improving the drinking experience by emphasizing quality over quantity

The effect of wine glass size on a good wine is quite noticeable. You can almost immediately see the difference when you pour a strong, mature wine with plenty of flavor and structure into a small glass and then transfer it to a bigger one. The delicacy of scents is noticeably different; one can feel their increased appreciation,” says wine sommelier and Lucaris Crystal brand ambassador Magandeep Singh.

In its most recent event, renowned wine sommelier Magandeep Singh teams up with Lucaris Crystal, a high-end Thai glassware company for wine and liquor, to take wine tasting to a whole new level with their newest release.

Singh, a wine and glassware specialist, talks about how choosing the right glass for the drink may improve the drinking experience in an exclusive interview with IANSlife.

Could you describe the circumstances around the formation of your partnership with Lucaris and what drew you to this company?

MS: Lucaris and I had previously collaborated on a number of projects and had mutual admiration for one another. Both of us place a high priority on meticulousness and attention to detail in our work. A brand that is perfect for the Indian market is Lucaris. To be honest, I like talking about and promoting this topic since I think it has everything needed to become a great brand in India. Through this collaboration, there is a chance to clarify these qualities, which makes Lucaris a fascinating subject for discussion.

You possess a thorough grasp of wine and glassware as a trained sommelier. In what ways does Lucaris glassware improve the pleasure of drinking wine?

MS: Well, there’s a fascinating argument about whether the glass shape’s aesthetic appeal or its scientific basis improves our sensory perception. When you take into account how the form of a glass affects the wine-tasting experience, wine enjoyment may be seen as a synthesis of science and art. Fundamentally, enjoying food and beverages awakens our senses. The encounter starts on a high note when you are handed an attractive glass. That’s what glassware is really all about. Although the functioning of these glasses has indisputable scientific foundations, their instant aesthetic appeal greatly enhances our overall perception and creates the ideal environment for an improved experience right away.

How are you using digital platforms to educate and involve wine aficionados about the significance of glasses in wine tasting in the current digital era?

MS: Without a doubt, digital is the rage, and we’ve embraced it with our special series “A Glass Apart,” which we developed in association with Lucaris and Magandeep Singh. By exploring different varieties of glass and highlighting the advantages of crystal, we want to educate people about the rich and varied world of glassware. Even though the show is just three or four episodes old, it is already garnering a lot of attention. We are pleased with the high levels of involvement and the volume of questions we are getting from the trade and consumer sectors. We want to keep answering similar questions in the next episodes so that our viewers will always have access to good information. So, yeah, so far, our digital initiatives have been quite effective.

Could you perhaps provide some details on the master courses you held using Lucaris glassware? How has the brand benefited from it so far?

MS: We implemented the idea of “A Glass Apart” as master courses in education. During these tastings, fine wines are moved from regular glasses to Lucaris stemware that is made especially for each kind of wine. Its effectiveness is shown by the event itself. With this practice, participants may taste and experience the change for themselves, negating the need to convince them of the improvement and the rationale behind it. These sessions are held once a month and only 14 seats are available, which keeps them unique and in high demand. Participants show great appreciation for these sessions, show up on time, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly good.

Though it may not be often known, glassware has a big impact on the wine-drinking experience. Could you describe your plan for educating customers and changing their opinion of this?

MS: As you well know, education begins at home. Thus, I changed my glasses as my first action. I switched out all of my glasses with Lucaris stemware. When individuals tasted the wines in those glasses, they were able to see the noticeable difference it made. They discovered that it improved the experience of average wine in addition to elevating exceptional or great wines. As a result, they would want to know more about the glasses so they could enjoy wine more at home.

The main reason people don’t purchase more than one glass is because Lucaris glassware has a distinctive design, which takes up room. So, I provide advice on what glasses to buy so that they may have a four-person gathering and appreciate the wines on a much higher level than they could before.

Your partnership with Lucaris is an amalgam of wine knowledge and fine glassware. What effect do you think this partnership will have on the wine and glassware market as a whole?

MS: This partnership seems to me to be the joining of two identities that share similar values. Our common goal is to elevate the craft of drinking and treasure the pleasure of fine alcohol consumed with others. We are committed to advancing this idea and are unwavering in it. And the effect, as we see it, happens person by person, drink after sip. Our commitment is to progressively educate people on the value of pairing excellent cocktails with fine glassware.

What suggestions or advice would you provide wine fans who want to use the appropriate glasses to improve their wine-tasting experience?

MS: Making better driving experiences by using high-quality glasses is like building smoother highways. The quality and pleasure of the wine you drink are greatly increased by using fine glasses. It encourages drinking in a more tasteful manner and discourages excessive drinking. As I said before, we’re still focused on improving the drinking experience—not on quantity, but on quality. Glassware becomes an essential component when it combines the stimulation of the tactile and visual senses with the addition of sound via precise clinking. It is a tactile experience that is necessary to fully appreciate any product that is tactile.

How do you see the future of wine enjoyment and the role that glassware will play in that growth as the wine business develops?

MS: Invest first on high-quality eyewear. Purchase Lucaris stemware to protect your investment since it is reasonably priced, very sturdy, and won’t break on you. Additionally, avoid overspending and stick to only two different types in your collection: a wide and tall glass and a broader one. Next, try a variety of wines in these glasses.

Keeping your glasses clean at all times is the second most crucial piece of advise. Wash them the same evening after you have had wine in them. Cleaning them right away after usage guarantees durability and keeps stains at bay. By following these simple housekeeping tips, you can prolong the enjoyment you get from your glassware and make sure you enjoy it for a long time.

Finally, which Lucaris glassware set is your favorite, and could you tell us about a special wine-related event you had while using these glasses?

MS: The Desire Collection models from Aerlumer® are my favorites. As you swirl the wine, it adds a little more ripple. It seems lovely. It is a great discussion starter and I like how it converges before opening out the form. Every time I wear those spectacles, people notice and get interested in finding out more. Ultimately, we want to hear people talking about high-quality glassware, and Lucaris Desire instantly starts that conversation.