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.

Designed specially for wines made from Chardonnay and other select white grapes

Machine-made of 24% lead crystal

Affordable second-tier from a prestigious name in wine-friendly stemware

Made in Bavaria by world's premier wine glass maker

Height, Capacity: 7 3/4"H, 12 3/8 oz.

Average Customer Review: ( 14 customer reviews )
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Even if you buy inexpensive wines, you will get much more enjoyment out of them with this glassware compared to other options. If you are buying mid-range wines, the difference will blow you away. Think of the Riedel glass as allowing you to see what the wine in your bottle *really* was meant to taste like.

This is a great first glass for white wine drinkers to buy, because it is fantastic for Chardonnays of all price ranges. In addition, you can use the Chardonnay glass for a number of other white wine types, and find it greatly enhances the flavor for them all. If you're a white wine fan, definitely give these a try!

23 of 25 found the following review helpful:

Perfect choice for all around drinkingJan 15, 2002
By Bob Carpenter
If you only want one shape of glass, the Chablis/Chardonnay glass is the perfect choice. It's extremely well balanced, and the shape is well suited to swirling a full serving and evaluating the "nose". The lip is thin and the opening is relatively wide at the top, requiring less tipping back to drink than the narrower mouthed glasses, such as the zinfandel/chianti/riesling glass. These glasses are also less huge and seem less out of place with your average sized cutlery and plates than the syrah, cabernet or pinot noir glasses. The more rounded, narrower-mouthed zin/chianti/riesling glass (Riedel 416/15) is another good all around choice. I would not recommended Riedel's so-called "gourmet glass", the stems of which are far too short.

I dislike the largish etched logo, which Riedel puts on the feet of their glasses. I'd rather just enjoy my wine.

Like all other high lead content crystal, be careful when washing these. Any kind of abrasive sponge or grit will scratch them.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Reidell Vinum chardonnayOct 24, 2000
By Paul Hager
They are big, you have to be careful washing them because they are easy to break, but they are the best glasses for enjoying wine I have ever used. I like chardonnay and the zinfandel glass the best for general use because they hold an appropriate amount of wine when filled to about 1/3 of their volume.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:

Does Taste and Smell DifferentNov 26, 2003
By Randy Given
It is clear to me that these glasses do make a real difference. They make a difference in smell, taste and touch. Seeing that much of wine tasting IS the smell (not just when smelling, but also when drinking), it is no surprise that a different smell leads to a different "taste".

As for taste, when drinking, this type of glass does flow the wine more directly on the tongue, which also leads to a different initial taste (which is one reason to move the wine around). However, the initial taste is more pronounced on the drinking experience.

The fine lip is nice -- not too thin so that you worry about chipping it and swallowing glass pieces, like some of our fine crystal, and not so wide that you think you are biting on a block of wood. The texture is nice, too.

However, I find it harder to swish the wine in these glasses. They seem a bit top-heavy when swishing (but are finely balanced for drinking). It has an advantage of rising on the glass walls and leaving tears for analysis, but I would rather have a more balanced swish so that I can smell it better.

We use a mix of glass types and, depending on the approach (e.g., simple enjoyment or more analytical), will choose the glass accordingly. Still, there is no argument that these glasses make a real difference.

8 of 9 found the following review helpful:

What a great way to enjoy white wine!Apr 28, 2002

I had heard that the shape of Riedel wine glasses enabled one to maximize the "nose" of a wine. How very true! I was amazed how much more of the wine's bouquet was immediately noticeable with these glasses. And, they feel great in your hands. I highly recommend them for wine enthusiasts.

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