We spend plenty of time thinking about the wine we’re drinking. The region, the grape, the vintage, what we’re eating with it… but what about the glass we’re pouring it into?
Turns out, it can make more of a difference than you might think.
RIEDEL has spent decades exploring the relationship between wine and glassware, so we’re taking a closer look at their story and sharing a few simple ways to get more from your next bottle.
Over 270 years in the making
RIEDEL’s story goes all the way back to 1756, with the family’s glassmaking history now spanning 11 generations.
In the late 1950s, ninth-generation Claus J. Riedel began looking at wine glassware differently, recognising that the shape of the glass influenced the drinker’s perception of what was poured into it.
That thinking helped pave the way for the world’s first wine-friendly stemware collection, with tenth-generation Georg J. Riedel later evolving this concept into the brand’s iconic Grape Varietal Specific glassware – creating different glass shapes to suit the characteristics of different wine varietals.
Which brings us to a question you may have asked yourself while staring into the kitchen cupboard…
Does your wine glass really matter?
Short answer: yes.
The shape and size of a glass change how a wine’s aromas are presented and how the wine reaches your palate. It’s why a glass designed for a punchy, tannic Cabernet looks very different to one designed for a fragrant and fruity Pinot Noir.
You don’t need a different glass for every bottle you own, but choosing glassware suited to the styles of wine you drink most can help you get more out of what you’re investing in every bottle.
If Cabernet or Merlot is usually your go-to, the RIEDEL Veloce Cabernet/Merlot Glass is designed with full-bodied reds in mind. Prefer something lighter? The RIEDEL Veloce Riesling Glass is designed to complement the freshness and aromatic character of Riesling.
One of the easiest ways to see the difference is to try it yourself. Pour the same wine into two different glass shapes and taste them side by side. You might be surprised by how different the same wine can seem.
And while we’re talking about glasses, resist the temptation to fill yours right to the top. Leaving space in the bowl gives you room to swirl the wine, helping it interact with air and release more of its aroma.
Temperature matters too
The rule tends to be that white goes in the fridge and red doesn’t, but there’s a little more to it than that.
Serving wine too cold can mask its aromas and flavours, while serving it too warm can make the alcohol more noticeable. And when it comes to red wine, “room temperature” can mean something very different during an Australian summer.
If your red has been sitting somewhere warm, there’s nothing wrong with giving it a little time in the fridge before opening it – or even plunging it into an ice bath for a quick cooldown. Likewise, if your white is icy cold, give it a few minutes in the glass and see how it changes as it warms.
Then there’s the decanter. It might look impressive sitting on the table, but it also has a job to do. Decanting exposes wine to oxygen, which is like speeding up the ageing process before you drink it. Older wines may be decanted to separate the sediment, but younger wines will benefit from some extra air too.
You don’t need to save the decanter for that expensive bottle you’ve been holding onto, either. Try it with one of your usual favourites and taste the wine over time. You may notice the aromas and flavours begin to change as it sits.
If you’re looking to add one to your collection, the RIEDEL Performance Decanter is a simple place to start.
Ultimately, there’s no need to overcomplicate any of it. Experiment with different glasses, temperatures, and serving styles, and see what makes your favourite wine taste best to you.
A little glass care goes a long way
Once you’ve found glassware you love, it’s worth looking after it.
And yes, we’ve all broken the good wine glass while cleaning it. RIEDEL glasses are all dishwasher safe – meaning they’ll withstand up to 1,000 washes if stacked correctly in your machine. Whether you’re using the dishwasher or washing by hand, consider this your reminder to take it slowly and keep your glassware away from anything that may knock into it, like a dishwasher arm or tap.
And for the final touch, avoid twisting the base and the bowl in opposite directions when drying or polishing, as this puts unnecessary pressure on the glass’s most delicate points.
Put your glass to the test
Reading about the difference a wine glass can make is one thing. Tasting it for yourself is another.
We’re proud to partner with RIEDEL across the Good Food & Wine Shows, giving wine lovers the opportunity to discover firsthand how the right glass can change the way a wine tastes.
At the upcoming Brisbane Good Food & Wine Show, you can join the RIEDEL Wine Glass Experience and put the theory into practice.
Hosted by Rowan Tihema from RIEDEL Australia, the hour-long masterclass explores how Grape Varietal Specific glassware can increase your enjoyment of wine.
You’ll taste premium Australian wines using four different glasses from the RIEDEL Veloce collection, which are yours to take home afterwards.
Ready to put your wine glass to the test?