Riedel Vinum Burgundy/Pinot Noir Wine Glasses, Set of 4

What can we learn from a Riedel (rhymes with "needle") glass? That size matters, as does shape? That form following function has meaning for wine-lovers as well as designers? Or perhaps the deeper lesson that the contents of an outwardly "plain" glass may provide a more sensual, complex, and rewarding experience than those of a superficially beautiful one? The Austrian Riedel family has been involved with glass-making since 1756, but it was two centuries later that Claus Riedel conceptualized a glass made specifically to enhance the flavors and aromas of a designated wine. Through an involved process each style of glass is crafted to accentuate the strengths, while minimizing the weaknesses, of a particular spirit. This is done through changes in the size and shape of the bowl, the diameter of the opening and the cut and polished lip which directs the wine towards a specific area of the tongue. Small wonder Riedel stems are preferred by sommeliers and oenophiles world wide for their ab...
Customer Review: The Riedel Anti-Pinot Noir glass
Sorry, but I beg to differ with the majority view. In my view, this glass is terrible. I have a very substantial cellar, devoted in large part to red and white Burgundies (and a bit of Oregon pinot noir), which you might gather from my moniker. I also have many dozens of wine and spirits glasses, most all from Riedel. The Riedel red Burgundy Sommelier glass is the reference standard -- beautiful to look at, and an incredible complement to pinot noir. Wine sings in that glass, but it is huge (the bowl will hold a full bottle of wine, although it should be filled with no more than a few ounces at a time), expensive and easily broken. I bought a set of Riedel Vinum pinot glasses years ago hoping that would provide an alternative for everyday drinking and to tote to restaurants, where I usually bring my own wine and also my own glassware, as most restaurant glassware is worthless (as are most restaurant wine lists). I tried the Vinum pinot glass a few times...
Customer Review: Wonderful Glasses
Riedel makes the finest wine glasses in the world. I can't quite step up to pay for the Sommelier series, but the Vinum doesn't disappoint. The glasses have a nice weight, and they look fantastic!