RIEDEL PERFORMANCE SPIRITS

What’s considered an acceptable vessel can range from a basic tulip shape that works for both reds and whites to a growing number of silhouettes designed for specific varietals and grapes. Claus Riedel was one of the first to recognize the effect of shape on the perception of wine and spirits. In the 1970s, his eponymous company introduced glasses based on the character of the grape. Today, Riedel continues to innovate, introducing collections designed to enhance the experience of a range of varietals and grapes, including New World wines.  

“It’s all about physics,” says Gabe Geller, top sommelier at Royal Wine Corp. “The bowl of the glass is designed with the surface area in mind. Red wines generally need to breathe, so a fuller, rounder bowl with a wide opening suit them best. Whites stay cooler in bowls that are straighter on the sides.” Rosés can be served in white wine glasses, but there are also glasses with shorter bowls that are slightly tapered with a flared rim for the best experience. “The rim affects the way you sip. The flair helps direct the wine directly to the tip of the tongue,” says Geller.

A wine glass’ architecture includes the base, stem and bowl; variations in the bowl define the experience.

“It’s all about physics,” says Gabe Geller, top sommelier at Royal Wine Corp. “The bowl of the glass is designed with the surface area in mind. Red wines generally need to breathe, so a fuller, rounder bowl with a wide opening suit them best. Whites stay cooler in bowls that are straighter on the sides.” Rosés can be served in white wine glasses, but there are also glasses with shorter bowls that are slightly tapered with a flared rim for the best experience. “The rim affects the way you sip. The flair helps direct the wine directly to the tip of the tongue,” says Geller.

“The truth is it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. The varieties are endless,” shares Geller. “A good universal wine glass is perfectly suitable for anything, from your summer afternoon Ramon Cardova Rosado to a vintage Bordeaux such as Baron de Rothchild Haut-Medoc.”

Stemmed vs. stemless? In part, it’s a matter of preference and utility. The absence of a stem does “not change the ability of the wine to show its best in terms of aromatics and flavor. The same swirling and the same tapered top that is necessary for a wine to show its best can be duplicated,” says Buchsbaum, who does have some reservations regarding the ability of a stemless glass to maintain proper temperatures.

Photos courtesy of Riedel, from the Flickr account of Bettina Lorenzoni.

Vintage pieces add character and depth that cannot be imitated by modern mass-produced furniture. Embracing vintage trends in your home does not mean that you must abandon contemporary designs, however.

Many antiques fit well with today’s straight lines, bold colors and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking to make a statement with an ornate, attention-grabbing item or desire a subtle quaint aesthetic, vintage pieces can give a room personality and complexity unmatched by what can be found in the average furniture store.

If you are unsure how to go about incorporating timeless vintage pieces to your home’s decor, here are five tables with vintage charm that will give your home an extra dose of elegance:

Victorian Marble Top Turtle Top Carved Table
$628

This sleek rococo-style table dates back to the 1890s. The simple white and gray grained marble top contrasts the carefully carved solid black mahogany base, perfect for the minimalist homeowner seeking to diversify their decor.

Round Oak Table
$995

Approximately 118 years old, this table features opposing scroll carvings that come together to form a floral design reminiscent of acanthus leaves. An ideal coffee table, this piece is stylishly supported by eight turned legs with ball feet.

Photos courtesy of www.rubylane.com.

Whether it’s an old-fashioned sofa, refurbished dresser or antique painting, vintage decor has never been more popular inside the home.

Century-old furniture, artwork and accessories often merge style with luxury, with antique prices ranging anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Designers and homeowners alike are beginning to use online marketplaces, such as Ruby Lane, to search for one-of-a-kind, antique pieces — buying anything from delicate vases to large, kitchen tables.

For homeowners seeking a vintage vibe, an old-fashioned accent — such as a lamp, table or rug — can help to bring your home back in time. Here are five vintage pieces perfect for the creative homeowner.

French Pastry Table

Between the decorative brass hardware and bright red paint, this 19th-century French wrought iron pastry table is truly one of a kind. Available for $6,000.

Old-Fashioned Partition

Hand-painted by French artist Jacques Ceria Despierre, this four-panel folding screen dates back to 1939. Available for $28,000

Silver Tea Set

Dating back to 1890, this silver tea set exudes true French-inspired elegance, complete with detailed carvings of leaves and garlands. Available for $6,900.

Photos courtesy of www.rubylane.com