I’ve often found myself in spirited debates about glassware’s merits. After a few drinks, I might passionately extoll a particular type while some friends nod knowingly and others roll their eyes. But let’s be honest: glassware matters. The right one can elevate a humble bottle, coaxing out hidden aromas and flavors.
I’m not one to buy many types of glasses for the sake of it; practicality matters, too. If I have guests, nothing is more annoying than unmatching glassware. For years, I’ve been a proponent of the Zalto Universal glass, although I adore their Bordeaux version for solo drinking. Plus, I do have a few others mostly for personal use.
When Michael Hinterleitner, whose family owns Zalto, told me about their new Balance glass—which has a wide mouth and short conical bowl—and presented it, I had my doubts. I’d heard about its rigorous testing and merits, but didn’t pay much attention. That said, Zalto’s reputation for being the gold standard in wine tasting meant I was intrigued.
The brand is synonymous with high-performance glassware. Their iconic Denk’Art series has transformed how sommeliers and wine lovers experience wine. Each glass is mouth-blown with exquisite precision, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship that is both awe-inspiring and somewhat intimidating. Many of my guests refuse to handle them, saying, “I am too clumsy for this, please give me a small, simple glass.”
While I was unpacking the new Balance, I wondered: “Do we really need another glass in our already intimidating wine world?”
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
