Two European crystal producing companies have come recently to my attention as available in the United States, one with new products that seem to bring a solution to problems that have been long vexing wine drinkers, the other for the virtuosity of their designs and the elegance and quality of their products that have been bringing outstanding thin crystal into modern, everyday life.

The first is Glashütte Valentin Eisch from Frauenau, Germany (www.eisch.de). They offer a solution to the problem of red wine beads forming on the rim of a decanter, running down the outside of the vessel and staining a tablecloth, something that frequently happens to red wine lovers. Their No Drop Effect^© decanters and ducks have a special treatment of the rim and glass surface that prevents drops from forming and running down the sides. This special surface treatment will remain intact as long as the decanter is not scrubbed or washed in a dishwasher. We have acquired a decanter and can personally attest to the effectiveness of this special surface.

Eisch Glaskulture is also the manufacturer of a new line of wine-specific glasses called the Sensis^plus glass series. The line is made up of lead-free crystal, featuring thin glass goblets. A special glass treatment enhances the aromatics, flavor and balance of wines. Each Sensis^plus glass has an identifying label and an etched mark at the bottom. The Superior Sensis^plus series has 21 wine-specific goblets plus an espresso cup and saucer. Included in the series are Grand Burgundy, Bordeaux and Chardonnay glasses, a Petit Syrah glass (created in cooperation with the Petit Syrah Group of California), a Port wine glass, a Grappa glass, a Champagne Flute glass, two Beer glasses (a Wheat Bear glass and a Pilsner glass), three Brandy glasses (small balloon snifter , larger balloon snifter and brandy “thimble”). In addition there are standard red wine, white wine, mineral water, martini, tumblers, highball and whiskey glasses.

The same company also produces companion products such as decanter funnels, decanter stoppers, a decanting thermometer to measure the temperature of the wine while allowing the wine to breathe, decanter stands, and cleaning balls – stainless steel balls that can reach areas that a brush can not, to clean a decanter.

The second manufacturer is Lobmeyr, a creator of crystal products from Vienna, Austria (www.lobmeyr.at).

In 1823, the master glassmaker Joseph Lobmeyr opened a business at this capital city to provide drinking glasses and decorative crystal items to the court and aristocracy. In 1883 Lobmeyr delivered the first electric chandelier – a worldwide sensation – to Vienna’s Imperial Palace. The chandeliers for New York’s Metropolitan Opera’s Auditorium, a major modern–era design, were designed by Hans Harald Rath in 1963 when Lobmeyr was commissioned to create the Auditorium’s lighting. In 1972 the chandelier manufacturer Zahn (founded in 1780) was acquired and folded into the Lobmeyr company.

Still, Lobmeyr glasses are first mouthblown, then cut, engraved and polished by hand to create the perfect balance between shape and function. From crystal chandeliers to stemware and barware, candy dishes to flower vases, the Lobmeyr products command the respect and admiration of connoisseurs and collectors from around the world.

I’m fond of the Lobmeyr products, which I admired for their design, as my father used to import them for my family’s wholesale and retail company in Athens, Greece.

To your health!

© August 2010 The Oenophile Blog. All rights reserved.