Product Description

What can we learn from a Riedel (rhymes with "needle") glass? That size matters, as does shape? That form following function has meaning for wine-lovers as well as designers? Or perhaps the deeper lesson that the contents of an outwardly "plain" glass may provide a more sensual, complex, and rewarding experience than those of a superficially beautiful one? The Austrian Riedel family has been involved with glass-making since 1756, but it was two centuries later that Claus Riedel conceptualized a glass made specifically to enhance the flavors and aromas of a designated wine. Through an involved process each style of glass is crafted to accentuate the strengths, while minimizing the weaknesses, of a particular spirit. This is done through changes in the size and shape of the bowl, the diameter of the opening and the cut and polished lip which directs the wine towards a specific area of the tongue. Small wonder Riedel stems are preferred by sommeliers and oenophiles world wide for their ability to transform the perception of a wine.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #27564 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Riedel
• Dimensions: 8.85" h x 3.75" w x 3.75" l, .50 pounds

Features

• Six glasses for young, full-bodied red wines
• Glass design enhances taste of wines such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja
• Machine-made, 24-percent lead crystal
• Made in Bavaria by world's premier wine glass maker
• 8-7/8 inches tall; capacity of 21-1/2 ounces

Amazon.com Review
Austria's Riedel is the world's premier manufacturer of wine glasses. Made of 24-percent lead crystal, the Vinum series of glasses are the first machine-made wine glasses to be developed uniquely for each type of wine. Since their introduction in 1986, these wine glasses have had a large influence on the wine culture.

The glasses in this set of six were specifically shaped to highlight the fruit in young, full-bodied red wines with high levels of tannin, such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja, and Tempranillo. The mouths of the Bordeaux glasses draw wine to the areas of the tongue that perceive sweetness, emphasizing the fruit and mellowing the acidity. The large bowls provide room for the wine's rich bouquet to unfold. Each glass stands 8-7/8 inches high and holds 21-1/2 ounces of wine. --Cristina Vaamonde

From the Manufacturer
A Glass Is Not Just a Glass

The Content Determines the Shape
Riedel's belief when it comes to develop a shape is that design ideas are not born on a drawing board but shaped by trial and error with the help and support of the world’s greatest palates. A person interested in wine is led by color, bouquet, and taste. He often does not consider the glass--used as an instrument to convey the message of the wine. Over the years we have acquired some interesting scientific explanations as to why the shape of a glass so influences the bouquet and taste of alcoholic beverages.

The first discovery was made while enjoying wine. The same wine seemed completely different, when served in a variety of glasses--so much so that experienced connoisseurs were made to believe that they were tasting a different wine. In the next step, Riedel was able to determine shapes in which the wine seemed to improve. The grape variety is the key factor determining the relationship between fruit, acidity, tannin, and alcohol in wine. We started to recognize the complicated role played by size and shape in conveying the message of a fine wine.

The Influence of Size and Shape on Alcoholic Beverages
Bouquet
The quality and intensity of aromas are determined by the personality of a wine and the relative affinity of the glass shape. Bouquet can only develop in a range of temperatures. Low temperatures temper the intensity, whereas high temperatures push mainly alcoholic fumes. When describing the importance of the glass shape we assume that the right serving sizes (white wine: 2-3 ounces; red wine: 3-5 ounces) and temperatures are respected. When wine is poured out, it starts to evaporate and the aromas quickly fill the glass in layers according to their density and specific gravity. The lightest vapors are at the rim, the heaviest on the bottom. Consequently the size and the shape of the glass can be fine-tuned to the typical aromas of a grape variety:

• The lightest, most fragile aromas are those which resemble flower and fruit aromas. Slender, egg-shaped glasses emphasize this kind of aroma.
• The middle is filled with green vegetal aromas and earthy mineral components.
• The heaviest aromas are those of wood and alcohol.

When swirling the glass, the wine moistens additional surface which increases the evaporation and intensity of the aromas. However, it does not allow layers of bouquet to blend together. It is for this reason that the different qualities of aroma noted in a variety of glasses are amazing. (The same wine may have fruit aromas in one glass and green and vegetal herbiness in another). To eliminate this effect, you would have to move the layers vertically and shake the glass. Only then would you discover the same bouquet in all glasses!

Experienced tasters rely on their olfactory talents more than their palates to determine the provenance of the sample or the grape variety in blind tastings. Very large glasses with a capacity of more than 25 ounces allow you to sniff through the layers of bouquet by inhaling extremely gently and consistently for more than ten seconds. You can smell through the fruit aromas to the alcohol fumes.

Palate
We cannot dictate firm rules over personal preferences, though our advice may provide valuable guidelines. Years of experience have shown that 90 percent of wine lovers approve of the suggestions made by Riedel. Physical movements and adjustments are controlled subconsciously. The shape of the glass forces the head to position itself in such a way that you drink and do not spill.

Wide open glass shapes require us to sip by lowering the head. Narrow rims roll the head backwards and the liquid flows because of gravity. This delivers and positions the beverage to different zones of the palate. Drinking in big sips to quench the thirst will diminish the influence of the vessel, and only the aftertaste will offer flavor. Alcoholic beverages are consumed according to their strength in small to very small quantities at a time. This gives the chance to control the flow where the beverage contacts the tongue. The resulting nerve message is delivered at a speed of 400 m/sec to our brain where it leaves a lasting first impression. In most cases we would be disappointed if the sweet fruit flavors were lacking, and tart components dominated the taste picture. If this occurs, the blame is usually put on the quality of the wine but never on the shape of the glass.

Shape
Every wine has its own blend--fruit, acidity, mineral, tannin, alcohol--based on the grape variety, soil, and climate. By studying the character of the grape variety Riedel is able to deliver wine and spirits to the nose and palate so that each beverage can reach its full expression. The finish plays an important part in the overall impression and even this is strongly influenced by the design of the bowl.It will take time to recognize that a glass is not just a glass but an instrument of pleasure and enjoyment.

Key Factors in Selecting a Wine Glass
Type
A wine glass should be:

• Colorless
• Transparent
• Unadorned
• Thin-walled
• With a cut and polished lip
• Egg-shaped
• Stemmed
• Made of lead crystal

Size
The size of a glass is important, showing the quality and intensity of aromas. The evaporation space has to be chosen according to the "personality" of the wine or spirit. It is best to respect the appropriate serving quantities:

• Approximately three ounces for white wine
• Four up to a maximum of five ounces for red wine
• One ounce for spirits.

General Rules

• Red wines and their character require large glasses,
• White wines medium-sized glasses, and
• Spirits small ones in order to emphasize the fruit character and not the alcohol.

Shape
Riedel’s belief: The content determines the shape

The glasses are designed to emphasize a wine’s harmony, not its faults. Riedel has always viewed the wine glass as an instrument to bring together:

• Personality of the wine
• Smell
• Taste
• The sense of sight

To appreciate fully the personality of different grape varieties and the subtle character of wines, it is essential to have an appropriately fine-tuned glass shape. The shape is responsible for the flow of the wine and consequently where it touches the various taste zones of the tongue. The initial contact point depends on the shape and volume of the glass, the diameter of the rim, and its finish (whether it is cut and polished or rolled edge) as well as the thickness of the crystal.

As you put your wine glass to your lips, your taste buds are on the alert. Once the tongue is in contact with the wine three messages are transmitted at the same time: temperature, texture, and taste. Wine is composed of different elements: fruit, acidity, mineral components, tannin, and alcohol. The combination between the sense of smell and taste leads into the wonderful world of flavor.

Taking Care of Riedel Stemware
As Riedel glasses are executed in the finest lead crystal, it is important to pay attention to their correct care.

The surface is coarser than ordinary glass, which has the advantage of conveying more intense aromas. On the other hand the surface is softer, more delicate, easily scratched, and quickly absorbs environmental odors such as a cardboard smell or the wood of your cupboard. As our glasses have a large surface, this intensifies the effect. If the glasses are not used frequently, nose them before serving.

Hand Washing
Do not be afraid when washing your glasses by hand. Depending on how greasy the glasses are, use more or less detergent in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly afterwards under running water.

Before polishing your glasses, steam them over a bowl of boiling water for that extra sparkle. The best way to polish your Riedels is to use lint-free linen that has been washed without a fabric softener--the softener leaves a light film of grease which kills the bubbles in champagne.

When wiping, use two cloths and both hands--your left hand to hold the bowl, your right hand to wipe it. Do not force the cloth into the bowl, otherwise the thin walls will not hold the pressure.

The disadvantage of holding the glass by the base while wiping the bowl is that you twist the stem which may break.

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Customer Reviews

Very nice, but ...
I've owned >100 Riedel stems over the years and used them for drinking everything from old Bordeaux to Montrachet to Cal cabs to Port. These glasses (and the Vinum Chardonnay, etc.) are beautiful, work extraordinarily well, and are a pleasure to hold. That said, however, they are also very expensive and don't provide any observable advantages over the equivilent Spiegelau stems (Spiegelau Authentis Collection Bordeaux Wine Glasses, Set of 6) at less than half the price. Spiegelau also has the advantage of being _much_ more durable.

If price is no object, by all means buy the Riedel. However, if your real passion is wine (as opposed to glassware), do what I've done, buy the Spiegelau and spend the difference on a few really nice bottles to lay down in your cellar.

Update: Riedel now owns Spiegelau. Seems like the ultimate complement ... "if you can't beat 'em, buy 'em."

And updated again: I've recently started using the Schott Zwiesel Diva Tritan Crystal Cabernet/Merlot/Bordeaux Wine Glasses Set of 6 series glasses (also available on Amazon). They look as nice, and work as well, as the Riedel and Spiegelau but have the added advantage of being cheaper (than Riedel) and almost unbreakaable. My new favorite.

Riedel vs. Spiegelau
About two years ago I became interested enough in wine that I decided to invest in some high-end wine glasses. The choice came down to Riedel vs. Spiegelau. The first glasses I purchased were 6 Riedel Bordeaux ($89.99)along with 6 Riedel Chards($79.99). They are beautifully crafted with large bowls, very thin rims and wonderfull balance. Other reviewers have commented on the poor quality of Amazon's shipping so I will not expound further. The wines really do taste better out of these glasses. Unfortunately, the very thin rim, although elegant, is also fragile. Within one year two glasses were broken.
Last year I decided to try Spiegelau. If you wait until November/December Amazon will put them on sale and you can purchase 12 glasses for $29.99. These glasses also have fine balance but have a sturdier feel then the Riedel. The rims of the Spiegelau glasses are not as thin as the Riedels and so some may not think they are as elegant. The wine tastes every bit as good if not better out of the Spiegelaus. Unless you can break a $15 glass without uttering an expletive I would save my money and buy the Spiegelau which have now become my everyday glasses.

Now you can REALLY enjoy your wine - Start with these glasses
If you don't already own a set of Riedel, and you're wondering "are they really worth the money?" - well, the answer is YES. Forget the snob factor. It's the "aroma" factor that makes these delightful glasses worth it. Unless your "wine" comes in non-grape flavors like raspberry, you will enjoy the "taste/smell" improvement offered by Riedel. I've compared Riedel to other (cheaper) large wine glasses, and Riedel still comes out ahead. If you're just getting started, begin by purchasing the Bordeaux glasses, as they offer the most obvious improvement over regular wine glasses.

Oh, and all the comments about how fragile these glasses are? Well, yes, but they're supposed to be washed gently by hand and not in a dishwasher. We've had great luck with ours.