Customer Reviews

Riedel Wine Series Cabernet/Merlot Glass, Set of 4

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

We have three sets of these and have been very pleased with them. They seem to be tougher than normal wine glasses in that we have not broke or chipped a single stem in 5 years.

We prefer the stemmed glasses to the tumblers because we don't want to handle the bowl and warm the wine. Also, I think that the stems are easier to handle (they don't slip out of your hand).

The price at Amazon is much better than our local wine store or IWA. Two of our three sets were ordered through Amazon and all arrived intact.

I highly recommend this product to anyone that really enjoys his or her wine.

This economy priced Riedel cabernet glass is typical of all Riedel glasses. We use it as an all-purpose, everyday glass. I have used Riedel glasses for over ten years and am sold on their design and durability.

These glasses have a lightweight heft I actually prefer to crystal, yet they're sturdy enough for the dishwasher and everyday handling. This is a great bowl shape to enhance any red, not just Cabs ("...I'm not drinking any ****ing Merlot!..."). Some snobs may insist on crystal, but if you're not one of them, these should be the one red wine glass to own.

I bought these wine glasses so that I could have lead-free crystal for everyday use. While they don't have the "heavy" crystal quality (for example, like Lenox Tuscany), they have good clarity, a pleasantly delicate construction and a nice "crystal" ring to them. The "art deco" stems are not my favorite (style-wise), but this line was the only lead-free Riedel set to offer "Vinum" bowls at the time I bought it. But they have a very classy and stylish look all the same.

Many an old wino would insist that a wine glass should be free of embellishment. However, some young folks like a bit of irony with their claret and the little frou-frous on the stem may amuse them. The bowls, and hence the tasting experience are the same as other Riedel stemware.

A great deal of your experience of wine comes from the aromas that develop in the air above the surface of the wine. A glass that forces the wine to have a large surface area for its volume and then narrows to concentrate the vapors will increase the flavor experience. Glasses with a thin lip seem to interfere less with the taste of wine than thicker (and cheaper) glasses. The shape of the glass makes a difference, too. Since we can only smell molecules that are in the air, the best wine-tasting glass is going to promote evaporation by exposing the largest possible surface area to the air. These glasses are wide at the waist and narrow at the top to get more from their wine. Does it make a difference? You bet-and in every taste test that I've been part of, Riedel glasses win hands down.

(For more information on the factors that effect the taste of wine-Storage, Air, Temperature, Food and Context, see New Short Course in Wine,The)

The wine simple tastes better in these glasses. The red wine Ouverture glasses are as close to an all-purpose glass as any and they're very inexpensive.
It shouldn't be necessary to mention that a wine glass should be clean and odorless. But sometimes restaurants, in their zeal to make their glassware clean use rinsing aids that leave behind a strong mineral smell. If you're spending a lot of money on a bottle of wine in a restaurant, sniff the empty glass first. At home, a film of grease can settle on a previously clean glass. It's no reflection on the quality of the housekeeping-cooking fats disperse in the air and settle on everything in a kitchen. An additional rinsing and a wipe with a clean towel are all you need.


Lynn Hoffman, author of New Short Course in Wine,The and the tasty bang BANG: A Novel

I never knew this glass would make such a difference. Now my wife and I enjoy our Merlot.

I love the glasses. Unfortunately one of the glasses was broken but I received a replacement quickly.

A friend at work told us we would notice a difference, by drinking our wine from these glasses. Did some research, then decided to buy a set. She was right, they did improve the experience. Also, one glass came with a small chip in it, and Amazon sent me a new set within 24 hours. Very nice service.

Gave as a gift and it was greatly appreciated
If you drink wines that are $15-20.00 a bottle or more..........get these glasses.

These glasses were at a good price point and are suitable for every day and dinner party use. Reidel glassware is specifically designed for different types of wine and we use these for cabernet, merlot and the occasional pinot noir.