“The biggest mistake couples make when they get married is buying too many glasses,” says Max Riedel, during a demonstration of his fine glassware in his company’s Manhattan office. With this tidbit of sage advice, Mr. Riedel, the grandson of the company’s founder and its key spokesperson, began a presentation attempting to prove that proper glassware does make a difference. To my mind, he succeeded.
Though I’ve always respected good glassware, before this session I never really went out of my way to break out the “good stuff” every time I popped a cork, or made an effort to match the varietal with the right glass. Using a proper glass always seemed like an excellent idea – if I had someone at my beck and call to find the glass, pour the wine, wash it, and store it afterward (which I think is what Max meant by buying too many of ‘the same’ glasses). And beyond expense, the biggest hurdle for me personally was the washing and storing of the glassware. If you have seen a typical Manhattan kitchen in the movies, you know that cabinet space is at a premium. Then of course you have the challenge of washing the glass. Max claims he has gory pictures that prove the dangers of attempting to hand wash Riedel glassware after enjoying its contents, and now advises folks to use the dishwasher provided that glasses are the only items washed, the control is set to “air dry,” and the glasses are spaced far apart.
Yet if you are okay with the storage and cleaning of the glasses – and can afford the high price tag of Riedel glassware – I would strongly encourage you to invest in this glassware. I walked into the session with a fairly skeptical attitude. Sure, I know that the right glassware would provide a more pleasurable experience, yet emerged shocked at how the right glassware can dramatically improve one’s perception of the aroma and taste of the wine.
To prove this, much of the tasting revolved around experiencing the aroma and palate of different varietals in the glass they were designed for and then pouring the wine into the Riedel glassware designed for other varietals, as well as a glass called “the joker” (used by professional judges for tastings) and a plastic container. I pretty much knew that any given wine would taste better in a Riedel glass than plastic or a thick cheap glass, yet was surprised that the shape mattered so intensely. The Kendall Jackson Sauvignon Blanc (SB) Vintner's Reserve 2007 tasted very good (and much more expensive) in the Riesling Grand Cru glass than in the glass meant for a chardonnay, and vice versa. Max went on to explain the science of the glass’s shape, and in the case of the Sauvignon Blanc, how it helped concentrate the floral and grassy aromas of the SB as well as how the wine presented itself on the palate. We performed the same exercises for the Jordan 2006 Chardonnay and La Crema Pinot Noir 2007. The vast difference between Riedel glasses was noticeable with all varietals. So now you may be asking, “How noticeable? Is it noticeable enough to spend money, space, and washing care to buy the glasses?”
Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
Marisa, if my husband wasn't a God among glass breakers, I would take your advice. I especially laughed at your first sentence! In my house, there is no such thing as "too many glasses." I buy extras when they're on sale and keep them in the basement for when my one man wrecking crew drops one.
Likewise, I wish I could have a glass for each varietal, but I'm lucky I have something for white, red, robust reds and champagne.
Maybe when I hit the lottery. :-)