There is a reason that wine lovers are particular about their glassware. The shape of a glass isn't just about aesthetics – it can determine how a wine opens up, how aromas gather and, ultimately, how it tastes and is enjoyed.
For generations, the Italian glassmakers at Zafferano have refined this relationship between form and flavour, combining heritage craftsmanship with elegant design. Each piece is shaped to bring out the best in what you're drinking – whether that's a delicate white wine or a rich, complex whisky.
Yet mastering which wine or spirit belongs in which glass is a craft. Should that crisp Vermentino be enjoyed in a smaller bowl or something more open? Does your favourite Barolo need room to breathe, or will a narrower rim concentrate its complexity?
During Christmas festivities, with bottles being opened at every turn, serving them in the right glass makes all the difference. Here, Miranda Fong, Director of independent wine retailer Bottle Apostle, pairs ten of Zafferano's most distinctive designs – from wine glasses to tumblers – with the wines and spirits that will truly shine in them.
The glass: Zafferano Esperienze Red Wine Glass
The bottle: Barolo San Giuseppe 2020, Pecchenino – A blend of three sites, from Bussia and Monforte d'Alba. Grapes are aged in both stainless steel and concrete, highlighting a core of delicacy with black plum, tea-smoked cherries and liquorice aromas. Classically styled with consistent power and attractively seductive tannins.
The glass: Zafferano Ultralight Goblet
The bottle: Khakibos White Blend 2023, Thistle & Weed – An outstandingly flavourful and complex blend of mostly Portuguese and Spanish varieties. It has notes of lemon tart, grapefruit and a rich creamy character from the ten months of lees ageing — yet is finely balanced with a refreshingly high acidity. One to enjoy slowly.
The glass: Zafferano Esperienze White Wine Glass
The bottle: Cotes de Provence Blanc 2024, Château de Pourcieux – Made with 100% Rolle, but you may know it as Vermentino. This wine is pretty much everything you could want from this variety. Insanely drinkable with salted grapefruit, a zippy bright structure and delicate jasmine notes. An organically certified wine that's managed to trap a ray of sunshine in the bottle from its high mountain sites.
The glass: Zafferano Esperienze Dessert Wine Glass
The bottle: Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 2023, Domaine des Bernardins – With so much aroma and flavour, this is one of the best of the region, with rich orange citrus, apricot, sweet almond notes, and all the florality and perfume one would expect. Very uplifting in style, bright, lively and an excellent balance of alcohol.
The glass: Zafferano Esperienze Champagne Glass
The bottle: 1460 Extra Brut NV, Champagne Dumont-Terrillon – A step up from their flagship Deux A cuvée, aptly named after the number of days this Champagne sits in bottle sur lattes. A poised and richly generous Champagne brimming with lemon shortbread and the touches of spice from 12% spent in oak. One of the smallest cuvées they produce, and exclusive to our shelves in the UK. A real treat for the money and Extra Brut with 5.6g/l dosage.
The glass: Zafferano Ultralight Vintage Champagne Glass
The bottle: Abyss 2017, Champagne Leclerc-Briant – A fascinating, experimental cuvée from this top quality, biodynamic producer which, after spending three years in the cellar, is aged under the sea for eleven months. The winemaker believes this gives it a unique and powerful energy. Undoubtedly this wine expresses a distinct air of the sea, and is extraordinarily interesting. Definitely a talking point! Zero dosage (no additional sugar).
The glass: Zafferano Veneziano Mixology Tumbler
The bottle: Glencadam 10 yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glencadam Distillery – Long recognised by serious single malt afficionados as one of Scotland's best light whiskies without compromising on complexity. Glencadam's copper pot stills deliver a particularly estery spirit and its 10-year-old single malt showcases it beautifully with tropical flavours of candied lemon, green banana and papaya. Despite only being 10 years old, the finish is particularly long and satisfying with vanilla accents poking through.
The glass: Zafferano Twiddle Tumblers
The bottle: Espadin Artisanal Mezcal, Pensador – Distilled by a small landowning Mezcalero in the very south of Oaxaca, this traditionally-crafted mezcal shows plenty of smoke and spice on the nose, and tantalises with ripe agave, roasted apricot and green citrus on the palate. Drinks well on its own, yet amps up your Margarita and Paloma to 11.
The glass: Zafferano Veneziano Martini Glass
The bottle: Pollination Gin, The DYFI Distillery – Small batch gin from Wales, produced in London Dry style. Botanicals used include wild flowers, aromatic leaves and conifer tips. Very delicate and delicious.
The glass: Zafferano Eventi Tumbler
The bottle: Vault Non-Alcoholic Aper1tivo, Vault Aperitivo – Vault has created an absolute superstar of the non-alcoholic world that should be treated as you would any full-strength aperitivo drink. Made at their Saffron Walden distillery using a blend of apple cider vinegar, dates, liquorice root, burdock and juniper botanicals, to name a few, it is complex and brooding, like a perfectly-made bitter-sweet negroni. Expect plenty of herbal, minty notes that transport you to an Italian coastline as you sip and watch the world go by. Enjoy in a classic serve with quality tonic.
