Broken Glassware Dilemma

[Benchmark]

Good Story!

Thanks.

Tenuous link to original post but thought I would give it a run.

[Scotty vino]

on the subject of Zaltos...
I have a rather large frankenstein collection of glasses.
I've got spiegelaus, Riedels, Plumms and some luigi bormiolis in all shapes and sizes.
Some were bought, some were leftover tasting glasses and some, well, I've got no idea how they came to
be in the glasses cabinet.

I'd like to get rid of a few and possibly make room for some Zaltos.
Seems to me it's Zaltos, daylight, then the rest.
If that's the case what's the general consensus on what to get as a first time Zalto buyer?

[TiggerK]

Universals and Burgundy for me. I've got some Bordeaux which are nice too, in between these two, so perhaps if only getting one type they are worth considering. But the Universal does well for most styles of wine, I just rock out the spaceships (Burg) when plenty of good Chard or Pinot is happening.

Buy them as a two pack, and you then have a nicely fitting travel container for them.

[winetastic]

If that's the case what's the general consensus on what to get as a first time Zalto buyer?

If you drink any quantity of pinot/nebbiolo/similar I would go for the burgundy glasses first. They also do great things for many other reds.

[dave vino]

I can't say I agree.

Universals are a much better option for first timers as an all rounder. The Burgs over-accentuate Aussie Pinots and make them seem even more alcoholic than they are, not to mention they are massive in size.

[Redav]

Universals and Burgundy for me. I've got some Bordeaux which are nice too, in between these two, so perhaps if only getting one type they are worth considering. But the Universal does well for most styles of wine,

Universals are a much better option for first timers as an all rounder. The Burgs over-accentuate Aussie Pinots and make them seem even more alcoholic than they are, not to mention they are massive in size.

I'm caught between the Universal and Bordeaux. Our main interest is cab sauv, shiraz, grenache and zinfandel so I guess it should be obvious but we've been enjoying a couple of semmillons and rieslings of late. How would those whites go in a the Bordeaux? Maybe it doesn't matter much? As long as neither accentuate the alcohol or either white or red, I'd be happy with a pair to see what we think and maybe get another pair for when our fathers are dining with us.

I finally held some in my hand today. They're so light, when compared to Riedel's which I think feel like our Maxwell Williams. I can see how the stems can be an issue, they're so thin. The sales guy was also saying how he's seen a little flex when he's swirled wine at home He broke one after a few when he bumped it and it hit the deck. Like others here, the bowl was fine, the stem wasn't.

[Polymer]

If you're mainly drinking reds, the Bordeaux is a pretty good glass...it is better than the Universal for those types of wines...But I agree with Dave, I don't know if I'd go Zalto Burgundy straight up...I think it probably does more harm than good for a lot of wines...but if you're mainly a Pinot/Neb drinker it might not be too bad...

Other options are Gabriel Glas...the machined ones are less expensive than Zaltos and a nice shape..they're slightly heavier (it is somewhat noticeable). The hand blown ones are lighter than Zaltos. They seems slightly better than the Universals for bigger reds...

I'd say Zalto/GG then daylight..It isn't that they'll perform the best for every wine..we know that isn't true...But they'll perform well overall and they feel awesome..that's really the main thing: they are enjoyable to use because they feel so great when using them...

[rooman]

Use Riedel.

If you drive a Porsche everyday, it's hard going back to a Camry. Both get you from A to B, but one is more enjoyable.

Zaltos do have the unfortunate side effect of spoiling you for other glasses. Some of the Schott's and Riedels are good glasses, but I still get a sore arm lifting their sizeable bulk.

Once you go Zalto, its very hard to go back.

I'm just an old school kind of guy.

[Ozzie W]

There's a video of a guy trying to break a Zalto here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkv4_mUv-vs
Seems to have left out the bit which showed how the base broke off!

[Polymer]

Actually, he tested it because it was broken and decided to show how strong the bowl is..which it is...it flexes and is amazingly strong for how much glass is actually there..

But the stem is not...

[Scotty vino]

thanks for the tips guys

[RobK]

I've got a few broken Zaltos. I'd never "repair" them. To me, half the appeal of Zalto is the elegance and yes that fine crystal is wonderful to drink out of, however, I'll probably never convince myself that wine tastes better out of Zalto/Riedel.

Glued or jointed stems looks cheap and nasty (just my opinion and I'm making no value judgements - but maybe you might find the British aristocracy doing after they've run out of cash but not plonk). I don't believe it would be the same drinking out of a "recovered" glass... I feel it would diminish the pleasure rather than enhance it. Personally, I still don't see what the big deal is with Zaltos. Yeah, I like them and I've got the full range, however I really prefer the Riedel and I've yet to bust one and I've put them down on stone tops and bashed them on the taps at night.

Further there's some reference been made to the "clumsiness" of Riedel. The weight of the Riedel is part of why I prefer them over the Zalto. Love spinning those glasses between forefinger and thumb without fear.

One other reason I'd never repair a stem is that I'd never ever feel comfortable putting wine in it because what if it snaps off again?

I did keep one of my busted Zaltos... who knows I might yet want to paint some sort of wine tragedy than write a play.

[odyssey]

Interesting, I also have both Riedel Burgs and Zalto Burgs (plus Zalto universals) and would pick the Zaltos any day.

But then, I don't swirl with thumb and forefinger or on the table, but clutch at the stem and start something resembling a washing machine on spin cycle. For that method I find the impeccable balance of the Zalto is pure pleasure.

Also on average I tend to use smallish pours - could also be a reason why a featherweight glass works well for swirling.

Maybe how we swirl and quantity-poured is a consideration in choice of glass?

[RobK]

This might sound quite daft; but I find Zaltos particularly the red wine models too "acoustic". Start swirling in a Riedel and a Zalto and you'll notice you can hear the wine sloshing around in the Zalto. I actually find that slightly off putting.

[odyssey]

This might sound quite daft; but I find Zaltos particularly the red wine models too "acoustic". Start swirling in a Riedel and a Zalto and you'll notice you can hear the wine sloshing around in the Zalto. I actually find that slightly off putting.

Lol possibly a bit but so does mine and probably most of this thread, to the general public. Do what makes you happy, daft or no, I say!

[odyssey]

however, I'll probably never convince myself that wine tastes better out of Zalto/Riedel.

I've done a nimver of side bu side comparisons and the to me the difference on the nose is as stark as day and night. Granted the Zalto Universal has a tendency to highlight faults and alcohol on the nose, but for well balanced, particularly delicate wines, it works wonders for plug-nosed hacks like me.

I'm totally with you on the palate though. Every time I read claims of "delivery" of the wine to parts of the palate, I find it very difficult not to think "marketing wankers"! And this coming from someone who just discussed the merits of impeccable balance in swirling a glass of drink.

[Polymer]

This might sound quite daft; but I find Zaltos particularly the red wine models too "acoustic". Start swirling in a Riedel and a Zalto and you'll notice you can hear the wine sloshing around in the Zalto. I actually find that slightly off putting.

You're right on..With volume, Riedels swirl better than Zaltos...Universals, Bordeaux and Burgs all slosh around a bit more when they have more volume....Universals feel like they're impacted earlier than the Bordeaux and Burgundy ones...

I also don't like how Universals feel when you get to the 150ml+ mark...they feel a bit unbalanced..part of that is because I probably don't pour more than 100-120ml at a time...

[ufo]

however, I'll probably never convince myself that wine tastes better out of Zalto/Riedel.

I've done a nimver of side bu side comparisons and the to me the difference on the nose is as stark as day and night. Granted the Zalto Universal has a tendency to highlight faults and alcohol on the nose, but for well balanced, particularly delicate wines, it works wonders for plug-nosed hacks like me.

I'm totally with you on the palate though. Every time I read claims of "delivery" of the wine to parts of the palate, I find it very difficult not to think "marketing wankers"! And this coming from someone who just discussed the merits of impeccable balance in swirling a glass of drink.

+1

[Ozzie W]

You all know why Zalto glasses are so good, don't you? It's because the curve of the bowl aligns with the tilt of the earth (24 degrees, 48 degrees and 72 degrees). Old technology really... the Romans used these angles for their food storage vessels as they thought food would stay fresher and taste better.

Just make sure you drink on a fruit day and then you just can't go wrong.

[RobK]

however, I'll probably never convince myself that wine tastes better out of Zalto/Riedel.

I've done a nimver of side bu side comparisons and the to me the difference on the nose is as stark as day and night. Granted the Zalto Universal has a tendency to highlight faults and alcohol on the nose, but for well balanced, particularly delicate wines, it works wonders for plug-nosed hacks like me.

I'm totally with you on the palate though. Every time I read claims of "delivery" of the wine to parts of the palate, I find it very difficult not to think "marketing wankers"! And this coming from someone who just discussed the merits of impeccable balance in swirling a glass of drink.

I did post earlier today but it went missing. What I said was that I'd done some side by side testing too. I poured 100 mls into a mug, hideous pub style wine goblet, Zalto and Riedel. The nose was more significant with the mug and hideous goblet but I attribute that to the size of the container and the proximity of my nose. I did not and cannot tell the difference with the Zalto or Riedel. I'm not saying you can't but I'll say I can't. I haven't developed my palate sufficiently I guess. I suppose I'll have to keep practicing.

[odyssey]

however, I'll probably never convince myself that wine tastes better out of Zalto/Riedel.

I've done a nimver of side bu side comparisons and the to me the difference on the nose is as stark as day and night. Granted the Zalto Universal has a tendency to highlight faults and alcohol on the nose, but for well balanced, particularly delicate wines, it works wonders for plug-nosed hacks like me.

I'm totally with you on the palate though. Every time I read claims of "delivery" of the wine to parts of the palate, I find it very difficult not to think "marketing wankers"! And this coming from someone who just discussed the merits of impeccable balance in swirling a glass of drink.

I did post earlier today but it went missing. What I said was that I'd done some side by side testing too. I poured 100 mls into a mug, hideous pub style wine goblet, Zalto and Riedel. The nose was more significant with the mug and hideous goblet but I attribute that to the size of the container and the proximity of my nose. I did not and cannot tell the difference with the Zalto or Riedel. I'm not saying you can't but I'll say I can't. I haven't developed my palate sufficiently I guess. I suppose I'll have to keep practicing.

Totally understand, as mentioned I'm a plug-nosed hack so what do I know

Now I feel like a glass of wine (out of a zalto, too). The powers of suggestion.....

[Polymer]

I did post earlier today but it went missing. What I said was that I'd done some side by side testing too. I poured 100 mls into a mug, hideous pub style wine goblet, Zalto and Riedel. The nose was more significant with the mug and hideous goblet but I attribute that to the size of the container and the proximity of my nose. I did not and cannot tell the difference with the Zalto or Riedel. I'm not saying you can't but I'll say I can't. I haven't developed my palate sufficiently I guess. I suppose I'll have to keep practicing.

There is definitely a difference..whether that is a good or bad thing really depends on the wine and the person...I think for bigger reds, Riedels are much better...they let more air in and that balances out the nose. For more subtle wines, I think the Zaltos end up being better...of course this is just a generalization...

I don't think Zaltos perform better than Riedels or similar glasses in general...but they perform equally as well and depending on the style of wine you enjoy, maybe slightly worse or better...what it really comes down to is, they're more enjoyable to use...they feel nicer...they make Riedels, SZ, etc feel like mugs... If you like the feel of Riedels better then those are definitely the way to go.

[Mahmoud Ali]

Although the better glasses, like Zalto and Riedels, helps the drinker to better swirl and appreciate the bouquet, a straw is ideally suited to deliver the wine in a stream directly to the roof of the mouth, rolling off it onto all areas of the mouth simultaneously, flushing the wine across the tongue and cheeks, thereby enhancing palate sensation and appreciation. They say the length of the straw isn't important but it is suggested that one use different diameter straws for each variety, with the narrower straws more suited to the lighter wines like riesling and pinot grigio, and the larger diameter for the heavier wines like shiraz and cabernets.

Experts disagree over whether glass or stainless steel straws are better but all agree that disposable wax straws are out. Some of the more sophisticated straw manufacturers offer spiraling on the inside of the straw to better propel and spin the wine stream into the mouth. Of course these would be longer and more expensive.

Mahmoud.

[Polymer]

You all know why Zalto glasses are so good, don't you? It's because the curve of the bowl aligns with the tilt of the earth (24 degrees, 48 degrees and 72 degrees). Old technology really... the Romans used these angles for their food storage vessels as they thought food would stay fresher and taste better.

Just make sure you drink on a fruit day and then you just can't go wrong.

LOL...yeah..I always laugh when I read the marketing...

To be honest, for the same reason RobK mentioned it, I don't like the shape of the Zaltos in particular...but they do perform perfectly fine..and more importantly, they just feel great..

[Raymo]

Although the better glasses, like Zalto and Riedels, helps the drinker to better swirl and appreciate the bouquet, a straw is ideally suited to deliver the wine in a stream directly to the roof of the mouth, rolling off it onto all areas of the mouth simultaneously, flushing the wine across the tongue and cheeks, thereby enhancing palate sensation and appreciation. They say the length of the straw isn't important but it is suggested that one use different diameter straws for each variety, with the narrower straws more suited to the lighter wines like riesling and pinot grigio, and the larger diameter for the heavier wines like shiraz and cabernets.

Experts disagree over whether glass or stainless steel straws are better but all agree that disposable wax straws are out. Some of the more sophisticated straw manufacturers offer spiraling on the inside of the straw to better propel and spin the wine stream into the mouth. Of course these would be longer and more expensive.

Mahmoud.

Brilliant!

[Michael McNally]

Yes - Liked!