One of Riedel's most popular stems, these Vinum Bordeaux wine glasses are designed to enhance the flavors of full-bodied red wines with high levels of tannin, such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja and Tempranillo. Introduced in 1986, the Riedel Vinum line was the first machine-made series of glasses in history to be based exclusively on the characteristics of grape varietals. The Vinum series has had a strong and permanent impact on the wine glass culture around the globe. These glasses have proven to consumers and restauranteurs that the pleasure of consuming wines starts with the glass. Developed by 10th generation Georg Riedel on the principle that the contents commands the shape, Vinum is great for everyday use. These glasses are made with over 24% lead crystal.

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Product Description

One of Riedel's most popular stems, these Vinum Bordeaux wine glasses are designed to enhance the flavors of full-bodied red wines with high levels of tannin, such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja and Tempranillo. Introduced in 1986, the Riedel Vinum line was the first machine-made series of glasses in history to be based exclusively on the characteristics of grape varietals. The Vinum series has had a strong and permanent impact on the wine glass culture around the globe. These glasses have proven to consumers and restauranteurs that the pleasure of consuming wines starts with the glass. Developed by 10th generation Georg Riedel on the principle that the contents commands the shape, Vinum is great for everyday use. These glasses are made with over 24% lead crystal.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33028 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Riedel
• Model: 4416/0
• Dimensions: 8.85" h x 3.75" w x 3.75" l, .50 pounds

Features

• Produced by world renowned Austrian glassmakers
• 24% lead crystal adds clarity and brilliance
• Hand-washing recommended
• Perfect for bridal or any gift-giving occasion
• Dishwasher-safe, but washing by hand recommended

Amazon.com Review
The Vinum collection from renowned Austrian glassmaker Riedel gives serious wine drinkers an extensive choice of moderately priced crystal, each glass designed especially to enhance a particular wine. The Bordeaux glass is generously sized to allow the bouquet of a red wine to flourish. Not just any red wine, but young, high-tannin reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This set of four Vinum glasses will nicely augment an existing wine glass collection or start a budding oenophile on building one. Each beautifully balanced glass stands 8-7/8 inches tall and holds 21-1/2 ounces.

Though comprised of more than 24-percent lead crystal, which lends superb brilliance and clarity, Vinum glasses are affordable because they are machine-made. In fact, Vinum is the first machine-made line dedicated to Riedel's philosophy of shaping and sizing a glass to suit the wine within. In addition to wine stems, the Vinum collection also includes cocktail and spirits glasses. While dishwasher-safe, Vinum crystal is best washed by hand to prevent detergent residue that can affect wine taste. --Ann Bieri

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Customer Reviews

Beautiful but fragile
I have owned Riedel Vinum Bordeaux glasses for a decade and love them for their size, shape, clarity, and elegance. However, I have stopped purchasing them. Why? All one needs to do is look at them firmly and they break. My wife and I finally made a rule never to wash them after drinking any amount of wine. Then we escalated to not washing them if we were tired or distracted. Finally, we solved this ongoing problem by purchasing Spiegelau Vino Grande Red Wine Glasses recommended by a friend. At initial evaluation they look virtually identical to the Riedels, but on closer inspection are slightly thicker although an almost perfect match in shape. The feel is similarly elegant. The Reidels have been moved to the back of the cupboard. After breaking 3 or 4 Reidels per year, we have not broken a single similar Spiegelau in 2 years.

A Necessity!
I thought these were an unnecessary extravagance when my husband first purchased them. Now, I refuse to use anything BUT these glasses when we drink wine. The price makes them perfect for everyday; the performance makes them a necessity for the true wine connoisseur.

wonderful until they shatter
These are for the most part, magnificent wine glasses. Notice I said for the most part. The problems stem not from the experience of drinking the wine, but from what happens afterwards. It seems as if anything-- and I do mean anything-- can and will shatter these fragile glasses. They have broken in the dishwasher; broken when washing by hand (as gently as if I were washing a baby's bottom); broken when being tucked away for the night; broken even when glanced at (though it was with some degree of malice). And this state of fragility is not limited to the cabernet glasses, or, as I refer to them - the brunello glasses. It happens with an equal frequency to the barolo, chianti, and even the meek and diminutive pinot grigio size.

If you enjoy drinking wine, and don't mind stocking a garage full of wine glasses, then please click the button to purchase these. They are fine glasses while they last.

Jim Giammatteo