Riedel Wine Glasses Collection | Crystal Classics
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The Riedel stemware line Wine signals a new era by introducing ornamented glasses. Riedel, famous for the unique concept of making specific glasses to enhance individual grape varieties and styles of wine, has developed a new decorative range of glasses, called Wine, that features a series of eight machine-blown stems that are designed for aesthetic as well as functional purposes. The glasses cater to consumers and restaurateurs seeking beauty at the dinner table and for whom plain glasses are not sufficiently decorative. Wine signals an added direction for the company. The wine glass culture (as opposed to simply containers to hold wine) was introduced by Riedel to North America.

It was endorsed by such authorities as the Mondavi family, The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and many other wine writers when they discovered, to their great initial surprise, that wines tasted better from Riedel glasses. "My father Claus Riedel gained a place in history with his designs featuring the light transparency of glass. He created the perfect wine drinking glass, beautiful in its unadorned simplicity.

Wine is aimed at those wine drinkers who prefer a more decorative glass at the dinner table. Also, while perhaps we should be flattered that Riedel design creations have spawned so many imitators, I feel it is time for a change. As the leader in the field, it is up to us to pioneer new areas," says Georg Riedel, who was responsible for developing the design of the new series.

The Wine design is reminiscent of art-deco, combining a light-catching design and an elegant, lightweight look. The tall, lean stem - four pillars in a clover-leaf arrangement edged by three rings at the top and bottom of the stem - makes for a unique look. The stems give these glasses a completely new image that should appeal to new customers.

The bowls of these glasses, however, follow the Riedel philosophy of form follows function and are copies of Riedel's proven Vinum shapes tested in thousands of comparative wine tastings since their introduction in 1986. The eight glasses in the Wine series are named for the grape varieties for which they are suited: Cabernet/Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz, Pinot/Nebbiolo, Sangiovese/Riesling, Viognier/ Chardonnay, Chardonnay, Champagne, Water.

Each glasses' name basically identifies the wine for which it should be used. However, for those wondering why there are two glasses for Chardonnay, the Viognier/Chardonnay glass lends itself to lighter leaner chardonnays while the Chardonnay glass is better suited to rich, buttery new world wines.

 

Varietal Specific Designs

"It takes a great deal of efforts for a talented wine-maker to produce a good wine. These efforts can be ruined in no time if the wine is not served properly. The quality of the glass plays a crucial role here and Riedel produces the largest range of high quality glasses, specifically fine-tuned to fit the predominant wine varietals of the planet. Riedel makes it possible to fully appreciate all the nuances of aromas and tastes from the best wines of the world." -Michel Bettane

The Riedel glass designs are based on the exceptional characteristics of each grape variety, which in turn determines the shape, size and rim diameter of the bowl. The latest machine blown technology, in conjunction with the seamless pulled stem, offers a special design feature "architecture", which creates an indent in the bottom of the bowl, reflecting the light and adding another dimension to the lively color of wine.

Crystal Classics Exclusive Handmade Riedel Wine Decanters

Shop an extensive collection of the Riedel wine decanters, and a few of them that are exclusively made for Crystal Classics, not available in any other store.

"I prefer to decant wines, both young and old. It is a sign of respect for old wines and a sign of confidence in young wines. Decanting old wines, just a few moments before they are served, helps to ensure that the wines' clarity and brilliance are not obscured by any deposit that may have developed over time. Decanting young wines several hours before they are served gives the wine a chance to bloom and attain a stage of development that normally requires years of aging." - Georg Riedel

 

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