Wine
The Importance of Glass
For Alex Kirkwood, head sommelier of Aria Sydney, sharing the pleasures and nuances of wine is his life’s passion. Alex’s role at Aria is a reflection of his sought-after skills and undeniable wine knowledge, and while the wines that make the cut at Aria are widely applauded, the glasses Alex chooses to serve them in are causing equal excitement amongst wine enthusiasts.
To Alex, the vessel chosen to serve his carefully curated range of wines is a big deal. So, when Alex says the Schott Zwiesel Air Premium range of glasses tick all of the boxes for him, then you know there’s more to it than simply looking elegant and being able to stand up to the rigours of restaurant-life. Because, as Alex says himself, the glass chosen can make or break the wine experience. Sure, they have to look elegant and feel delicate to hold, but the Air’s stunning appearance and practical strength are just the beginning. Above all else, the design of the glass needs to allow the intended expression of the wine, as set by the winemaker, to shine when poured. It’s about allowing the wine to breathe in the right way by providing a shape that will enhance aromas and allow flavours to be fully appreciated – and Schott Zwiesel are the masters at it.
Watch our video The Importance of Glass (above) to hear Alex’s personal insights into how great an impact glassware can have on the entire wine experience.
Light (and as strong) as Air
Designed to be as light as Air using Schott Zwiesel’s patented Triton© production process; the lead from crystal is replaced with titanium and zirconium providing extra strength and durability without adding weight. The glasses are reinforced in the zones most susceptible to breakage; the ridge of the bowl, the stem and the joint of the stem and base. They also undergo an added tempering process to the whole surface making them resistant to chips and scratches, and able to withstand thousands of dishwasher cycles.
Great varietal all-rounders
The wide bowls and tapered rims allow for maximum aromatic aeration and flavour focus across all varieties, and so the Air Premium range features only two types of glasses, red and white. This reduces the need for a specialised glass for each variety, which gives wine drinkers at home more flexibility with their wine choices, while taking up less cupboard space.
The Schott Zwiesel Air range is available directly through Wine Selectors with a saving of $60 off RRP. Choose from the Schott Zwiesel Air Premium Red Glasses 6-pack OR the Schott Zwiesel Air Premium White 6-pack for only $120.