Riedel wine glasses, overrated or the real deal? Wondering if I should plunk the money down for a complete set or go for something that seems just as nice (Schott Zweisel).
Yes, absolutely yes, glass makes a difference. I make wine and choosing the right glass for the right wine makes all the difference. I won't go to all the details about why (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_glass), but here is something you can try before you drop some serious cash on glasses.
Go to Target, they have relatively inexpensive Riedel glasses. Buy a four pack of RED wine glasses (Bordeaux style), and find some generic glasses that are a different shape. Find your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon and pour it into the two glasses and smell and taste the difference. I know it seems weird but try it. I spend over $70 a glass for the right glasses when I choose my blends.
6 Answers
Yes, absolutely yes, glass makes a difference. I make wine and choosing the right glass for the right wine makes all the difference. I won't go to all the details about why (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_glass), but here is something you can try before you drop some serious cash on glasses.
Go to Target, they have relatively inexpensive Riedel glasses. Buy a four pack of RED wine glasses (Bordeaux style), and find some generic glasses that are a different shape. Find your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon and pour it into the two glasses and smell and taste the difference. I know it seems weird but try it. I spend over $70 a glass for the right glasses when I choose my blends.
Do not buy Riedel. The tongue map is fake - google "tongue map" and see for yourself.
In any blind taste test, you will not be able to tell the difference. There is, however, a psychological effect with taste - you might have heard the phrase "you taste with your eyes first." Although it is completely in your head, you can (and will) convince yourself you can taste a difference.
My recommendation: as long as you like the way a glass looks and feels, buy it - it'll taste just as good as Riedel.
There is no “proper” way to serve wine. There are no “official” sizes, capacities, shapes or colors of wine glasses. Common sense and individual taste should be your guide.
I currently use both Riedel Stemless and Spiegelau, the seem to fit the purpose and well worth the investment.
As a sensory scientist, I feel the need to say that Isaac is right, and that the idea of a 'Tongue Map' is complete and utter nonsense, however glass choice can still have an impact on your perception of the wine, so it's not a factor to be completely ignored.
Riedel does make very fine glassware, but in my mind, the minimal impact it has on the taste and aroma of the wine isn't worth the hefty price tag. Think about how much wine that much money could buy, and how much better it would taste than a glass.
And remember, the best wine tasters in the world all use $5.00 ISO Glassware.
Absolutely worth it. I can't speak from purchasing experience as my set was given to me by a good friend (yes, Good Friend, you rock.) But from the user's perspective, they are without a doubt amazing.
If you aren't an avid wine drinker or have to choose between buying a set from Riedel or paying your car note, I'd pass. But if you have the means and want to know what holding a feather-light glass feels like, go for it. You'll be hard-pressed to find better quality.