RIEDEL Veritas Range: Stemware left to right, Shiraz - Pinot Noir - Riesling - Chardonnay

Does glass really matter?

I want to share a wine tasting experience I attended that opened my eyes to a new world of glass… wine glasses that is. Before attending this workshop; I thought there was a basic range of wine glass; one for red, one for white and of course the champagne flute.

Goodness!... was I wrong! The “Glass Matters” workshop was held at “Kitchen By Mike” in Sydney and presented by the Riedel wine glass company. If you are unfamiliar with the brand; Riedel have a saying; … a RIEDEL glass “turns a sip of wine into a celebration!”  Since 1958 they have been pioneers in creating wine glasses specific for the grape variety.  They have built a  trusted reputation with wine connoisseurs and hospitality professionals around the globe. So, I’d like to share a little of their wisdom that they imparted to me.

Let’s start by noting that Riedel have invested heavily in researching and creating the perfect glass for each grape varietal, so there is no surprise that they emphasise the need for the right wine glass. RIEDEL explains that they "researched the grape varietal sensation, leading to the conclusion, on which the world’s wine experts agree; that the enjoyment of taste, aroma, texture and finish of a wine, is maximised by using the right Wine Instrument". I love wine but I'm not sure if I can start calling a wine glass a wine instrument so I think I will stick with glass!

Therefore; the design, shape and feel of the glass, along with the wine varietal, pair together so the taster can appreciate the different texture, flavour and aroma of the wine.  In Riedel's words they say “wine-friendly stemware translates and delivers the bouquet, taste, balance and finish of a wine to the senses.”

The Riedel Veloce Range

So, why does the shape matter?

Riedel say the architecture of the glass influences our perception of wine. The width of the base, shape of the bowl, stem design and glass height, create a style, comfort and a sense of pleasure for the consumer to hold. The aroma and flavour of the wine is further enhanced through the rim diameter, shape and size of each glass. Each glass has its own distinctive design that conveys a message of the wine to our senses that translate to the overall experience of enjoying a glass of wine.

Riedel suggests that altogether; these elements contribute to the experience of wine. The glass adds to the intensity of the wine’s aroma to enhance the bouquet and to highlight the “mouthfeel” of wine, whether it’s a watery, smooth or silky texture. The flavour is heightened to deliver distinctive tastes of fruitiness, acidity or bitterness, depending on the varietal, and together the glass delivers a pleasant and long lasting after taste. 

Riedel Shiraz Glass Veritas Range (Stemware)

This is how the tasting unfolded?

During the tasting I sampled 4 varietals, a Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. I was asked to taste a riesling in a small glass, the type you would drink orange juice from. After the taste; I’d reflect on the aroma and flavour. Then I was asked to transfer the remaining wine into the riesling glass to taste again, so I could reflect on the aroma and flavour from the Riedel glass.

I was fascinated, when comparing the aroma and flavour of the wines in two glass types, as there was a significant difference. With each varietal tasting the message to my senses was consistent and the Riedel glass delivered a high intensity aroma and flavour for each wine.

When tasting with the Chardonnay glass I could really sense and smell the oak aromas and taste small bursts of citrus of the Chardonnay. However, when tasting the same wine in the orange juice glass there was a significant lack of aroma and intensity of flavour.

Stephen's Take

Unit of Competency Mapping

Please note; the purpose of this article is to introduce current hospitality trends. The content broadly applies to the units of competency listed. It is not intended that all content in this article maps directly to all performance evidence and knowledge evidence in the unit of competency. 

Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan

Updated 27 October 2024