Bohemia Colibri

The 45 cl bowl is the everyday size and works for both white and lighter red wine; the pour stays modest of its own accord, which keeps white wine cool. The 65 cl is clearly roomier and meant for red wine with body: the extra surface lets the wine breathe without your having to fill the glass. Do not fill that large bowl beyond a third. The flute of 22 cl is on the generous side for sparkling wine, which is welcome if you also pour cocktails with prosecco into it. If you have to choose, start with the 45 cl.

Place the wine glass above and to the right of the knife, with the flute behind it; this sets the table as people expect and everyone will naturally pick up the right glass. Pour wine to the widest point of the bowl and no higher. The 22 cl flute leaves enough room for a kir royal with cassis or a mimosa with orange juice. When toasting, touch glasses at the bowl rather than the rim, as thin glass is most fragile there.

The biggest misconception about crystal glass is that it is only for special occasions. Modern crystal glass copes perfectly well with regular use and with a dishwasher cycle on a glassware programme, provided the stems stand apart. Let the glasses air afterwards and dry them with a lint-free cloth, because crystal shows water marks sooner. Always lift a glass by the foot and never stand it upside down on the rim.

This brand’s wider range can be found at Bohemia, and for the Italian counterpart in crystal glass, you can look to RCR . Looking for a specific shape? There are wine glasses, red wine glasses , and champagne glasses. For ideas on what to pour into a flute besides pure bubbles, see the overview of cocktails, sorted by base spirit.