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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.

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

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

• 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.

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

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.