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BookmarkWhat 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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I have >100 Riedels and I use them as my everyday wine glasses. I love the difference it makes on the tasting of the wines. I have now done several demonstrations for my friends and they all agree that it really enhances the experience of tasting the wines.
As to their fragility…I have only broken 2 – a chardonnay and a burgundy one. I think those are more fragile.
I do handwash them, use very little soap and really only rub the rims…and most of the time I wash them right after the party. I find my experience very different than some of the comments
What more can I say they are Riedel. They are the only wine glasses I use
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. Breaking during careful washing and drying was bad enough – most recently, I broke one during gentle swirling! Ridiculous.
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.
These glasses have a beautiful sexy shape and really enhance the wines i’ve drank from them. Although different reds need different shapes, this one has a good all-around curve that works well with most reds.
That being said they are extremely fragile. I have bought a total of eight glasses for myself and gifts and 5 have broken with what I would consider seldom use. Most of the time it is during washing/drying, but sometimes it happens for no apparent reason.
I want to replace them but will look for a little sturdier glass.
My wife likes these glasses, but I think they are way too fragile. Be very careful with these glasses. The stems just don’t break when you wash them; they can break while you are holding them full of wine. It has happened to me and my guests several times. Last night I was holding one full of red wine. The bowl broke off the stem, sending red wine all over my brand new leather couch. No amount of cool design is worth the poor workmanship that I have experienced with the Vinum line of glasses. The designer of this stemware should be ashamed of himself.