Glasses for cognac, liqueurs, martini – although they share a name, each looks completely different. While wine glasses seemingly resemble them in construction, in Polish they became known as a "lampka" (small lamp). Where did this name come from, how is it expressed in other countries, what does it mean today, and why was the wine glass designed this way? How to drink from a wine glass to make it taste even more special?
An invitation for a glass of wine
A wine glass is a glass specifically designed for serving this unique alcoholic beverage. Its essential elements are a wide bowl and a slender stem. Its capacity ranges from 120 ml to over 800 ml! So, what does someone mean when they invite their guests for a "lampka" (glass) of wine?
Until recently, it was customary in Poland to organize small gatherings for close friends or business partners to celebrate an important event, such as passing a driving test, signing a contract between companies, or finding a new job. These were called a "lampka wina" (glass of wine) because they were short – just long enough to drink a symbolic and small portion of the beverage. They took place in a small circle, and the small refreshments of course included a glass of this traditional alcohol. Today, invitations for a "lampka," and sometimes a "lampeczka" (little glass) of wine, are still used in the context of a meeting, but its rules or purpose are not clearly defined. Its meaning is closer to a suggestion of meeting "for coffee." Also, the amount of alcohol consumed after accepting such an invitation is often not limited to just one serving.
"Lampka do wina" (wine glass) is still an inseparable term for the typical glass for this beverage. Where did its name come from? Why do we say "lampka" and not "kielich" (chalice), with which it is so obviously associated?
"Glassware" for wine
Glass goblets have been used almost since the beginning of civilization. However, at first, they resembled ordinary cups. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that glasses appeared that resembled modern wine glasses. Over the years, they changed and evolved in detail, but the general concept of a bowl on a long stem remained. This image is permanently inscribed in the thinking about wine – if only because for hundreds of years, similar-looking vessels have been used as communion chalices. This motif also often appears in painting: as an image of the mythical Holy Grail or as – most often golden – props held in hands or standing next to depicted figures.
Wine is a beverage that came to Poland from various parts of Europe. The country's climate is not conducive to mass grape cultivation – unlike the climate in traditionally wine-producing countries such as Italy, France, Hungary, or Georgia. However, you won't find a "lampka do wina" (wine glass) there. In English and German, the words "glass" / "ein Glas" appear, which simply mean "glass." Germans sometimes also speak of a "chalice." Wine powers also drink from "glassware": the French, Italians, and Hungarians. Spaniards reach for a "cup" of wine. Georgians drink wine from a "mug." All these words directly refer to a drinking vessel. So where did the Polish "lampka" for wine come from?
This term appeared in the Polish language only about 150 years ago. It was then that rooms and salons throughout Europe were illuminated by kerosene lamps invented by the Polish pharmacist Ignacy Łukasiewicz. They were designed in such a way that on a thin stem there was a bulbous tank with kerosene, in which a wick was immersed. At the very top, a protective chimney and a lampshade were placed. One glance at a table kerosene lamp – specifically its lower part, i.e., the tank on a long stem – is enough to associate it with a wine glass!
Initially, "lampka" was simply a synonym for "kieliszek" (goblet/glass). Over time, this name was mostly acquired by those for wine. However, in colloquial speech, alongside "lampka szampana" (glass of champagne) or "lampka czerwonego wina" (glass of red wine), invitations for a "lampka koniaku" (glass of cognac) still function. The "Dictionary of the Polish Language" by PWN, incidentally, allows the use of this term to describe a glass used for drinking various types of alcohol, and even honey.
Regardless of the nomenclature, a goblet or glass of wine must be characterized by a specific structure. What kind and why? How to match the capacity of the bowl to a specific type of wine?
Ideal capacity
Savoir-faire specialists clearly define what structure and why a wine glass – ideal capacity, in turn, depends on the type of alcohol – must have. The first thing to pay attention to is the craftsmanship and quality of the glass used to produce the vessel. Crystal clear is always the best choice – it allows for a precise evaluation of the drink's color. From white, yellow, and green, to pink, red, and dark burgundy – wine surprises with its eye-pleasing colors. It can beautifully shimmer in the light, especially if it's sparkling. It can be completely clear, but also unnaturally transparent. Evaluating the appearance of wine through clear glass before consumption is a basic principle of conscious tasting.
Another important element of a wine glass is its long stem. You should hold the drink by the stem, not the bowl. This is not only elegant but also practical. Holding by the stem prevents the alcohol from being warmed by a warm hand – which in turn significantly affects its taste. It also allows you to gently swirl the contents to aerate the liquid and consequently detect further aromatic and taste notes during tasting.
Another issue is the size and shape of the bowl. Red wine glasses have a very wide and bulbous bowl – enough for the aromatic bouquet to "have space" to fully release itself and for the nose to fit inside the bowl during tasting. Engaging both senses at once when tasting wine will allow you to consciously appreciate its taste.
White wine glasses have a smaller bowl. This drink is usually served as an aperitif – as an accompaniment to appetizers. Light white wine is drunk at the beginning of an event to improve both the appetite and mood of the assembled guests. In turn, champagne glasses, i.e., sparkling wine glasses, are narrow and long. They are sometimes called "flutes" because they resemble this musical instrument. This shape allows you to observe the bubbles in all their glory and make a toast without fear of spilling even a single delicious drop.
It is also worth knowing how large a wine glass should be – how many ml capacity the bowl should have for consuming a specific type of beverage. Red wine glasses are the largest – not only because of the length of the stem, but also the width of the bowl. This means that significantly more air reaches the drink, which has a significant impact on its taste. They can be rounded, gently tapering upwards, or resemble tulip flowers. These vessels usually range from 150 to as much as 860 ml. When serving, red wine is poured to fill only 1/7 to 1/3 of the capacity – the heavier the wine, the less.
A white wine glass can range from just 120 to as much as 550 ml. During elegant receptions, when serving this drink with appetizers, it is better to opt for smaller vessels. Well-chilled white wine is poured up to a maximum of 2/3 of the bowl's height. Sparkling wine glasses are rather small, up to 250-300 ml, and – especially for toasting – they are poured almost to the brim.
It is worth inviting loved ones for a glass of wine from time to time – regardless of its type. Besides adhering to savoir-vivre principles and enjoying the taste and aroma of the drink itself, conversation and excellent company are just as important!