For almost 300 years Riedel has been recognized for their elite line of glassware. Their fine crystal stemware has become synonymous with quality and elegance. From founder Johann Christoph Riedel to the current corporate head Georg J. Riedel and his son Maximillian, Riedel has always been a family run operation and on the cutting edge of the glassware industry. But what is it about Riedel that sets them apart from all other wine glass producers?
In 1986, Riedel (pronounced like needle with an R) unveiled their revolutionary Vinum line of stemware. This became the first line of machine-made glasses in history to be based on the characteristics of each specific grape variety. Through years of testing by professional wine tasters, Riedel discovered that the shape of the glass significantly affected and enhanced the aromas and flavors associated with specific grape varieties. This is why a Riedel Cabernet Sauvignon glass is designed to direct the wine to the center of the tongue in order to accentuate their fruit and tannic nature whereas Riedel Pinot Noir glasses direct the wine to the tip of the tongue to highlight the fruit while balancing the acidity. This thought process and execution is applied to every glass in each of their several lines of stemware.

To keep up with the trend in “New World” wines, Riedel developed their Vinum Extreme line in 2000. The new design was intended to highlight the concentrated fruit and intense structure many of these New World wines display. The sleek lines and angles also seem to appeal to the younger generation of wine drinkers that are attracted to this style of wine. Like the Classic Vinum line, these stems are thinly cut and executed in lead crystal. The small amount of lead is utilized to help open up the wine allowing it to display its bouquet and aromas almost immediately upon swirling the wine in the glass.

The Vinum XL line is what Riedel considers the perfect line of stemware for the new generation of wine and wine enthusiasts. It was designed for the big, bold and concentrated wines that are so prevalent in the wine marketplace today. The bigger the wine is, the bigger the glass needs to be and Riedel has accommodated those consumers who enjoy both their wines and glassware big, bold and sexy.

Every Riedel Vinum glass has a thin lip, an elegant feel and over 300 years of innovation and design setting them apart from every other glassware company in the marketplace today.  Riedel Vinum vs. Riedel Vinum Extreme vs. Riedel Vinum XL? You can’t lose with these fine glasses, backed by centuries of experience.

Cheers to that! Do you own any Riedel glasses? Share your experience in the comments!

Be Sociable, Share!

•