Riedel Glasses Review: Necessary Or Expense?
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The Story Behind Riedel
Known as the Glass King of the Jizera Mountains, Josef Riedel was the forerunner of the long stretch of glassworks. His family-oriented business not only included glassworks but also landholding, banking, financing, and warehousing. However, his passion will always be in glassmaking. He was known as the greatest glassmaker in Bohemia, an honor to be called thus by one of his staunch competitors in glassmaking in the country.
Riedel's glassworks business started in 1858, however, it was only after his death the first Riedel logo was registered in 1895 by one of his sons.
From there, they began making different kinds of glass accessories and wine glasses. By the 20th century, they started receiving awards and recognition from sophisticated customers and museums.
The “Sommeliers” were the masterpiece of the company and this became a breakthrough.
By the 21st century, with the leadership and design prowess of Maximilian Josef Riedel, the company became a leading producer of fine wine tools.
5 Best Riedel Glasses Reviewed
Here is a selection of the most popular glasses:
1. Heart to Heart Cabernet Sauvignon Glass, Set of 2
The Heart to Heart series showcases a range of glasses for the different wines. A good pair of wine glasses that’s priced just right.
The bowl is just the right size for the perfect drinking experience. The glass is thin to allow for proper swirling and to enjoy your wine.
It is also sturdy enough to wash in the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Riedel O Wine Tumbler Cabernet/Merlot, Set of 2
This wine glass may be thin and delicate but it is very delightful to use. Stemless glasses are easier to handle than stemmed wine glasses. They are also less susceptible to breaking and easier to store and are sturdy enough for daily use.
The bowl is curved enough for the building of aromas and the rim wide enough for the nose.
3. 5408/92 Ouverture Wine Glass, Set of 12
The Ouverture is sturdy enough for everyday use. It can be washed in the dishwasher and is reasonably priced.
The large size of the bowl helps to release the aromas of the wine, balance the tannins and give ultimate satisfaction to the consumer.
This set contains 4 pieces of white wine, 4 pieces of red wine and 4 pieces of champagne glasses. However, the stem on the wine glass is too short for those with big hands.
4. 6884/0 Performance Cabernet/Merlot Wine Glass
The Performance Series is known as the loudspeaker for fine wine.
The machine-made Cabernet glass of the technologically advanced glass collection performance is the new Ultimate loudspeaker for fine wine. This glass showcases the majestically structured Red wines in all their complexity and finesse. Performance is the first Riedel wine glass series ever to feature bowls with a light optic impact, which not only adds a pleasing visual aspect to the bowl but also increases the inner surface area. It is dishwasher safe.
5. VINUM Martini Glass, Set of 2
High-quality martini glass that is sized just right for a good sip of your favorite cocktails.
FAQs
1. Can you wash Riedel wine glass in the dishwasher?
Yes their wine glasses are sturdy enough for the top rack of the dishwasher.
2. Are Riedel wine glasses made of crystal?
Riedel wine glasses are crystal but unlike popular information that crystals are easily broken, these are sturdier compared to most crystal glasses.
3. What is the difference between Riedel wine glasses?
Riedel has a distinct range of wine glasses designed for each wine type and purpose.
- Vinum is designed for major grape varietals and are made for everyday usage. These glasses are characterized by their big and bold designs and are machine-made.
- Veritas is lighter and taller compared to the Vinum range. These are also machine-made, dishwasher-safe and sturdy.
- Sommeliers are mouth-blown wine glasses and are known as the pinnacle of artistry and craftsmanship of Riedel. These are acclaimed to be the best glass for your wine.
- Riedel O glasses are stemless wine tumblers. They are the sturdiest in the lot since you don't have to worry about the stem being broken off.
- Grape is machine-blown with the stem pulled out for a seamless design that is perfect for seated placements.
- Vitis is may be elegant to look at but these are still dishwasher-safe. Use top rack always for all wine glasses.
- Ouverture glass should not be confused with the Riedel O. While they come out cheaper, these glasses surely deliver, in spite of its simplicity.
4. Are Riedel glasses lead-free?
Riedel glasses are lead crystals but their lead content is well within the EU standards.
5. Why are thin wine glasses better?
Thin glasses do not obstruct with the taste of the wine in a way that allows you to sip the wine instead of gulping it accidentally. Thick glass tend to widen the opening of the mouth, resulting in a larger intake of wine than is desired.
Conclusion
So the question remains, are Riedel glasses a necessity or an expense?
That depends on your purpose. If you intend to use it on a daily basis, or at least 4 times a week, it is a good investment. Not only are they sturdy but they are also safe to be washed in the dishwasher.
They might be a bit pricey but they are not the priciest in the market. In fact, they offers a wide range of wine glass series that fits perfectly into your lifestyle.
Vinum series was even identified by sommeliers to be one of the wine glasses they would recommend. Covering a wide range of Old World and New World wines, the Vinum series is an investment you will surely love.
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