For The Love Of Port

I am not a port afficionado, but I am open to start trying them. Meanwhile I am trying to get a gift for my local wine experts who LOVE port. A friend of theirs, who also likes port, recommended getting them port sippers. I looked and didn't see any write ups here in the forum about them. I read that the advantage of them is that you basically drink from the bottom where there is no oxidation. But the advantage of regular glasses is that you can smell the aroma and swirl them easier.

My question to you is this. Shall I get them the "official port wine glass" by Ohm design, or should I get them port sippers (a.k.a. Schnapps Pfeiffe)?

I dont really know what the second one looks like, but usually people here use Port Glasses like the one from Riedel or Spiegelau or the Official ones you already mentioned.

If you can get your hand on some of the IVDP Glasses (Officials) then I think they are a good way to go.

What concerns the oxidation of port during drinking - I think the oxidation is not an unwanted process. Thats why Vintage Port is usually decanted for a while before drinking.

The point of the glassware is not to prohibit oxidation of the port but to get the maximum/optimally mixed taste and smell out of it.

My girlfriend got me port sippers last year and we returned them as they were so fragile looking, I was scared to take them out of the box! The glass is super thin. I did not see any advantage using them for port. Schnapps on the other hand, they may work for that.

Go for Riedel or IDVP glasses. If you can find port tongs or antique decanters, are all great port minded gifts.

Brandon,

Welcome to the forum, it's great to have you here and hopefully you will continue to drop by. BTW, I've sent you an email...


As for your question. I agree with Johannes and Moses on the Riedel's or the IVDP Port glasses. The IVDP ones are no longer made by Ohm. Schotts Zwiesel is now making them and as far as I know they have not made it to the states yet. So that kinda limits it to the Riedel, which are very good.

If you wanted something unique, then get the Port sippers. However, I do not think they are conducive to fully appreciating the Port. For that reason, I would suggest getting the Riedel Port glass or the IVDP glass if you can find them.

I received a set of these Port sippers that you describe earlier this year as a gift from a dear friend of mine. I don't think I could ever use them for Vintage Port but can and have enjoyed Tawny and a Colheita out of them.

Moses is right - they do look fragile. They feel fragile. The glass is very thin and I am very careful when I wash them.

If your friends are true Port afficianados, they would likely prefer the Reidel or a similar type of stemware. I know I would love to get that as a gift!

Todd