- 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.
- Made by world renowned wineglass makers.
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Perfect for everyday use, the four white-wine glasses in this
set are part of the moderately priced Ouverture series offered by
world-renowned Austrian wineglass maker Riedel Crystal (founded
in 1756). Being lead-free, they're not crystal like Riedel's
premium glasses but are machine blown of potash glass and are
dishwasher-safe. Their thin rims are cut and polished to Riedel's
exacting standards, so wine flows easily onto the tongue. Each
glass holds 9-7/8 ounces and stands 7-1/8 inches high. Though
glasses shaped and sized for different types of wine seem
commonplace today, when Riedel introduced this idea in 1961, it
was revolutionary. Since then Riedel has continued fine-tuning
glasses to bring out the best characteristics in wines and
spirits. Varying s' shapes and sizes affects the position of
the head when sipping and where wine first contacts the tongue's
various taste zones. --Fred Brack
From the Manufacturer
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A Glass Is Not Just a Glass
The Content Determines the Shape
Riedel's belief when it comes to develop a shape is that design
ideas are not born on a drawing board but shaped by trial and
error with the help and support of the worlds greatest palates.
A person interested in wine is led by color, bouquet, and taste.
He often does not consider the glass--used as an instrument to
convey the message of the wine. Over the years we have acquired
some interesting scientific explanations as to why the shape of a
glass so influences the bouquet and taste of alcoholic beverages.
The first discovery was made while enjoying wine. The same wine
seemed completely different, when served in a variety of
glasses--so much so that experienced connoisseurs were made to
believe that they were tasting a different wine. In the next
step, Riedel was able to determine shapes in which the wine
seemed to improve. The grape variety is the key factor
determining the relationship between fruit, , tannin, and
alcohol in wine. We started to recognize the complicated role
played by size and shape in conveying the message of a fine wine.
The Influence of Size and Shape on Alcoholic Beverages
Bouquet
The quality and intensity of aromas are determined by the
personality of a wine and the relative affinity of the glass
shape. Bouquet can only develop in a range of temperatures. Low
temperatures temper the intensity, whereas high temperatures push
mainly alcoholic fumes. When describing the importance of the
glass shape we assume that the right serving sizes (white wine:
2-3 ounces; red wine: 3-5 ounces) and temperatures are respected.
When wine is poured out, it starts to evaporate and the aromas
quickly fill the glass in layers according to their density and
specific gravity. The lightest vapors are at the rim, the
heaviest on the bottom. Consequently the size and the shape of
the glass can be fine-tuned to the typical aromas of a grape
variety:
* The lightest, most fragile aromas are those which resemble
flower and fruit aromas. Slender, egg-shaped glasses emphasize
this kind of aroma.
* The middle is filled with green vegetal aromas and earthy
mineral components.
* The heaviest aromas are those of wood and alcohol. When
swirling the glass, the wine moistens additional surface which
increases the evaporation and intensity of the aromas. However,
it does not allow layers of bouquet to blend together. It is for
this reason that the different qualities of aroma noted in a
variety of glasses are amazing. (The same wine may have fruit
aromas in one glass and green and vegetal iness in another).
To eliminate this effect, you would have to move the layers
vertically and shake the glass. Only then would you discover the
same bouquet in all glasses! Experienced tasters rely on their
olfactory talents more than their palates to determine the
provenance of the sample or the grape variety in blind tastings.
Very large glasses with a capacity of more than 25 ounces allow
you to sniff through the layers of bouquet by inhaling extremely
gently and consistently for more than ten seconds. You can smell
through the fruit aromas to the alcohol fumes.
Palate
We cannot dictate firm rules over personal preferences, though
our advice may provide valuable guidelines. Years of experience
have shown that 90 percent of wine lovers approve of the
suggestions made by Riedel. Physical movements and adjustments
are controlled subconsciously. The shape of the glass forces the
head to position itself in such a way that you drink and do not
spill.
Wide open glass shapes require us to sip by lowering the head.
Narrow rims roll the head backwards and the liquid flows because
of gravity. This delivers and positions the beverage to different
zones of the palate. Drinking in big sips to quench the thirst
will diminish the influence of the vessel, and only the
aftertaste will offer flavor. Alcoholic beverages are consumed
according to their strength in small to very small quantities at
a time. This gives the chance to control the flow where the
beverage contacts the tongue. The resulting nerve message is
delivered at a speed of 400 m/sec to our brain where it leaves a
lasting first impression. In most cases we would be disappointed
if the sweet fruit flavors were lacking, and tart components
dominated the taste picture. If this occurs, the blame is usually
put on the quality of the wine but never on the shape of the
glass.
Shape
Every wine has its own blend--fruit, , mineral, tannin,
alcohol--based on the grape variety, soil, and climate. By
studying the character of the grape variety Riedel is able to
deliver wine and spirits to the nose and palate so that each
beverage can reach its full expression. The finish plays an
important part in the overall impression and even this is
strongly influenced by the design of the .It will take time
to recognize that a glass is not just a glass but an instrument
of pleasure and enjoyment.
Key Factors in Selecting a Wine Glass
Type
A wine glass should be:
* Colorless
* Transparent
* Unadorned
* Thin-walled
* With a cut and polished lip
* Egg-shaped
* Stemmed
* Made of lead crystal Size
The size of a glass is important, showing the quality and
intensity of aromas. The evaporation space has to be chosen
according to the "personality" of the wine or spirit. It is best
to respect the appropriate serving quantities: * Approximately
three ounces for white wine
* Four up to a maximum of five ounces for red wine
* One ounce for spirits. General Rules* Red wines and their
character require large glasses,
* White wines medium-sized glasses, and
* Spirits small ones in order to emphasize the fruit character
and not the alcohol. Shape
Riedels belief: The content determines the shape The glasses
are designed to emphasize a wines harmony, not its faults.
Riedel has always viewed the wine glass as an instrument to bring
together:
* Personality of the wine
* Smell
* Taste
* The sense of To appreciate fully the personality of
different grape varieties and the subtle character of wines, it
is essential to have an appropriately fine-tuned glass shape. The
shape is responsible for the flow of the wine and consequently
where it touches the various taste zones of the tongue. The
initial contact point depends on the shape and volume of the
glass, the diameter of the rim, and its finish (whether it is cut
and polished or rolled edge) as well as the thickness of the
crystal. As you put your wine glass to your lips, your taste buds
are on the alert. Once the tongue is in contact with the wine
three messages are transmitted at the same time: temperature,
texture, and taste. Wine is composed of different elements:
fruit, , mineral components, tannin, and alcohol. The
combination between the sense of smell and taste leads into the
wonderful world of flavor.
Taking Care of Riedel Stemware
As Riedel glasses are executed in the finest lead crystal, it is
important to pay attention to their correct care.
The surface is coarser than ordinary glass, which has the
advantage of conveying more intense aromas. On the other hand the
surface is softer, more delicate, easily scratched, and quickly
absorbs environmental odors such as a cardboard smell or the wood
of your cupboard. As our glasses have a large surface, this
intensifies the effect. If the glasses are not used frequently,
nose them before serving.
Hand Washing
Do not be afraid when washing your glasses by hand. Depending on
how greasy the glasses are, use more or less detergent in
lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly afterwards under running water.
Before polishing your glasses, steam them over a of boiling
water for that extra sparkle. The best way to polish your Riedels
is to use lint-free linen that has been washed without a fabric
softener--the softener leaves a light film of grease which kills
the bubbles in champagne.
When wiping, use two cloths and both hands--your left hand to
hold the , your right hand to wipe it. Do not force the cloth
into the , otherwise the thin walls will not hold the
pressure.
The disadvantage of holding the glass by the base while wiping
the is that you twist the stem which may break.