Claus Riedel was the first person in the long history of the glass to design its shape according to the character of the wine. He is thus the inventor of the functional wine glass.

A positive approach to life is linked to pleasure and enjoyment. Pleasure is given by our senses like sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Experience how our glass makers create a true „zest for life“ out of the versatile material of glass.

 

THE CONTENT DETERMINES THE SHAPE

When developing a glass, Riedel’s design ideas are not born on a drawing board, but shaped by trial and error with the help and support of the world’s greatest palates.

A person interested in wine is led by color, bouquet and taste, but often the glass is not considered as an instrument to convey the message of the wine. Over the years Riedel acquired some interesting scientific explanations as to shy the shape of a glass influences the bouquet and taste of alcoholic beverages. The first discovery was made while enjoying wine. The same wine displayed completely differently characteristics when served in a variety of glasses. The differences were so great that experienced connoisseurs were made to believe that they were tasting a different wine.

The grape variety is the key factor in determining the relationship between fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol. As the next step, Riedel was able to create shapes in which the wine, vinified from specific grape varieties, seemed to improve. We started to recognize the complex role that size and shape play in conveying the message of a fine wine.

Mainstreet is proud to offer a wide selection of Riedel crystal - glasses that are designed to enhance the wine experience through shape and function.  Available as individual pieces, these are the finest stems available anywhere in the world.