Introduced in 2020
RIEDEL Winewings
A striking collection by Georg J. Riedel
Georg Riedel, in his long career, has shaped many functional glasses, all specifically designed to enhance the enjoyment of the liquid for which it is created. Georg, as the creator of varietal-specific wine glasses, strongly believes that a finely tuned glass shape enhances the perception of all aromatic beverages.
In the Summer of 2018, Georg was asked by a customer to create "the ultimate glass" for Cabernet Sauvignon, a project which was to provide the inspiration behind RIEDEL Winewings.
Slowly, a new shape emerged: A flat-bottomed glass, wide and reminiscent of the wing of an aircraft, complete with winglets. Over the course of a year, through many tastings and by making changes to shape, size and rim diameter, what began as one glass for one grape varietal developed into seven different glasses to represent the most popular grape varietals.
RIEDEL Winewings was born and was about to take flight!
Georg Riedel's Vision - Modern Glassware reimagined
To explain the concept of RIEDEL Winewings: We chose a flat and stretched bottom, with a wing-like shape to increase the surface area between wine and air, which increases the levels of evaporation and develops a greater intensity of aroma. When positioning one’s head to the glass, the nose is closer and is exposed to the wider surface of the wine. However, this alone would not fully deliver the optimal aroma of each grape variety and so, to capture the delicate layered aromas, it was necessary to curve the glass walls and to correctly calibrate the opening of each glass with its ideal rim diameter.
RIEDEL Winewings
Red Wine Glasses
At RIEDEL, red wine glass design is based on the grape varietal and its attributes and, based on the impact the skin makes on the wine, all red wines’ intensity can be categorized as either mild, medium or powerful.
To enhance the enjoyment of those profiles, we suggest 3 different glass shapes:
- Mild: Pinot Noir - fruit forward, light to medium bodied, high perceived acidity and low tannins.
- Medium: Syrah - earthy, toasty elements and smooth tannins
- Powerful: Cabernet / Merlot - Aromas of blackcurrant, full-bodied and with high levels of tannin.
Red wine glasses from RIEDEL must harness the intense flavors and aim to harmonize them, while balancing these flavors with other, more powerful elements, in order to demonstrate each wine’s complexity first and foremost.
RIEDEL Winewings
White Wine Glasses
"Let’s start with RIEDEL Winewings glasses for white wine, and I’ll aim to explain why we need three," comments Georg. "Here, we are dealing with the three classic and most significant white varietals and each features different flavors and even a different mouthfeel, which we believe requires a different glass shape for each in order to truly appreciate their unique characteristics."
- Chardonnay - classic aromas of fresh yellow fruits and rich, buttery flavors when aged in oak barrels having undergone malolactic fermentation.
- Riesling - powerful floral aromas, crisp with acidity and a touch of sweetness (no new oak, no malolactic fermentation).
- Sauvignon Blanc - herbaceous notes, aromas of citrus, high acidity and minerality.
RIEDEL Winewings
Champagne & Sparkling Glass
The Champagne wine glass in the RIEDEL Winewings collection is a true loudspeaker for this prestigious beverage, which is made from Pinot Noir and/or Chardonnay grapes.
With Champagne a second fermentation is triggered in the bottle by adding a fine, measured quantity of yeast and sugar to the still wine. Over time and under pressure, fine bubbles are created by this process.
The glass elevates the delicate aromas of sweet, toasted bread and enables a sensual mouthfeel, with the tiny bubbles expressing a lively, yet creamy texture of the palate. The rich taste is enhanced by low levels of residual sugar, allowing a long lasting and delicious expression.
