Features

• 8-7/8 inches tall; capacity of 21-1/2 ounces
• Six glasses for young, full-bodied red wines
• Glass design enhances taste of wines such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja
• Machine-made, 24-percent lead crystal
• Made in Austria by world's premier wine glass maker

Reviews (26)

Amazing difference in wine flavors
I've done many, many tests on how wine tastes differently in various glass options and in different situations. Riedel is one of the tests that is easy for even beginning drinkers to see the difference in. The flavor is *amazingly* different when you compare the exact same wine in a Riedel glass vs normal wine glasses.

Even if you buy inexpensive wines, you will get much more enjoyment out of them with this glassware compared to other options. If you are buying mid-range wines, the difference will blow you away. Think of the Riedel glass as allowing you to see what the wine in your bottle *really* was meant to taste like.

I use the Bordeaux glass for a number of red wine types, not just Bordeaux, and find it greatly enhances the flavor for them all. If you're a red wine lover, definitely give these a try!

In Xanadu did Kublai Khan a Riedel Glass Decree
Riedel's glasses are neither mere kitchen implements nor mundane drinking vessles; they are a sensuous romp, alive with blood and flesh. The Bordeaux glasses in particular are perhaps the pinnacle of their creation. With the soft, smooth fullness of a woman's breast, they draw one's mind away form the cares of the world and back to the generous bounty of the French countryside.

Their capaciousness allows the nose fully to enter the glass upon drinking, to allow all the earthy scents so representative of great Bordeaux wines to enhance the flavor and bring the wine to display all its charms.

While they are not of the legendary Riedel mouth-blown Sommelier lineage, they suffer little from this fact. The hands that wrought those sublime designs also created these goblets. If you believe that in vino veritas, then these pathways to truth are not something of which you should deprive yourself.

Such a Beautiful but Defective Glasses!
I just received my set. The glasses are so... beautiful! Yet, 5 out of 6 are defective!! What a big disappointment! I have been looking forward to receiving my first Riedel....Amazon.com provides great deal which I got $80 for 6 glasses, but they were obviously factory seconds! So disappointed! However, the design of the glass are beautiful!! I am still returning them! So sad!...... :(

Riedel vs. Spiegelau
About two years ago I became interested enough in wine that I decided to invest in some high-end wine glasses. The choice came down to Riedel vs. Spiegelau. The first glasses I purchased were 6 Riedel Bordeaux ($89.99)along with 6 Riedel Chards($79.99). They are beautifully crafted with large bowls, very thin rims and wonderfull balance. Other reviewers have commented on the poor quality of Amazon's shipping so I will not expound further. The wines really do taste better out of these glasses. Unfortunately, the very thin rim, although elegant, is also fragile. Within one year two glasses were broken.
Last year I decided to try Spiegelau. If you wait until November/December Amazon will put them on sale and you can purchase 12 glasses for $29.99. These glasses also have fine balance but have a sturdier feel then the Riedel. The rims of the Spiegelau glasses are not as thin as the Riedels and so some may not think they are as elegant. The wine tastes every bit as good if not better out of the Spiegelaus. Unless you can break a $15 glass without uttering an expletive I would save my money and buy the Spiegelau which have now become my everyday glasses.

These glasses do work
These glasses DO work and in much more distinct way that I could have ever imagined. I have bought many Riedel glasses to my wine-lover friends and they absolutely love it too. You got to try them to believe it. You won't regret it ! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

When you first hear of the philosophy behind Austrian glassmaker Riedel and its Vinum line of machine-made full-crystal stemware, you can be forgiven for raising your eyebrows higher than prices of white Burgundy. The tongue is divided into four zones, each recognizing either sweetness, bitterness, saltiness, or acidity and that by matching the size and shape of the glass to specific wines, their sensory attributes can be enhanced? Fortunately, with the Riedel Vinum series Chardonnay glass, the company has put its Montrachet where its mouth is and come up with a design to please not only Chardophiles, but also fans of Chenin, Viognier, the Pinot brothers--Gris and Blanc--even noble rotters from Sauternes. A Pacific Northwest Chard tasted in both the Riedel and what was previously thought to be "the good crystal" revealed a balanced acidic brightness in the former and a sort of boozy flabbiness in the latter. With its medium-height bowl and tapered opening, the Vinum Chardonnay glass almost forces you to purse your lips, directing the wine to the mid-tongue's acid receptors and thereby balancing the wine's fruit and oak. --Tony Mason ... Read more

Features

• Height, Capacity: 7 3/4"H, 12 3/8 oz.
• Designed specially for wines made from Chardonnay and other select white grapes
• Machine-made of 24% lead crystal
• Affordable second-tier from a prestigious name in wine-friendly stemware
• Made in Austria by reowned wine-glass maker

Reviews (12)

A must-have for white wine lovers
This was one of the first Riedel glasses I bought. I've done many, many tests on how wine tastes differently in various glass options and in different situations. Riedel is one of the tests that is easy for even beginning drinkers to see the difference in. The flavor is *amazingly* different when you compare the exact same wine in a Riedel glass vs normal wine glasses.

Even if you buy inexpensive wines, you will get much more enjoyment out of them with this glassware compared to other options. If you are buying mid-range wines, the difference will blow you away. Think of the Riedel glass as allowing you to see what the wine in your bottle *really* was meant to taste like.

This is a great first glass for white wine drinkers to buy, because it is fantastic for Chardonnays of all price ranges. In addition, you can use the Chardonnay glass for a number of other white wine types, and find it greatly enhances the flavor for them all. If you're a white wine fan, definitely give these a try!

Does Taste and Smell Different
It is clear to me that these glasses do make a real difference. They make a difference in smell, taste and touch. Seeing that much of wine tasting IS the smell (not just when smelling, but also when drinking), it is no surprise that a different smell leads to a different "taste".

As for taste, when drinking, this type of glass does flow the wine more directly on the tongue, which also leads to a different initial taste (which is one reason to move the wine around). However, the initial taste is more pronounced on the drinking experience.

The fine lip is nice -- not too thin so that you worry about chipping it and swallowing glass pieces, like some of our fine crystal, and not so wide that you think you are biting on a block of wood. The texture is nice, too.

However, I find it harder to swish the wine in these glasses. They seem a bit top-heavy when swishing (but are finely balanced for drinking). It has an advantage of rising on the glass walls and leaving tears for analysis, but I would rather have a more balanced swish so that I can smell it better.

We use a mix of glass types and, depending on the approach (e.g., simple enjoyment or more analytical), will choose the glass accordingly. Still, there is no argument that these glasses make a real difference.

Perfect choice for all around drinking
If you only want one shape of glass, the Chablis/Chardonnay glass is the perfect choice. It's extremely well balanced, and the shape is well suited to swirling a full serving and evaluating the "nose". The lip is thin and the opening is relatively wide at the top, requiring less tipping back to drink than the narrower mouthed glasses, such as the zinfandel/chianti/riesling glass. These glasses are also less huge and seem less out of place with your average sized cutlery and plates than the syrah, cabernet or pinot noir glasses. The more rounded, narrower-mouthed zin/chianti/riesling glass (Riedel 416/15) is another good all around choice. I would not recommended Riedel's so-called "gourmet glass", the stems of which are far too short.

I dislike the largish etched logo, which Riedel puts on the feet of their glasses. I'd rather just enjoy my wine.

Like all other high lead content crystal, be careful when washing these. Any kind of abrasive sponge or grit will scratch them.

Beautiful glasses
I am not an oenophile and actually prefer the sweet wines. However, these glasses have helped me appeciate the dryer whites better. The tastes seems to be more complex and I no longer focus on the dryness of the wine.
The glasses themselves are beautiful. They look very delicate but have thus far survived multiple dinners and hand-washings. I received many compliments on them.
These glasses have helped this novice appreciate a wider range of white wines. They are expensive and I feel my heart race whenever anyone brushes too close to them. But they are worth the money.

The Best Wine Glass
This wine glass is great for several reasons. First of all, it is very light. Second, you know how much wine to pour (pour to the widest point in the bowl and that is a "glass" of wine). The balance of the glass is good. We also have the burgundy wine glass; however my wife prefers her red wine in the chardonnay glass because she doesn't like to hold the big burgundy glass. If you are only going to purchase one type of wine glass, I would recommend this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Founded in 1756, Austria’s Riedel Crystal is the world’s premier manufacturer of wine glasses and has always catered to the fine wine connoisseur. However, these wine tumblers are part of the company’s first attempt at producing a lower priced wine glass for casual entertaining. Like Riedel’s prestigious Vinum series of glasses, these tumblers are specifically designed for a particular grape varietal and still maintain their ability to enhance the flavors and aromas of the wines they were intended for. The only difference is that the tumblers are missing their stems, making them slightly less delicate to handle, more modern in appearance, and easier to fit in smaller cabinets, mini bars, picnic baskets, and the dishwasher.

The O series of glasses are made of machine-made of non-leaded glass. The shape of the two glasses in this set is specifically recommended for young, full-bodied red wines with high tannin and extract, such as Cabernet or Merlot. Each glass holds 21-1/8 ounces of wine, stands 4-7/8 inches tall, and is completely dishwasher-safe. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Holds 21-1/8 ounces; 4-7/8 inches tall
• Trendy tumbler design is more stable, easier to store
• Glass shape enhances taste of Cabernet, Merlot
• Machine-made of non-lead glass
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (4)

Thanks Riedel: A fine glass that's fun and functional
We first saw and used these glasses at an up-scale wine tasting shop in Las Vegas and knew we had to buy some. The glass allows the wine to breathe and the bouquet to reach the nose. The best part is that there are no stems to break or spilled wine from being knocked over! (A tipped glass will actually balance itself without spilling any wine.) It's the Riedel Vinum glass without the stem and it is fun to see guests' reaction to the stemless Riedel. Try it; you'll like it!

No need for stems
I've been known to serve wine in tempered glass tumblers (like juice glasses) so it's nice to have a balloon shape but no stem. Nothing clumsier on a picnic table or outdoors on a windy deck than a stemmed wineglass. These don't insult the wine in the least and are quite practical for al fresco serving or anytime you just don't want to be as fancy.

Very COOL new wine glass....
I bought these from a specialty wine catalog/website for a few dollars more than offered here.
These are so cool and easy to handle and make enjoying your favorite wine just more fun! Plus they take up less cupboard space!!! A great gift for your favorite wine lover...

Great product
When I first heard about Riedel coming out with a stemless glass I was a bite skeptical. I have now been using for about 2 weeks now and they are really great for everyday use. Best of all their less expensive and if they break it doesn't hurt as much. Definitly a good buy for everyday use, stick to the Vinum or if you want to spend a little money the Sommeliers series for formal dinner parties and the like. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Drawing on the superlative skills of Riedel's glassmakers, the Ultra decanter is simultaneously beautiful and superbly functional. Its broad belly and flared neck look handsome and unusual, showing wine to its best advantage. In action, these features increase wine's exposure to oxygen, resulting in improved flavors and more developed bouquets. The piece is comfortable to grip and graceful to pour with, thanks to its cut and polished rim. Mouth-blown in Austria by renowned craftspeople, the decanter is made of full-lead crystal for exceptional clarity and brilliance. It stands 8-3/8 inches high and holds 43-3/8 ounces at full capacity. Riedel recommends washing it by hand. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• Washing by hand recommended
• Elegant decanter; 8-3/8 inches high, 43-3/8 ounces at full capacity
• Crafted from full-lead crystal for clarity and brilliance
• Mouth-blown in Austria by world-renowned glassmakers
• Exposes wine to oxygen for more developed bouquet and fuller flavors

Amazon.com Review

Perfect for everyday use, the four red-wine glasses in this setare part of the moderately priced Ouverture series offered byworld-renowned Austrian wineglass maker Riedel Crystal (founded in1756). Being lead-free, they're not crystal like Riedel's premiumglasses but are machine blown of potash glass and are dishwasher-safe.Their thin rims are cut and polished to Riedel's exacting standards, sowine flows easily onto the tongue. Each glass holds 12-3/8 ounces andstands 7-3/8 inches high. Though glasses shaped and sized for differenttypes of wine seem commonplace today, when Riedel introduced this ideain 1961, it was revolutionary. Since then Riedel has continuedfine-tuning glasses to bring out the best characteristics in wines andspirits. Varying bowls' shapes and sizes affects the position of thehead when sipping and where wine first contacts the tongue's varioustaste zones. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Made by world renowned wineglass makers
• 4 glasses shaped for serving red wines
• Machine-blown of lead-free potash glass
• Cut-and-polished rims so wine flows easily onto tongue
• Each holds 12-3/8 ounces, stands 7-3/8 inches high

Reviews (14)

Not delicate enough
I bought these glasses to compliment my collection of white wine glasses although when I received the box, I heard that something was broken. When I opened the box one of the three glasses was broken. The broken glass a side I found that the glasses did not have the delicate look compared to my other Riedel wine glasses.
These glasses did not have the thinness around the glass and the stem was too think for my liking. Also it seemed that these were made for the masses then the Riedel elegance.

These are being used in Napa Vallery for tastings
In August of this year my Fiancé and I visited Napa Valley for an extensive wine tasting vacation. Our trip was to enjoy ourselves dining and buying cases of wine. Much to our surprise many of the wineries were using these Riedel Ouverture glasses as their standard tasting glasses for tasting in the better rooms. We found the difference between these Riedel glasses and no name glasses to be substantial. Riedel has found a good balance between price and wine presentation. Being a klutz I also found these glasses are delicate though I only broke two glasses in 51 tastings.

Our everyday wine glass
Shortly after moving to the Sonoma region, we heard Riedel glasses referenced as "the" wine glass by several high-end winery personnel. We first found these glasses in a wine shop in the town of Sonoma, but it was several visits before they were in stock, and we able to try them.

There *is* a noticeable difference in the wine-tasting experience, enough for the better that we have junked our assortment of miscellaneous glasses, and now use these as our everyday glasses. We also have several varieties of Riedel's Vinum glasses, which get used on formal occasions, or with particularly special wine, but these have become our 'go-to' glasses.

They are a bit fragile, which is the reason for 4 stars, instead of 5. However, when the enhancement of the wine experience is weighed against the number of tastings/broken-glass ratio, they are well-worth it. Shipping from Amazon has been damage-free so far.

Arrived in perfect condition
I was a little worried that the glasses would arrive broken as a few other reviewers had mentioned. I was surprised and very impressed with how well they were packaged when they arrived! The glasses are beautiful and although I haven't tried them yet, I love them already.

Not The Red Wine Glasses I Wanted
These were purchased as a gift and what a disappointment when they were opened. We enjoy red wine and serve it in a large glasses to allow the wine to breathe and give great bouquet. These glasses are more like chardonney glasses. We are returning these for better red wine glasses. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Founded in 1756, Austria’s Riedel Crystal is the world’s premier manufacturer of wine glasses and has always catered to the fine wine connoisseur. However, these wine tumblers are the company’s first attempt at producing a lower priced wine glass for casual entertaining. Like Riedel’s prestigious Vinum series of glasses, these tumblers are specifically designed for a particular grape varietal and still maintain their ability to enhance the flavors and aromas of the wines they were intended for. The only difference is that the tumblers are missing their stems, making them slightly less delicate to handle, more modern in appearance, and easier to fit in smaller cabinets, mini bars, picnic baskets, and the dishwasher.

The O series of glasses are made of machine-made of non-leaded glass. The shape of the two glasses in this set is specifically recommended to balance the fruit and acidity in full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay and Viognier. Each glass holds 11-1/4 ounces of wine, stands 3-7/8 inches tall, and is completely dishwasher-safe. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Holds 11-1/4 ounces; 3-7/8 inches tall
• Trendy tumbler design is more stable, easier to store
• Glass shape enhances taste of Chardonnay, Viognier
• Machine-made of non-lead glass
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (1)

Very COOL new wine glasses
I bought these from a specialty wine catalog/website for a few dollars more than offered here.
These are so cool and easy to handle and make enjoying your favorite wine just more fun! Plus they take up less cupboard space!!! A great gift for your favorite wine lover... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Founded in 1756, Austria’s Riedel Crystal is the world’s premier manufacturer of wine glasses and has always catered to the fine wine connoisseur. However, these wine tumblers are part of the company’s first attempt at producing a lower priced wine glass for casual entertaining. Like Riedel’s prestigious Vinum series of glasses, these tumblers are specifically designed for a particular grape varietal and still maintain their ability to enhance the flavors and aromas of the wines they were intended for. The only difference is that the tumblers are missing their stems, making them slightly less delicate to handle, more modern in appearance, and easier to fit in smaller cabinets, mini bars, picnic baskets, and the dishwasher.

The O series of glasses are made of machine-made of non-leaded glass. The shape of the two glasses in this set is specifically recommended for full-bodied red wines, such as Pinot or Nebbiolo. Each glass holds 23-7/8 ounces of wine, stands 4-1/2 inches tall, and is completely dishwasher-safe. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Holds 23-7/8 ounces; 4-1/2 inches tall
• Trendy tumbler design is more stable, easier to store
• Glass shape enhances taste of Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo
• Machine-made of non-lead glass
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (1)

Great tasting experience
Riedel glasses make good wine great and great wine excellent. I am huge fan of the Extreme series, I own 6 of each and 4 sommeliers burgundy stems. Awesome wares if you have the storage space and take extreme care when cleaning and handling.
Despite what you read, pairing the proper glass shape to the proper varietal makes a huge difference. These glasses are a great way to get introduced to that concept. They come in packages of two (great for couples), are inexpensive, lead free and dishwasher safe. These are a very sexy alternative to stemware, stems are the part of your glasses that break most often. If you have tight storage space these things stack and take up much less room then stems.
I beg to differ with those of the opinion that these glasses are not appropriate because holding the bowl will "heat" the wine. If you are pouring the correct amount into the glass this should not be a problem. In addition, most people will hold stems by the bowl. If you do not believe me, check out the bowl of your stems after your next cocktail party...they will be littered with fingerprints. Did you hear those people complain about their wines "heating up"?
To sum it up, these are great everyday drinkers for beginning wine enthusiasts on a budget! ... Read more

Features

• Great for holiday entertaining
• Riedel is committed to bringing you the world's premier wine glasses which deliver the wine to your palate in a way that enhances and accentuates the wine's enjoyable complexities
• Full lead crystal
• Vinum Extreme is known for it's extreme angles and large volume bowls, bringing a more intensified tasting experience.
• Decanting the wine in this Magnum Cabernet decanter exposes it to more oxygen, allowing it to breath and bring out its full bouquet

Amazon.com Review

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 four were specifically shaped to highlight the fruit in full-bodied red wines with high acidity and moderate tannin, such as Barbaresco, Barolo, Barbera, Red Burgundy, Gamay, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir. The mouth of the Pinot Noir glasses draws wine to the areas of the tongue that perceive sweetness, highlighting the fruit and mellowing the acidity. The large bowl provides room for the wine's rich bouquet to unfold. Each glass stands 8-1/4 inches high and holds 24-3/4 ounces of wine. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• 8-1/4 inches tall; capacity of 24-3/4 ounces
• Six glasses with large bowls for full-bodied red wines
• Glass design enhances taste of wines such as Pinot Noir, Red Burgundy, and Barbaresco
• Machine-made, 24-percent lead crystal
• Made in Austria by world's premier wine glass maker

Reviews (15)

My favorite all-around wine glass
OK, maybe you know that Riedel crafts a separate shape for every variety of wine under the sun - and that this one is designed for Pinot Noir or red Burgundy. As a devoted fan of those wines I can tell you that the glass really does make them taste (and more importantly smell) much finer; letting you truly appreciate the uniquely aromatic character of that grape. So much of the detail rises up from this wide, tapered bowl that they'll "tear a lesser wine apart" to quote some of the literature.

Snobbery aside, I have to say that these are also my favorite all-around wine glasses. I find that the aroma of all my wines is more pleasing to me in these glasses. The bowl is designed to make swirling your wine virtually risk-free, even if you're hovering over (or wearing) something that stains easily while you madly agitate the glass. It also leaves you free to wander through a dinner party or spend a crazed dinner hour chasing the kids around the table, all without worrying that an absent-minded moment will empty your glass and add to the dog's already worrisome drinking problem.

This is the "house glassware" in my house now, as it should be in yours.

Great but be aware they are large
These glasses are, like all the Vinum series, beautiful stemware. The quality is immediately apparent, and the fact that they are crystal means they stay cleaner than glass and don't pick up smells from their contents (and are easier to hand-wash). People have already commented on the shape being so good for tasting reds.

Something that should be mentioned is that the shape and large size, which are designed to allow the aroma of the wine to reach your nose and palate properly and to allow good oxidation, can be misleading. These glasses hold--if you were to fill them-- 24 ounces of wine. Novice vinophile beware! :) I think maybe 1/3 full or less is about right.

Amazon should do a better job making it easy to compare the size of the different Vinum series glasses. If you haven't seen them in person you might get quite a shock if you ordered either these or the Bordeaux (22 oz). The photos make all the glasses appear the same size.

The reason I mention it is that if you aren't going to drink the specific wines these glasses are intended for, you will probably do better with one of the other Vinums as a more general-purpose red glass. (Chianti/Zin, perhaps?) They take up a lot of room. Extremely wonderful for their intended purpose, though...

What a difference a glass makes!
I surprised my wife with the Riedel Vinum Burgundy/Pinot Noir glasses as a Christmas gift. We proceeded to set-up a "taste test" comparing our regular wine glasses to the new Riedel. The other reviews are correct! The difference in all aspects of tasting were remarkable! This will become our "every day" glass.

The Glass Does Make a Difference
Ok, I'm wary of everyone that will read this and, like me in the past, think anyone who believes the glass wine is consumed from can have a bearing on it's taste and enjoyment...but IT DOES! Try them, you'll see. I especially love the thin almost flexible nature of the rim of each glass. Cheers.

Good glasses
Good glasses, great for Barolo and Barbaresco in addition to Burgundies. My only complaint is that the stem is that these glasses are a little short. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Austria’s Riedel Crystal is the world’s premier manufacturer of wine glasses. Riedel’s Wine series of glasses is among the company’s machine-blown lead-free offerings and offers a decorative departure from other simpler styles. These Cabernet/Bordeaux glasses each have a slender, four-edged stem and three delicate ridges that encircle the base and the top of the stem and catch the light to make a beautiful presentation on a holiday table. The bowl shape follows the philosophy of Riedel’s Vinum line of glasses, where each glass is uniquely developed for each type of wine. The glasses in this set of eight were specifically shaped to serve red wines, such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Meritage, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Rioja Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and Brunello di Montalcino. Each glass stands 9-1/4 inches high and holds 21-1/2 ounces of wine. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Made by world renowned wineglass makers
• Set of eight glasses with decorative, light-catching stems
• Glass design enhances taste of red wines such as Bordeaux, Cabernet, Merlot
• Machine-blown stems; non-lead crystal
• 9-1/4 inches tall; capacity of 21-1/2 ounces each

Amazon.com Review

Made in Austria by the world's most renowned wine-glass makerRiedel Crystal, founded in 1756, the four large glasses in this set areideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and full-bodied red Bordeauxwines like Cabernet Franc. The glasses are from Riedel's Vinum Extremeseries, which are distinguished by their bowls' dramatically flareddiamond shape. The glasses provide an exceptionally wide evaporationsurface, thereby intensifying wines' bouquet and silky texture. Theglasses are machine-blown of 24 percent lead crystal and conform toRiedel's exacting standards: colorless, transparent, and thin-walled,with lips cut and polished so wine flows smoothly onto the tongue.These glasses are 9-3/4 inches high and hold 30-3/8 ounces.

Though glasses shaped and sized for different types of wine seemcommonplace today, when Riedel introduced this idea in 1961 it wasrevolutionary. Since then Riedel has continued fine-tuning glasses tobring out the best characteristics in wines and spirits. Varying bowls'shapes and sizes affects the position of the head when sipping andwhere wine first contacts the tongue's various taste zones. Riedelcrystal is used by fine restaurants all over the world and thus muststand up to frequent trips through a dishwasher. But because leadcrystal has a soft, coarse surface to convey intense aromas, Riedelrecommends the glasses be hand washed. --Fred Brack

... Read more

Features

• Made in Austria by world renowned wine-glass maker
• Four large, dramatically shaped glasses ideal for certain red wines
• For Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Bordeaux wines like Cabernet Franc
• Diamond-shaped bowls intensify bouquet, enhance wines' silky texture
• Machine-blown of 24 percent lead crystal; 9-3/4 inches high, hold 30-3/8 ounces

Reviews (3)

Beth San Diego
What a value!! I collect all manner of beautiful crystal stemware. On more or less a whim, I purchased the Riedel Vinum Extreme. I heard that Robert Mondavi is quoted as saying "I never knew my wines tasted so good!" so my boyfriend and I decided to have some fun and try a blind tasting. We pitted my gorgeous and hideously expensive hand cut crystal against the Riedel. We were truly astounded. No kidding, you start tasting the wine before it hits your lips. The shape of the bowl funnels the aroma of the wine up and out of the glass and the vapors start flowing into your nose before the glass even touches your tongue (be sure not to fill these LARGE glasses full; it will spoil the effect and you'll soon get so drunk from sheer volume that none of your senses will be working!) With my other crystal, we could barely smell the wine at all. We weren't tasting a fine wine, either. Rather we were drinking a Charles Shaw Cab, aka "Two-Buck Chuck" that we'd gotten on sale from Trader Joe's. The Riedel brought out the best in even a very inexpensive wine. Now I am buying more glasses--for myself and for friends. We bought a few more cases of "Two-Buck Chuck" too. I wouldn't bother with the cheaper "everyday" Riedel's. These glasses make a $5 red taste more like a $10-$12 red, so it's great to have a good tasting wine for dinner every night without emptying our wallets. These glasses paid for themselves after a few bottles of wine! We are planning a trip to Paris, and I am bringing a set of these glasses for our host, along with a good CA wine. We're going to have a little taste test for fun! Good Riedel's are a must-have for anyone concerned about tasting wine and a wonderful housewarming or hostess present!!!! Have fun and enjoy the great taste of wine.

Get the real thing
If you want some real hand made crystal glass.don't buy these Machine made, try the best crysatl item are from Belgium , CRYSTAL Val Saint Lambert.

We Love Riedel
The right glass can make your wine taste better -- and, no, I'm not kidding.

Riedel Vinum Extreme weren't just made for great quality and even better style, they are designed specifically to showcase New World wines.

If you like your Cabernets from California or your Shiraz from Australia or your Merlot from Chile, then do yourself a favor and buy a set of these glasses.

A big, deep bowl flares out from the stem, then tapers gently back in towards the top. Not only does this shape perfectly hold the big bouquet of wines with big fruit, it also delivers the wine straight to the perfect spot on your tongue.

We were so impressed with these Cabernet glasses, that we asked for (and got) the Pinot Noir glasses for our wedding. Soon, we'll be getting a set of the Chardonnay, too.

And then we added a wall cabinet with hanging stemware racks to our dry bar, so that we can see this beautiful crystal on display, even when we aren't drinking. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Made in Austria by the world's most renowned wineglass maker,Riedel Crystal, founded in 1756, this classic decanter is blown from 24percent lead crystal. It is magnum size (1-1/2 liters), perfect for oneor two bottles of red wine. While the most common use of a decanter isto prevent sediment in an aged red wine from spoiling the wine'sclarity and brilliance, some authorities also recommend decanting youngred wines to give them the opportunity to bloom. In either case, thisspectacular decanter brings a breathtaking elegance to the dinnertable. Standing 9-1/2 inches high on a 9-1/2-inch-diameter base, itsproportions are as perfect as the crystal. Riedel crystal is used byfine restaurants all over the world and thus must stand up to frequenttrips through a dishwasher. But because lead crystal has a softsurface, Riedel recommends this decanter be hand washed. --FredBrack ... Read more

Features

• Made in Austria by world renowned wine-glass maker
• Classic, elegant shape for decanting red wines
• Made of 24 percent lead crystal
• Magnum size (1-1/2 liters) ideal for one or two bottles
• Stands 9-1/2 inches high on 9-1/2-inch diameter base

Amazon.com Review

Yeah, in retrospect it probably was wishful thinking to hope that Riedel--the Austrian glassworks whose innovations in stemware shape and design have enabled serious wine drinkers to get more bang from their Bordeaux, more Shiraz pizzazz --could work alcoholic alchemy on the martini. They can shorten the bowl of one glass so Sauvignon Blanc hits the tongue just so, broaden the mouth of the Burgundy stem to accentuate the dusty fruit nose, flare the lip of a singlemalt whiskey vessel to disperse floral notes. Yet even Riedel's model 416/77, with its classically elegant conical cocktail styling, can't scrub the bathtub ring off of a cheap gin. They make a little jewel of a martini glass, but not even Riedel can make a Sapphire from cubic zirconia booze. --Tony Mason ... Read more

Features

• Height, Capacity: 5 1/4"H, 5 oz.
• Classic, all-purpose cocktail design
• Machine-made of 24% lead crystal
• Affordable second-tier from a prestigious name in wine-friendly stemware
• Made in Austria by reowned wine-glass maker

Reviews (4)

DON'T ORDER THIS FROM AMAZON!!!!
Unless you want to wait over a month to get your product, don't bother placing an order for the Riedel Vinum Martini glasses through Amazon. The shipping reads the set will ship in 1-2 weeks. I ordered my set on Sept. 5 and they still haven't shipped. Not very truthful to customers, in my opinion. I would love to tell you if the glasses are any good or not, but Amazon seems to be holding mine hostage. I will come back with a review of them as soon as I receive them, but please keep in mind it might not be until 2004...

Old school martini glasses
At 5 ounces and change, these glasses are about right for a strong drink. Given the conical shape, you either need to have the balance of a tightrope walker or leave some space at the top. It's not uncommon to find 10 ounce martini glasses these days, but the larger size leads to warm drinks and inebriated drinkers. The larger glasses are also much harder to balance on tables or in your hand. Speaking of balance, I find the Riedel stems a little tall for my taste; I like a little more Thin Man and a little less James Bond in my martini glass shape.

As these are crystal, be careful washing them. Abrasive scrubby pads, the dishwasher, or even gritty towels will leave them scratched.

Martini tip I learned at my current job's cocktail parties: Dip the glasses in water and freeze in the freezer. Freeze your favorite gin (or vodka or whatever) in the freezer (the aim is to make it viscous when poured). Chill the vermouth and olives (or twist) in the fridge. When ready to serve, drop in olive, then vermouth (to cover the olive in my opinion, but it's your call) and finally gin. Stir (the classic technique, despite James Bond's heresy) and voila, a perfectly chilled martini with a minimum of hassle.

uncertain satisfaction
The quality of the product was excellent and the picks were charming. As I was shining one of the glasses the stem broke at the base of the glass. Now I have an incomplete set. I am willing to pay for a single glass to complete my set or will except one on the chance it was faulty.

Soothing in a shaken world....
Reidel once again has designed glassware with classic sophistication. Whether you use these martini glasses for fine cocktail parties or an after work drink, you will have the perfect palette to create the cocktail of your dreams.

(on a practical note they are extremely durable & you look good holding one) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Founded in 1756, Austria’s Riedel Crystal is the world’s premier manufacturer of wine glasses and has always catered to the fine wine connoisseur. However, these wine tumblers are part of the company’s first attempt at producing a lower priced wine glass for casual entertaining. Like Riedel’s prestigious Vinum series of glasses, these tumblers are specifically designed for a particular grape varietal and still maintain their ability to enhance the flavors and aromas of the wines they were intended for. The only difference is that the tumblers are missing their stems, making them slightly less delicate to handle, more modern in appearance, and easier to fit in smaller cabinets, mini bars, picnic baskets, and the dishwasher.

The O series of glasses are made of machine-made of non-leaded glass. The shape of the two glasses in this set is specifically recommended to highlight the tannins and balance the fruit in wine varieties such as Syrah and Shiraz. Each glass holds 21-7/8 ounces of wine, stands 5-3/8 inches tall, and is completely dishwasher-safe. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Holds 21-7/8 ounces; 5-3/8 inches tall
• Trendy tumbler design is more stable, easier to store
• Glass shape enhances taste of Syrah, Shiraz
• Machine-made of non-lead glass
• Dishwasher-safe

Reviews (4)

Unusual, great glasses
These are incredible glasses! Very high quality, sleek glasses that feel great in your hand and look great on your table. As the shape is different, they make an excellent conversation piece. They are good wine glasses if you are sitting down or have the opportunity to place your glass down often; they're not good for wine at cocktail parties or instances where you have to hold your glass often - holding them in your hand often will warm them quickly. They also make great beverage glasses for water, etc.

Love these glasses!
I wasn't sure what I'd think of these glasses, but I love 'em! Granted, they do look a bit like a big bud vase, but I really enjoy using them for a casual glass (or two...) of wine at home. I also like the Sauvignon Blanc glasses that are quite a bit smaller. All in all, a great purchase.

What the...
NEWS FLASH: These are nothing more than an excuse for Riedel to sell you 2 CURVED GLASS TUMBLERS for $18. A trip to any home store will yield similarly-shaped glasses for a couple of dollars. Sure, undiscriminating wine drinkers used to (some still do) drink their cheap wine out of plain old glasses, but does that mean you should? Remember that one of the reasons a wineglass has a stem is to prevent your hand from touching the bowl and heating the wine well above room temperature. If Riedel is truly a "connoisseur company" they are undoubtedly aware of this but for some reason (ka-ching!) it doesn't bother them. Heck, if I were making $17.75 in profit from 25 cents worth of glass I suppose it wouldn't bother me much either...

Drink up, suckers!

A new favorite glass for a new favorite wine
These tumblers are actually a throwback to the way people used to drink wine - in a goblet (and without a stem). But being Riedels, these have a timeless elegance and unmistakable shape that can only come from the company that all but revolutionized the art of wine tasting and enjoyment. For an urban wine lover, with limited space, these were the perfect choice for me. And I wasn't a believer before, but I believe it now - once you smell, taste, and drink wine out of a Riedel, there is no going back to anything else. It does for wine what CD's did for music or HD did for TV. And since shiraz and syrah are quickly becoming the new darlings of the red wine world, what better way to enjoy them than in glasses specifically designed for them. These only enhance the spice and berry aromas and flavors. And without a stem, they are quite a conversation piece. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Wine Series offers the legendary wine-enhancing qualities of Riedel glassware in an affordable yet attractive package. Bowl shapes are modeled after Riedel's popular Vinum series, but because they're machine-made from high-quality non-leaded glass, they're ideal for the novice oenophile or for everyday use. As with the Vinum series, each type of glass is carefully formed to bring out the best in a specific varietal. Here, the shape of bowl and mouth are specifically designed to enhance the flavor, bouquet and texture of full-bodied reds like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Machine-made in Austria by master glassmakers, each glass stands 9-1/4 inches tall and holds 21-1/2 ounces at full capacity. --Mary Park ... Read more

Features

• Machine-made from premium non-leaded glass by world-renowned glassmakers
• Set of 4 red wine glasses
• 21-1/2-ounce capacity; 9-1/4 inches high
• Modeled on Riedel's more expensive Vinum series
• Also recommended for red Bordeaux, Rioja, and Tempranillo

Amazon.com Review

Made in Austria by the world's most renowned wineglass maker,Riedel Crystal, founded in 1756, the four large glasses in thiswine-tasting set from Riedel's Vinum Extreme series established a newstandard when they were introduced. Distinguished by their bowls'dramatically flared diamond shape, the glasses provide an exceptionallywide evaporation surface, thereby intensifying a wine's bouquet andsilky texture. The glasses are machine-blown of 24 percent lead crystaland conform to Riedel's exacting standards: they're colorless,transparent, and thin-walled, and their lips are cut and polished sowine flows smoothly onto the tongue.

Though glasses shaped and sized for different types of wine seemcommonplace today, when Riedel introduced this idea in 1961 it was arevolutionary concept. Since then Riedel has continued fine-tuningglasses to bring out the best characteristics in wines and spirits.Varying bowl shapes and sizes affect the position of the head whensipping and where wine first contacts the tongue's taste zones. Thus,the four glasses in this set are ideal for tasting seven varietals:cabernet sauvignon/merlot (9-3/4 inches high, holds 30-3/8 ounces);pinot noir/nebbiolo (9-1/2 inches, 29-5/8 ounces); riesling/sauvignonblanc (9-1/2 inches, 16-7/8 ounces); and chardonnay (9-1/8 inches,27-1/2 ounces). Riedel crystal is used by fine restaurants all over theworld and thus must stand up to frequent trips through a dishwasher.But because lead crystal has a soft, coarse surface to convey intensearomas, Riedel recommends the glasses be hand washed. --FredBrack ... Read more

Features

• Made in Austria by world renowned wine-glass maker
• Four large, dramatically shaped glasses ideal for tasting seven varietal wines
• Diamond-shaped bowls intensify bouquet, enhance wines' silky texture
• For cabernet/merlot; pinot noir/nebbiolo; riesling/sauvignon blanc; chardonnay
• Machine-blown of 24 percent lead crystal

Reviews (4)

Fully taste the great wine you paid for
If you're going to spend money on good wine, don't put it in cheap glassware - you'll be throwing your money away! What a reviewer below referred to as the "odd/ugly angular bend" is exactly what enables these glasses to bring out the full flavor of the wine. Do you just want your table to look "pretty" or do you want the food and drink to taste fabulous? If you want the latter, shove aside some of those Martha Stewart table decorations to make room for these glasses and enhance your fine wines.

Best Decemberween present EVER!
I can't believe someone thinks these gorgeous glasses are ugly! Oh my god...I opened these and I *cried* they are so beautiful. Each glass has its own little personality, it's own pretty curve. Hold one of these and it practically talks to you. They are so incredibly big and gorgeous! Even though they are primarily designed to present each type of wine at optimum bouquet & flavor , the size and shape of the glasses also displays the color very well, too. These are the crown jewels of my glassware collection. I am incredibly happy with them.

Works amazingly well, but not pretty
These really do make a startling difference in the taste.

I tried a Zin in all 4 plus my old "normal glass". In all but the Zin/Sauvigan blanc glass, it was a nasty bunch of tannin. In the right glass I couldn't believe I was drinking the same wine: it was bursting with fruit and flower, and no tannin. Hard to belive; but true.

However these are not (at least to my eye) pretty glasses. They are way too large (use a ruler at home folks), and have a odd/ugly angular bend to them. However, several other reviewers like them. I think the key would be to get out a ruler and see if you wanna glass this big. I do have a huge (i.e. >10') dining table, and they still dominate the table. Face it: few wine glasses are a foot tall. And most do nothing for the wine flavor. cavaet emptor, but I -do- take flavor over looks :-)

I have -NOT- tried Ridels' smaller more rounded versions of these. Maybe they work as well, maybe not. The extreme in the name might mean extemerly startiling in effect on flavor, or appearance, either way I do like these...

-jj

Does the glass really make a difference?
It does! I was amazed. We bought two sets, one for me and one for my husband. A reisling in the correct glass was more falvorful, the cabernet had more black cherry essence. For a true wine lover, novice or experienced, this is an excellent purchase!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

With its graceful, asymmetrical profile and sweeping neck, the Riedel Cornetto decanter is a gorgeous way to improve the wine-drinking experience. Crafted by the world's most renowned manufacturer of wine ware, the piece is mouth-blown in Austria by premier glassmakers. It is full-lead crystal for exceptional clarity and brilliance, and the mouth is cut at an angle to stunning effect. In addition to being a thing of beauty, the decanter helps reduce the chance of sediment in the glass while letting flavors and bouquets develop through increased exposure to oxygen. Standing 12-5/8 inches high, the piece holds 26-1/2 ounces. Washing by hand is recommended. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• Washing by hand recommended
• Gorgeous, elongated decanter; 12-5/8 inches high, 26-1/2 ounces
• Crafted from full-lead crystal for clarity and brilliance
• Mouth-blown in Austria by world-renowned glassmakers
• Exposes wine to oxygen for more developed bouquet and fuller flavors

Amazon.com Review

Handmade of mouth-blown full lead crystal, this wine glass isfrom Riedel's top-of-the-line Sommeliers collection and is for thosewho take their wine seriously. Visually impressive, this gigantic glasswas developed in 1959 to enhance the flavor of younger Bordeaux regionwines. The glass shape is specifically intended to intensify thetexture and blend the acidity with the sweet tannins in wines such asred Bordeaux, Brunello di Montalcino, Cabernet Franc, CabernetSauvignon, Merlot, Rioja, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Grosso, andTempranillo. The large bowl brings out the depth of contemporary winesin the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot families andallows room for rich layers of aroma to unfold in both young and moremature wines. The glass weighs a substantial 14 ounces and holds 30-3/8ounces of wine. It stands 10-5/8 inches high with a 4-inch wide bowl.--Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• 10-5/8 inches tall; 4 inches wide
• Glass design enhances taste of red wines such as Red Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
• Handmade, mouth-blown full lead crystal
• Large bowl allows wine to breathe, emphasizes depth in contemporary wines
• Weighs 14 ounces; holds 30-3/8 ounces

Reviews (3)

Wonderful, but depends on how much you like wine.
I own a modest set (8 different stems) of Sommelier glasses for my own tasting purposes, and believe that they are worth every penny to me, personally. The quality of the Sommelier stems cannot be emphasized enough - even over the Vinum series.

They are, in every way, extremely delicate. Very thin walls, thin stems, and beautiful craftsmanship. As long as you are careful with them, they will bring your fine wines into a completely new light. They will allow you to intimately taste the wine in perfect balance.

But if you are not a serious wine drinker, stick with the Vinum series. The Vinum series is more than enough. I go to weekly wine tastings at my local wine shop where they serve the wine in cheap ($1 ... maybe) glasses that actually mask the wine's flavors and bring out the harsh qualities while supressing any smells or tastes that would actually allow you to evaluate the wine properly. I started to bring a basic Vinum glass, and the difference was unbelievable. When at home comparing the Vinum and Sommelier series, however, the difference is much less pronounced. If you use a glass that doesn't kill the wine's flavor, that's enough. The added pleasure of the Sommelier series lies mostly in its lighter, more delicate construction. Honestly, I'm not sure how much of it is purely psychological, but it just FEELS good to hold your wine in a delicate work of art.

I say mostly, because these glasses are BIG. Some of my friends have threatened to turn my glasses into fish bowls. This added size pulls apart the wine, letting you move your nose around in and above the glass to discover everything that the Vinum series might compress into a smaller space.

Overall, buying a few Sommelier stems would do your finer wines a favor, but for everyday drinking, or for those who aren't complete yuppies like myself, the Vinum Series is just fine.

second quality
I have bought Riedel stems from other sources and loved them. The 4 stems purchased ... were all seriously flawed. One arrived shattered, one had numerous bubbles throughout, another had a chip on the rim and the last had large ripples running through the glass. ...

Absolutely the best glass available
Sommelier line from Riedel glasses are definitely the highest quality glass available and will present your wines in the best light and nose available. With cabernets at all time highs, why not invest in a quality glass to insure your enjoyment of your wine? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Perfect for everyday use, the four white-wine glasses in thisset are part of the moderately priced Ouverture series offered byworld-renowned Austrian wineglass maker Riedel Crystal (founded in1756). Being lead-free, they're not crystal like Riedel's premiumglasses but are machine blown of potash glass and are dishwasher-safe.Their thin rims are cut and polished to Riedel's exacting standards, sowine flows easily onto the tongue. Each glass holds 9-7/8 ounces andstands 7-1/8 inches high. Though glasses shaped and sized for differenttypes of wine seem commonplace today, when Riedel introduced this ideain 1961, it was revolutionary. Since then Riedel has continuedfine-tuning glasses to bring out the best characteristics in wines andspirits. Varying bowls' shapes and sizes affects the position of thehead when sipping and where wine first contacts the tongue's varioustaste zones. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Made by world renowned wineglass makers
• 4 glasses shaped for serving white wines
• Machine-blown of lead-free potash glass
• Cut-and-polished rims so wine flows easily onto tongue
• Each holds 9-7/8 ounces, stands 7-1/8 inches high

Reviews (6)

Question. No review.
Recently, I purchased a set of four red wine glasses for $25.oo. Riedel was written on the carton; however, the sticker on the glass said "Made in Germany, Tyrol Crystal, designed by Riedel." Surely I have knock-offs. I would appreciate a professional opinion. By the way, I have not used them yet so I do not know if they enhance the bouquet. Thanks!

Great size and feel
Since we bust up wine glasses with distressing regularity, this inexpensive set by a name manufacturer seemed like a good bet. We haven't been disappointed. The size and shape are good, and the quality of the glass and finish are excellent. Best of all, they can go in the dishwasher!

The Best for Everyday Wine Glasses
I own dozens of wine glasses from the most expensive lead crystal to winery logo glasses. I also have a set of Reidel Vinum's as well. I bought these for everyday/dishwasher use. Wow! Both the Red and White are wonderful... I side by side taste tested (glass to glass) my Chardonnay (yes, mine) and the White Wine Glass was way above average and perfect for everyday. Frankly, white wine dosen't need a snifter glass as some do...Tip: It also helps to not fill the glass to the top and please don't freeze the Chardonnay!!

Don't Waste Your Money on the White Wine Glasses
I got the package deal, 4 white and 4 red wine glasses. The white wine glasses have too small an opening to be of any use to a real wine drinker, since you can't get your nose "in" to smell the wine and that is the essence of wine tasting. The reds are okay, but I'll be using them for white wine (when I opened the box, I first thought the reds were the white wine glasses!). I have Reidel crystal wine glasses (which cost a small fortunate and were received as wedding gifts many years ago) and was looking for a cheaper alternative (due to breakage over the years), but I doubt I will ever use the white wine glasses.

Excellent, inexpensive - great for beginning oenophiles!
If you're like me, you'd rather put your hard-earned money towards nice wines than on overpriced glassware. However, wine just doesn't taste the same if you drink it out of a plastic cup (yes, I am a college student). These entry-level glasses from Riedel fit the bill perfectly for my needs and are a great value for the price. The nose is enhanced, the taste is more pronounced, and the overal wine experience is heightened by using a high quality glass like this one. Plus, if one of them accidently gets broken, at [a small price per]/glass its not a big deal. However, I wouldn't trust the dishwasher with these glasses even though the description says you can. And yes, they are not crystal but they are very close at a fraction of the price. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Founded in 1756, Austria's Riedel Crystal is the world'spremier manufacturer of wine glasses. The Vinum Extreme series ofglasses are machine-made of diamond-shaped 24 percent lead crystal.These glass shapes, with a unique angular look, dramatic oversizedbowls, and extra-tall stems, were introduced in 1986 to support theincreasingly dense consistency of wines. The design provides anexceptionally wide evaporation surface, thereby intensifying a wine'sbouquet and silky texture.

The glasses in this set of four were specifically shaped to highlightthe fruit in full-bodied red wines with high acidity and moderatetannin, such as Barbaresco, Barolo, Beaujolais Grand Cru, Red Burgundy,Gamay, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir. The mouth of the Pinot Noir glassesdraws wine to the areas of the tongue that perceive sweetness,highlighting the fruit and mellowing the acidity. The large bowlprovides room for the wine's rich bouquet to unfold. Each glass stands9-1/2 inches high with a 4-1/2-inch wide bowl and holds 29-5/8 ouncesof wine. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• 9-1/2 inches tall; 4-1/2 inches wide; capacity of 29-5/8 ounces
• 4 large, dramatically shaped glasses for full-bodied red wines
• Glass design enhances taste of wines such as Pinot Noir, Red Burgundy, and Beaujolais Grand Cru
• Machine-made, diamond-shaped 24-percent lead crystal; oversized bowls and extra-tall stems
• Made in Austria by world's premier wine glass maker

Reviews (2)

Perfect
Miss those wonderfully oversized red wine glasses from all those hip, '80s restaurants? Well, they're back.

Looking for a glass wide enough in the bottom third to allow proper aeration, but narrow enough at the top to properly focus the nose of a good Burgundy? Well, here it is.

Want something with a dramatic look, but without the pretention of Waterford-type stemware? Well, then look no further.

Riedel has made a Burgundy/Pinot Noir wine glass with all the volume, functionality, and looks you could ever want.

We received four of these as a wedding gift, and we'll be buying more as we're able. Vinum Extreme not only looks great on the table, but each glass is designed to perfectly show off the color and enhance the flavor of your favorite wines.

Just be sure to order a set of the Bordeaux/Cabernet Sauvignon glasses, too.

A Beautiful Piece of Work
When I first heard about the Vinum Extreme line from Riedel, I was rather skeptical. From a logical standpoint, I saw no reason to improve upon the existing Vinum line. However, may I say that upon seeing the Extreme Series first hand rather than as a two dimensional picture, the design characteristics are in fact, quite stunning.

With regard to how these glasses perform, I cannot purport to be a true oenophile that would be able to discern and discuss the subtle nuances these glasses may divulge about a particular wine. I also could not say as to whether the Extreme Series outperforms the Vinum line either. However, as a person that does appreciate wine and finely made objects such as these, and as an owner of other sets of the Vinum line, the Extreme Series does offer a striking and angular contrast to the rounded shape of the Vinum Series. The more I look at the Vinum Extreme Pinot Noirs, the more I like them.

Buyers be aware however, that the Extremes only come in sets of four rather than six. Also, these glasses are much bigger than I thought they would be. In any event, if you purchase these glasses, I seriously doubt that you will be disappointed with your purchase. Enjoy! ... Read more