims to intensify aromatic concentration, allowing each nuance to unfold gradually. When bringing the glass to the lips, a smooth entry is experienced that highlights the sophisticated sweetness and complex nuances of sweet Monastrell wines.
- Mouth Shape: the glass has a narrow opening that concentrates the aromas and favors the appreciation of sweetness without being overwhelming.
- Opening: the straight opening directs the aromas towards the back of the mouth, highlighting the sweet and complex nuances of these wines.
- Shape: the wide body allows a concentration of aromas and flavors, generating a smooth and silky entry that highlights the complexity of sweet wine.
- Stem: The short and sturdy stem adds stability and facilitates the appreciation of sweet nuances with each sip.
- Size: reduced in size, the glass suggests serving small quantities of sweet wine to fully appreciate its flavors.
Practical Care and Cleaning of Glasses
In addition to choosing the right glass, the importance of keeping them clean is fundamental to not alter the flavors of a Monastrell. Before each use, the glasses must be completely clean and polished to remove any residue that may affect the wine.
Hand washing with hot water and immediate drying with a lint-free cloth are essential practices. For those who prefer the dishwasher, it is crucial to avoid detergents with strong fragrances and ensure thorough rinsing.
