Riedel Vinum Tasting Glass

Founded in 1756 Austria s Riedel Crystal is the world s premier manufacturer of wine glasses. The Vinum series of glasses are made of over 24-percent lead crystal and were the first machine-made glasses to be specifically designed for a particular grape varietal. The tasting glass in this set are intended for evaluating a variety of wines at a professional tasting. The unique hollow stem design acts as a measurer and holds 5/8 ounce or two sips of wine one to judge the taste and one to confirm–the ideal amount for tasting. The bowls of these glasses have a wider opening for comfortable sipping without tilting the head all the way back. The bowls also offer completely balanced sipping by simultaneously sending wine to the front of the tongue to highlight the fruit and toward the back and sides of the mouth to emphasize the wine s acidity. The bowl s larger volume provides more space for wine to aerate making aromas more intense than in a differently shaped glass. Tilting the glasses to a horizontal position provides the best aeration and the design stops wine 1/2-inch from the rims to keep it from spilling. Each glass stands 6-3/8 inches tall and holds a maximum capacity of 14-7/8 ounces of wine. Currently awaiting a patent these glasses are sure to be the new standard for unbiased wine judging. –Cristina Vaamonde