The Riedel glass dynasty was built on the creative energies of a long line of glassmakers, dating back to 1756. The crystal stemware produced by Riedel in Kufstein, Austria, is designed to enhance a particular type of wine or spirit. The company's President, George Riedel, researches the complex scientific relationship between grape variety and glass shape.

Riedel's guiding principal is "Content determines the shape". Riedel divides glass design into three elements:

• Clarity and thinness are important for visual perception.
• The size and shape of the bowl determines the intensity and complexity of the bouquet. The shape of the rim determines where the wine initially lands on the taste buds and affects perception of wine components such as fruitiness, tannin, acidity and alcohol.
• The breathing space has to be chosen according to the "personality" of the wine or spirit. Red wines require large glasses, white wines require medium sized glasses and spirits require small glasses in order to emphasize the fruit character and not the alcohol.

George Riedel is constantly researching the complex scientific relationship between grape variety and glass shape as a means of improving this unique craft. This involves frequent workshops and tastings with winemakers and experts world wide - Riedel glasses are not designed by computers!

Tasting is believing!!! Ask your favorite winery or restaurant about Riedel. Discover for yourself that Riedel makes a glass that "Turns a Sip Into a Celebration".

By Ellie Mitchell,
Sales Director for Wineries
Riedel