- Masters' Choice Collection
SARAH HELLER MW
When Sarah Heller, Master of Wine and Lucaris Crystal set out on a journey to create a new glassware range, we quickly realised that preferences in wine were highly personal. What is perfect for one person, situation or meal may not be so for another. Wine is also inherently complex, therefore trying to match each glass to each wine created more confusion than harmony. In our research, we realised that cultures across the Eurasian continent have long had simple , intuitive systems for understanding personality, body and the natural world based on the elements. Thus, we have used a system of elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Air and Gold) to simplify matching wines to the person, situation or meal and have produced The Elements collection.
INSPIRATION
Drawing inspiration from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Astrology, Ayurveda as well as Western conceptions of the elements, we designed glass shapes that would bring out that “element” in any wine style. Each glass is multi-purpose and can be used for red, white, rosé and even sparkling wines.
WATER
BUOYING FRESHNESS
“Water” brings a refreshing quality to any wine, as this taller, narrower bowl keeps wine cool and aromas light and fresh. The waist helps retain delicate aromatic notes then gently aerates the wine as it is sipped, releasing those precious aromas.
FIRE
BOOSTING BOLDNESS
“Fire” helps wines exhibit vibrancy, intensity and boldness and the glass’ wide, gently undulating bowl creates a broad surface for releasing aromas, while the straight sides direct the wine to the middle of the tongue, maximising flavor while minimising bitterness.
AIR
HEIGHTENING AROMAS
“Air” represents the qualities of motion, energy and fragrance, so the Air glass is designed with a round but tapered bowl for easy swirling without overexposing the wine to air or heat. The narrow rim focuses aromas and brightens acidity.
EARTH
ENHANCING HARMONY
“Earth” exemplifies stability, firmness and mellowness, as the Earth glass’ rounded bowl softens individual aromas and textures, helping them meld in the mouth. The flared rim drops the wine on the front of the tongue, accentuating fruitiness and fullness and creating a sense of richness and harmony.
GOLD
AUGMENTING BRILLIANCE
“Gold” was specially designed to bring out the brilliance in sparkling and sweet wines. Its tall, flute-like shape helps conserve bubbles while the tulip shape and waist hold in delicate aromas. The straight-sided, narrow rim brightens acidity in sweet wines to keep them in balance.
NARROW WAIST
AROMA PRESERVING
The Air, Water and Gold glasses feature “waists:” a tight curves to help preserve aromas while the wine is still, only aerating it when it's being sipped
TIGHT CURVE
AROMA BOOSTING
The fire glass has tight curves right on the bottom of the bowl to boost aroma from the moment the wine it’s poured.
EXTRA WIDE BOWL
EASY SWIRLING
The air also has an extra wide bowl for easy swirling to release aromas.
ROUNDED LIP
TEXURE SMOOTHING
The earth glass saves its tight curve for the last moment. The rounded lip help drops the wine right in the front of the palate that makes it soft and harmonious.
