Stemware

Crystal stemmed glasses have become an enduring classic of French tableware, admired for their elegance and functionality. From crystal wine glasses to crystal water glasses, each is traditionally designed with a specific purpose in mind. Through carefully considered shapes and hand-finished details, these glasses are crafted to reveal the full flavor and aromatic profile of each beverage, making them an essential element for every tasting experience.

A crystal stemmed glass is composed of three distinct parts – the bowl, the stem, and the foot – each created separately before being assembled together. At Cristallerie Saint-Louis, this relies on techniques transmitted and perfected over generations. One of the most distinctive characteristics appears at the rim, where the crystal gradually becomes finer and more delicate.

In tableware, crystal wine glasses are designed with particular attention to the characteristics of different wines. Glasses intended for red wine typically feature shorter stems, while those for white wine are often made with longer stems. The height of the stem influences how the glass is held and how body heat affects the wine’s temperature. Because temperature plays a crucial role in revealing a wine’s aromas and flavor nuances, this variation contributes greatly to the tasting experience.

The delicacy of crystal glasses is particularly well-suited to vintage wines. Because the crystal is thin and finely shaped, it helps concentrate aromas while allowing the wine to breathe gently. A mature wine, whose flavors and aromas have developed over time, is best served in glasses with a rim that is narrower than the shoulder. By contrast, fruit wines – made from fruits other than grapes – are best enjoyed in wider-rimmed glasses, which allow their aromas to open up more easily.

A traditional table setting is guided by a clear and practical rule: glasses are placed in order depending on the beverage they are intended for. Arranged from left to right, they reflect the sequence of drinks served during the meal. At Cristallerie Saint-Louis, our collections offer a wide variety of styles designed to combine aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that every table setting is both complete and brilliantly harmonious.

Explore the Saint-Louis crystal stemware collections.