The word "glass" has a similar meaning in many languages, essentially it is a vessel for liquid. Wine glasses are usually called glasses for young sparkling wine, soft drinks. Both types of crystal glasses are a chic decoration for any feast.
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Special aesthetic properties of crystal glasses
Glass with a high lead content differs from ordinary glass in its transparency. The creators called it crystal due to its similarity to the natural mineral. Durable vessels do not darken with time and retain their shine for centuries.
The dense walls were not afraid of accidental mechanical damage; diamond and corundum could leave scratches on them.
They learned to cut crystal dishes to make them sparkle.
When two glasses lightly touch, a melodic ringing sound is heard, which is why wine glasses and goblets are so valued.
To remove liquid from the hand, they came up with an extended stem, which keeps drinks cool for a long time.
What drinks to drink from crystal glasses and goblets
- Champagne, sparkling wine, and other foamy drinks are poured into narrow glasses, filling them 2/3 full. The drink plays longer and does not go flat. Sparkling alcohol is pre-cooled to +6–8°C.
- Red wine will taste better after being saturated with oxygen. It is poured into low glasses with a wide neck. Dry and semi-dry drinks are not usually cooled, sweet and semi-sweet drinks are best kept in the refrigerator.
- White grape wine, Tokaj, Slivovitz are usually drunk from a glass in the form of a bowl with a narrowed top. A crystal glass for white wine is filled halfway. The wine is pre-cooled to +10–12°C.
Important! Red wines have a richer aroma and retain their flavor for a long time. White wines are light and quickly lose their flavor. The diameter of the neck of crystal wine glasses regulates the area of contact between the drink and the air.
- Universal tasting glasses and goblets are cup-shaped, small, and filled to 1/3. They are used to serve port and dessert wines.
- For liqueurs and cognac, a low triangular-shaped glass is used.
- Sherry, Madeira, Vermouth, Martini and other fortified drinks are poured into medium-sized triangular glasses and filled halfway.
- For high-proof alcohol (Armagnac, Calvados, Tequila, Whiskey, Brandy and others), a cup-shaped "snifter" on a short stem is better suited. The drink will be warmed by the heat of the palm. Fill the container to ¼.
- The Margarita cocktail is served in a glass with a narrow bottom and a wide top so that the vodka stays at the bottom and the juice rises to the top faster.
How to identify quality crystal vessels
- Quality of the design. The edges are cut by hand and must remain sharp after polishing.
- The sound upon impact should be clear, while glass should be dull.
- The edge of the glass “sings” when you run a wet finger across it.
- Inclusions and bubbles in the walls and bottom are unacceptable.
- Branded companies mark their dishes with stickers containing protective signs.
How to care for crystal glasses
Glasses and goblets will last a long time if you follow a few rules:
- crystal is afraid of sudden temperature changes;
- It is better to wash dishes by hand;
- It is advisable to avoid detergents to avoid leaving streaks; it is better to use laundry soap;
- Wipe only slightly damp glasses with a cloth, remove limescale, and allow the water to drain naturally;
- A weak solution of any food acid will restore the former shine.
By the way, after a feast it is enough to hold the crystal in a warm solution of dry mustard for 30 minutes, then rinse. Old stains are dissolved by a soap-soda solution.
Famous manufacturers of crystal vessels
Czech Republic
The oldest glass factories Crystalex Novy Bor Bohemia Glass, Bohemia Crystal, with centuries of history, have united under the common brand Crystalex. They produce a wide range of products in different price categories, from sets of elite stylized tableware decorated with gilding, smalt, to assorted transparent glasses and goblets.
The Ruckl Crystal factory was opened in the early 20th century. Manufacturers adhere to traditional shapes and colors (blue, green, red). They decorate crystal with three-dimensional decorative elements, engraving, and painting.
Germany
The crystal manufactory Arnstadt Kristall specializes in the production of elite wine glasses; the sets of tableware are valued in many countries.
Nachtmann is a popular brand with a range of different price categories, from universal glasses for everyday table setting to individual sets based on exclusive designs for the Palace of Her Majesty Elizabeth.
Lausitzer Glas – this brand is known for vintage tableware made of colored crystal with complex grinding, released in the 60-70s.
Belarus
The oldest glass factory "Neman" produces more than five thousand items, among them there are lines of glasses, goblets for restaurants, home, offices.
Borisov Crystal Factory specializes in the production of high-quality tableware, awarded with diplomas from competitions and exhibitions.
Russia, the oldest crystal factories
Dyatkovskiy was founded in the 1790s, the only domestic laureate of the international award "Diamond Star", produces a wide range of products, is known in the world as a manufacturer of products made of multilayer crystal with a cut pattern (the colored layer is cut to the transparent one).
Gusevskoy was founded in 1976, is famous for its unique cutting, and produces varietal tableware for home, restaurants, and offices.
Bakhmetyevskaya artel, created on the basis of the plant "Red giant", the main exporter of domestic crystal abroad. Performed work on orders of royal persons. Specializes in classic tableware of the middle price category.
By the way, this is one of three enterprises that were organized in the 18th century after Catherine II's decree to remove glass factories 1,000 miles from Moscow. In this way, the queen tried to preserve the forests near the capital.
Other enterprises of the Russian Federation
The Pervomaysky glass factory has been producing crystal since 1977, focusing on traditional shapes with cutting and matte polished patterns.
Gus-Khrustalny Glass Factory produces original pairs of wine glasses for newlyweds with engraving, gilding, sets of "drunken glasses with curved stems.
