You've learned enough about wine that you're ready to take that big step:  a great wine glass so that you can enjoy ever ounce of that great wine...or you're a wine pro who just never "bit the bullet," in order to take your wine experiences to the next level.  You're ready! Except that, as soon as you pull up "Riedel" online you see a vast array of glasses.  How in the world do you choose which collection, or series, of glasses?  Choosing a Riedel wine glass can be a bit intimidating to the novice!  If you've decided to purchase Riedel you probably know that this company is famous for being the inventors of the specialized wine glass.  While the Riedel family has been in the fine crystal business for over 300 years, it was Claus Riedel, only 30 years ago or so, who realized that particular grape varieties (or varietals as they are called in wine jargon) taste better in certain shapes of glass.

That discovery, and the subsequent move to create wine glasses suited to each type of grape, completely changed the wine glass landscape throughout the world.  Initially there was some heated discussion among experts and novices alike as to whether the shape of the glass really affected the taste of the wine.  Like whether the world is flat, that discussion in largely a thing of the past.  Millions of wine tastings later, there is simply no dispute that the wine glass shape effects the experience of the wine; from the smell (or bouquet or aromas) to the taste of the wine on the tongue, the shape of the glass literally carries the wine to the senses.

However, if you're reading this article, chances are you already knew all of that!  The question is WHICH glass to choose?  While even this subject is somewhat confusing, Riedel basically carries ten different series, or collections of glasses.  By series or collection, I mean sets of glasses that all have the same basic look from a decorative sense, and all of which are made in the same way.  Each line of wine glass includes several different glasses suited to a particular grape variety.  While all Riedel crystal and glassware is of fine quality compared to other offerings on the market, these individual collections vary tremendously in cost and quality.  Your first decision as a Riedel purchaser will be which collection most suits your own needs.  Once that decision has been made, the rest is much easier as you build your collection of grape-specific wines within that line of glass.

    1.    The least expensive "traditional" Riedel wine glass is found in the Ouverture Series.  The Ouverture is also the simplest glass, with only four variety-specific choices.  (Many Riedel lines also have spirits/liquor/water glasses, but this article will not cover those.)   This is a Riedel beginner glass, and is also often used for large gatherings such as wine tastings, wine classes or even small weddings.  This is the glass to choose if you are looking for a nice Riedel glass to enhance a wine, but your budget is limited.  This series has the classic, fairly plain, Riedel look, and is lead-free and machine-made.  This line fits the pocket book, but obviously, with only 4 choices, does not really address the various grape types to much extent.

    2.    Riedel's Vinum Series is its most popular line of glasses.  This wine glass is machine made, but is over 24% leaded crystal.  This is the classic Riedel glass for everyday use, although it is certainly of high enough quality to set at any table or use at a wine tasting for even the most discerning of wine tasters.  With 16 shapes to choose from, (although there is some overlap, for example, the Riesling glass is one and the same as the Zinfandel glass), with this collection you are certain to find the shape that is perfectly suited for your favorite type of wine.  This is probably the collection for you if you are looking for a good, basic, high quality, crystal wine glass - especially if you are interested in finding a bowl shape suited to a very specific grape variety that you enjoy.

    3.    Next are three sets of glasses that are takeoffs on the Vinum line.  The first is the Wine Series.  The Wine Series' bowls are the same shape as the Vinum glasses, but they have two distinct differences.  These glasses have a somewhat decorative stem, and they are non-lead.  Like the Vinum collection, the Wine Series is machine-made.  The Wine Series is a good choice if you prefer not to have leaded wine glasses, if you would like an experience similar to that of the Vinum collection at a slightly lower price point, or if you simply prefer your table set with a more decorative stem.  The disadvantage to the Wine series is that it does not come in as many variety-specific shapes.  However, it does offer eight different bowl choices, which covers all of the most common grape varieties.

    4.    The Riedel "O" stemless set of tumblers is also a takeoff on the Vinum line.  This is a new series, created by the youngest generation of the Riedel family.  Like the Wine Series, these glasses offer the same bowl shapes as the Vinum line, but they are stemless wine tumblers.  They are non-lead and can be washed in the dishwasher.  While the O series is probably not the series you would choose as your only Riedel glass, it is a wonderful glass to have around for poolside, the patio, picnics, or anytime that breakage or easy cleanup is a concern.  Many customers purchase O series glasses for their friends or family who are already Riedel owners in order to give them something different and fun (especially when they don't know WHICH other Riedel collection they own!)

    5.    Vinum Extremes are the third takeoff on the Vinum Collection, and the glasses we use personally on a day-to-day basis.  These are machine made, leaded crystal, wine glasses with a slightly different shape.  The bowl of these glasses is diamond shaped, giving it a broader area for evaporation which intensifies the bouquet of the wine, while tending to de-intensify the tannins.  These glasses are particularly well-suited to what are called "New World" wines from California, Washington, Oregon, Chile and Australia, although they will certainly do fine with any European wine.  When choosing between the Vinum and Vinum Extreme Collections, first consider which glass appeals more to you aesthetically, then consider whether a large percentage of your wines are "New World," as well as which varietal-specific bowls you are interested in; Vinum Extremes do not have quite as many variations as the classic Vinum.  However, if you are looking for the best-priced glass to show off your best wines, the Extremes are definitely a series to consider.

    6.   The most expensive, and exquisite, of the Riedel collections are the Sommeliers and Sommeliers Black Tie (these lines are one-and-the same, the Black Tie simply have a black base or black stem, depending upon the particular varietal).  This glass allows the wine drinker to reach the pinnacle of wine experience.  Sommeliers are each individually hand-made, mouth-blown, and are over 24% leaded crystal.  They are perfectly and delicately balanced, lending an extra bit of sensation to the wine-tasting experience.  It was when drinking from the Sommeliers line that Robert Parker, the famous wine critic, uttered his equally famous words, "The finest glasses for both technical and hedonistic purposes are those made by Riedel.  The effect of these glasses on fine wine is profound.  I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make."  High praise, indeed!  Do not be surprised, as you can imagine, Sommeliers are expensive!  However, if you are looking for a glass that will do justice to a truly fine wine, there is nothing that will do that job better.  If you enjoy fine wines, I would definitely invest in these equally fine glasses.

The six Riedel series listed above are the the most common and popular series by Riedel.  Below is a quick look at the rest of the Riedel offerings, primarily marketed for specific purposes and/or customers:

    Tyrol:   This series is somewhat similar to the O stemless series.  It has a short base, but is deisgned for those who wish to have a casual glass in the same vein as the O, but in a leaded crystal.

    Flow:   This is another lead-free offering from Riedel in what they call the "country house" look.  It has a much wider, chunkier stem than traditional Riedel glasses.

    Vitis:   Riedel's newest collection is made of machine made, leaded crystal and is similar to the Vinum and Vinum Extreme, except that it has a pulled stem, giving it a more elegant and contemporary look.

    Grape:  A similar collection to Vitis, available only at Williams-Sonoma.

Finally, I give a word of caution, especially to those purchasing Riedel on eBay.  Riedel has also created glasses specifically designed for the restaurant and hotel trade.  While these glasses are truly a Riedel product, they differ significantly from other Riedel glasses.  They have a wider base and are all non-lead and designed to withstand many rounds in the dishwasher.  If you are looking for the Riedel name in a less expensive glass and do not care about packaging, they CAN be a good choice.  But be aware that these glasses are only sold to restaurants and hotels, therefore you are almost certainly purchasing a glass that is being resold  (which may or may not have been previously used), and the pricing should reflect the inferior quality.

As always, if you need more help in making your selection, feel free to email me personally at christy@loveofwinestore.com