Some people regard drinking wine as a simple comforting activity, unconcerned with specific rules such as the shape of the glass. They enjoy their wine at their preferred temperature and tend to stick to a few chosen kinds without stepping beyond their comfort zones. Others, however, see wine as a full sensory experience, relishing its delightful aromas and analyzing each flavor note in every sip. Regardless of which group you belong to, there’s an important aspect in wine drinking that can’t be ignored: the choice of material for the wine glass.

The optimal vessels for wine drinking are either crystal or glass as the materials do not influence the wine’s taste. The reason is not about appearing elitist, but rather for scientific reasons. Plastic and styrofoam cups, for example, are porous, leading to the absorption of chemicals from the vessel into the liquid. These chemicals can significantly change the taste and smell of the wine, potentially making it sour, bitter, or even akin to vinegar. Moreover, other options like metal and stainless steel tumblers may seem functional, but their thickness and shape can greatly mess with the aroma and flavor range of the wine.

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Whether you prefer drinking wine from a glass or crystal vessel ultimately boils down to personal preference. Glass offers the advantage of being non-porous, effectively imparting no odor or taste to the wine and is dishwasher-safe. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. That said, it’s not without its drawbacks. Many glass vessels have a rimmed lip for durability, but this isn’t a desired feature in a wine glass.

Instead, thin glasses, like those made of crystal, provide a rim with ideal thinness while remaining strong and durable. What’s more? Although most crystal vessels are more expensive and not dishwasher safe, there are some options made without lead, which means they can be put in the dishwasher. Overall, crystal is the superior option when it comes to aesthetics and durability, but it’s not always the most budget-friendly choice.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive, durable, dishwasher-friendly vessel, glass is your best bet. If a visually appealing and thin glass for optimum drinking quality is your preference, crystal is the way to go. Either way, selecting glass or crystal over plastic, styrofoam, or metal wine vessels is always worth the extra search effort.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.