Bormioli Rocco Milano

Take the 56 cl for red wine with plenty of tannin. The broad bowl increases the surface where the wine meets air, so sharp edges soften within a quarter of an hour. The 44.5 cl is narrower and keeps aromas closer to the rim, which suits white wine and lighter reds better. In both cases pour up to the widest point of the bowl and no higher, so about a third full. If you only have room for one size, the 44.5 cl is the most versatile choice. See the full overview at wine glasses or specifically at the red wine glasses.

A large wine glass is also the right glass for a spritz. For an Aperol Spritz, fill the 56 cl three quarters with ice and keep to three parts prosecco, two parts bitter and a dash of soda water. Sangria is poured fruit and all into the same glass, and it is then handy to put a carafe on the table so guests can top up themselves. Serve red wine at around 16 degrees and white wine at around 10 degrees, because wine drunk too cold gives away little of its scent.

The glasses are made of lead-free crystalline glass, which is clearer than ordinary glass and slower to go dull. They may go in the dishwasher on a programme up to around 55 degrees. Do not place them too close together, because the bowls knock as the arm turns. Polish afterwards with a dry cloth while the glass is still hand-warm, and no streaks will remain.

If you mostly drink white or rosé, the white wine glasses offer a narrower bowl shape that keeps the wine cool longer and holds the fresh aromas closer to the rim. For sparkling wine the champagne glasses are the right starting point, with flutes and coupes side by side. The manufacturer's other series, from tumblers to carafes, are at Bormioli Rocco. There you will also find the matching carafes from the same line.