#3: Maximilian Riedel - The Importance of a Wine Glass
Does size matter? Does shape matter? Does thickness matter?
We’re talking about wine glasses, of course.
Watch or listen to this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9ddejP2my5g
This episode asks a simple question: how important is your wine glass?
I begin with a conversation I had with Maximilian Riedel atPro Wein in Dusseldorf. Max is the 11th generation of his family to make fine glass products, and since 2014 he has been the President and CEO of Riedel Crystal. We learn Riedel’s history, its connection to the US market, and its iconic innovations.
Riedel is the wine glass industry’s first mover. They created the vision and have been executing at the top ever since. Others have followed with great success, because Riedel blazed the trail.
I discuss the tasting that Max generously offered after the interview in which I sampled the same Pinot Noir from three different Riedel glasses. My position is clear: varietal-specific wine glasses are not just hype and marketing. They make a difference, even when it’s simply making the sip more pleasurable and joyful. Happiness is a beautiful drink from and equally beautiful glass.
We cover wine glass materials, anatomy, and recommendations for selecting the right wine glass. At a minimum, seek out a clear glass without ridges or seams (either mouth blown or made by a very high quality machine). The glass should be clear and as thin as possible. Modern glasses do not use lead (thankfully), but with the help of science and skill they retain most of the highly refractive properties of lead crystal, which make them equally as beautiful.
We conclude with a brief sound test - indeed, you can audibly distinguish the difference in high quality versus lesser quality wine glasses.
LINKS
Interview with:
Maximilian Riedel -Instagram
RiedelThe Wine Glass Company
RiedelHistory and Generations
Other high quality wine glass producers:
Spiegelau (Germany) - a sister brand of Nachtman, and owned by Riedel since 2004
Nachtman (Germany) - a sister brand of Spiegelau, and owned by Riedel since 2004
Zwiesel Crystal Glass (Germany; brands include Schott Zwiesel, Zwiesel Kristallglas)
Zalto Glass (Germany)
Baccarat (France)
Other Links:
Anatomy of a wine glass -D-Vine.pro
Claus Joseph Riedel glasses at theMuseum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City
How to Choose a Wine Glass -Decanter Article
Oxford Companion to Wine. Terms: Drinking Vessels, glass, glasses
Music:
SHOW NOTES
[00:20] Intro
[01:07] How important is your wine glass?
[01:42] Varietal-specific wine glasses
[02:10] Riedel history
[03:50] Max Riedel
[04:16] Evolution of Riedel’s business
[05:45] The “Fish Bowl”
[06:10] Riedel in the US market
[07:26] “Universal glasses don’t exist]
[08:58] Riedel and innovation: the “O” Series
[10:05] Wine glass anatomy
[11:23] Tasting Pinot Noir from three different glasses
[14:23] Recommendations: what to look for in a wine glass
[15:50] Proper etiquette for holding a glass and sipping wine
[17:00] “Crystal glass” vs. lead crystal (24% lead oxide)
[18:45] Sound test: good, high, and ultra-high quality wine glasses
[20:19] Conclusion
