The experts at Riedel, pioneers in glassware, have achieved a faultlessly tailored design suitable to the unique qualities of individual varietals.
–
By Jake Fredericks
Presentation is key for understanding the elevated art of both food and drink. When it comes to wine, it is commonly known that a glass enhances the appearance and bouquet. Famous for its deep roots in the industry, the Riedel family has been producing glassware since the 18th century and has contributed immeasurably to the evolution of drinking wine. Claus Josef Riedel himself was the first to invent stemware uniquely suited for serving wine and only wine.
We can thank him for the transparent long-stemmed glasses that are standard today – without his innovation we would still be drinking our vintages from simple vessels made from cut, coloured glass. One generation later, his son Georg Josef Riedel took his father’s vision one step further and developed varietal specific wine glasses – his idea was that every grape variety should have its own specific glass shape.
Today Riedel has perfected the art of glassmaking such that the shape and size of a glass is scientifically designed to direct the wine to hit specific points on the tongue. These precision glasses are available in the Varietal Specific line and the difference is spectacular. For example, an exceedingly tannic red wine with moderate acidity and a full-bodied white wine are best enjoyed in a glass that directs the wine to the centre of the tongue. In contrast, red wine that is of higher acidity and moderate tannins, or a highly acidic white wine, can most benefit from a glass that allows the wine to hit the tip of the tongue first – this design highlights the fruit of the wine and balances out the high acidity.
Another important factor in a wine glass is the rim: Riedel has engineered different styles of rims to provide lesser or greater resistance as the glass is tilted – this is particularly important as wine begins to evaporate and produce its aroma as soon as it is poured. By using this concept, glassware can be created to enhance the typical aromas of a grape varietal. The shape of the glass influences how you drink by forcing you to position your head in such a way that when the liquid flows it will hit specific taste zones on your palate. Glasses are an extension of the wine and should enhance its qualities, not its faults. In this way it only makes sense that wine, a delicate beverage that takes years to get from vineyard to glass, be delivered with the utmost care to the lips of passionate connoisseurs.
