In Italian, the elongated glass particularly suited for sparkling wines—though we could write a whole chapter on the countless shapes designed to enhance different bubbles—is traditionally referred to as the feminine “la flûte.” However, according to the Accademia della Crusca, the masculine “il flûte” is also acceptable. Rounder shapes, with wider mouths (can we say “coppeggianti”—cup-like—without upsetting the Crusca?), are commonly used for more aromatic sparkling wines, as we know. But the flûte has become an iconic symbol of festive celebrations, and we want to stay within the spirit of the season. Watching the cheerful, orderly stream of bubbles rise from the base of the glass to the surface feels like a preview of the delight awaiting us with the next sip. For centuries, glassmakers around the world have competed to create the perfect glass shapes—from crystal to various types of glass, and, more recently, alternative materials (we’ll cover those in the summer—no prejudices here!). Today, we present three international brands that have designed significant flûte models. While the differences might appear minimal at first glance, each reflects its brand’s unique stylistic concept. Which one is your favorite? Either way, cheers!

As connoisseurs know, every wine has its own glass. But let’s always celebrate the freedom that brings happiness. Every enthusiast can form their own opinions, yet there are certain trends in behavior motivated by the desire to enhance the enjoyment of wine. For bold, structured reds, a round bowl with good capacity and a narrower rim helps bring out the best, especially with a well-considered swirl of the glass. We present three different interpretations of this concept, each from a different producer, country, and designer, reflecting the atmospheres and traditions in which these glasses were conceived and thrive. We start with the Italian brand Zafferano, continue with the Slovakian brand Rona, and conclude in Sweden with Orrefors. These are internationally designed products that enhance the pleasure of good drinking. Interestingly, as we are about to read, the Italian collection has an English name, while the other two collections, Slovak and Swedish, have Italian names.