When we encountered our Austrian crystal suppliers they showed us a hand blown glass specifically intended for mellow aged reds. We thought it was just perfect for our shiraz, but we were concerned it would be too expensive once landed in South Africa.

We were therefore delighted when they announced recently that they were now making these glasses by machine (with a concomitant effect on the price). Like all their machine glasses, the stems are pulled, not pressed, which results in an elegant, seamless finish. The bowl size is a full 700ml, and with a height of nearly 22cm, the glass makes quite a statement on the table.

The effect of this shape on the wine’s aroma is to mute the toasted oak component, allowing the gentler notes to express themselves. So, you’ll find a generally warm and friendly character on the nose, with the berries and savoury components very nicely balanced. We recommend this glass for shiraz and blends with pinotage.