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Romans (wine glass)

In Central Europe, a widespread and traditional wine glass with a volume of 0.2 or 0.25 litres. According to an old version, the name comes from the Low German word "römen" (to boast) and is supposed to mean "glory glass", i.e. "magnificent glass", thus expressing exclusivity. However, the name probably derives from "Vitrum Romarium" (Roman glass). In the past, it was used to describe fragments of old Roman glass which were used for melting in Germany and from which these glasses were made. The term was first used in Neuss (North Rhine-Westphalia) in 1501. The forerunner of the Roman was the 16th century Berkemeyer cup made of green forest glass, which is greenish coloured pottery glass (picture left). Significant is the bulbous, cup-shaped, thick-walled goblet on an upward tapering, thick stem on a broad foot. The foot is studded with nubs, i.e. indentations, to provide a secure grip.

Römergalsd - 17. Jhdt, 19. Jhdt und heute

In the 20th century, numerous variants of the historicist Roman were created, with the dome (upper bowl) adorned with a wide variety of decorations such as coats of arms, vine leaves, flowers and geometric ornaments, as well as a gilded foot and glass rim. Today, however, the dome is mostly smooth (picture on the right). Roman glass is typical of the Rheingau region. The Roman glass is not suitable for professional wine tastings and is not used in upmarket restaurants. It is particularly popular in wine taverns (Buschenschank and Heuriger). For more information on this topic, see also Wine Vessels and Wine Glasses and Winegrowing Customs.

Picture 1: By Ulrich Mayring - photo by Ulrich Mayring, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Images 2 - 4: ©Bernd Meintzinger - Antiquitäten im Fürstenhof, Frickenhausen a.M.

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Roman Horvath MW

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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)

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