Sherry Glass
Small tulip-shaped stemmed glass designed to concentrate aromatics in fortified wines, aperitifs, and tasting pours without overwhelming alcohol presence.
Essential Equipment
Recommended for every home bar
Price Guide
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
Small cordial or port glasses (£2–4) — usable for casual service, though often lack proper taper.
Premium Option
Riedel Vinum Sherry or Zalto Sherry Glass (£30–45 per pair) — exceptional aroma focus and professional balance.
Care & Maintenance
Care Instructions
- Hand wash or gentle glassware cycle
- Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth
- Polish before service to maintain clarity
- Store stem-up with adequate spacing
- Inspect rims regularly for micro-chips
Expected Lifespan
- •Premium crystal: 5–8 years with careful handling
- •Standard glass: 3–5 years in professional service
- •Budget glass: 12–24 months before rim wear
Pro Tip
For fino or manzanilla sherry, chill the glass lightly and pour no more than 60ml. The copita’s shape delivers saline and floral notes directly to the nose, making even simple fortified wines feel precise and expressive.
Usage
Sherry, vermouth, fortified wines, low-ABV cocktails, spirits tastings where aroma and precision matter
What to Look For
- Tulip shape with inward taper — essential for aroma control
- Thin, smooth rim — enhances delicate sipping
- Balanced stem — stable yet elegant
- Clear, distortion-free glass — colour matters in fortified wines
- Lead-free crystal — clarity without fragility
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wine glasses — too much oxygen and heat
- Overfilling — flattens aroma and increases alcohol burn
- Serving too warm — especially for fino-style sherries
- Thick rims — mute texture and precision
- Treating as interchangeable with Nick & Nora — intent is different
Professional Tips
- Serve chilled for fino and manzanilla; slightly warmer for oxidative styles
- Pour modestly — half-full is ideal
- Encourage nosing before sipping; this glass is about aroma first
- Use for vermouth and aperitif tastings as well as sherry
- Hold by the stem to prevent warming
Specifications
Material
Glass
Capacity
90–120ml
Details
Small tulip-shaped bowl, narrow opening, thin rim, short to medium stem; designed for focused nosing and small pours
History & Context
The copita originated in the sherry bodegas of southern Spain, where workers needed a small, durable glass that could capture aroma without encouraging excessive drinking. Its narrow opening and modest size made it ideal for assessing wine quality throughout the ageing process. As sherry and vermouth returned to prominence in modern cocktail culture, the copita found renewed relevance. Today it is prized not only for fortified wines, but also for low-ABV cocktails and spirits tastings where nuance and restraint are paramount.