RCR Universum

A universal bowl is a compromise, and it helps to know where that compromise sits. Fifty-five centilitres is generous for white wine, but as long as you pour no more than a third, the wine stays cold enough. For full-bodied reds the bowl is on the small side compared with a true Burgundy shape, yet roomy enough to swirl in. If you would rather choose a glass per wine style, have a look at the wine glasses, where the bowl shapes vary by grape. And if you are filling a whole cupboard in one go, the glassware sets are more practical.

Pour up to the widest point of the bowl and no higher, because that is where the surface is largest and the aroma comes through best. Hold the glass by the stem so the warmth of your hand does not heat the wine. Young reds with firm tannins benefit from being poured over first. A Sangria also gains flavour after half an hour of standing, and an Aperol Spritz works in this bowl as long as you use plenty of ice.

Luxion is the lead-free crystal glass from RCR and is noticeably harder than ordinary glass, so the rim stays crisp and clear for longer instead of going cloudy. The glasses are dishwasher safe, provided they stand upright and the bowls never touch each other. Stem and bowl are drawn here from a single piece, which removes the familiar weak point of a glued stem altogether.

If, alongside the universal bowl, you are after separate glasses for each style of wine, the full range from RCR is a good place to start, with bowls from Burgundy shapes to narrow white wine glasses. For serving at the table, decanters belong with them, letting a young red lose its edge. And for water beside the wine on the table, the water glasses are a logical addition to the range.