#3: Maximilian Riedel - The Importance of a Wine Glass
How important is a wine glass? To get smarter, I had the pleasure to interview Maximilian Riedel. He is the 11th generation CEO of the most influential wine glass maker in the World - Riedel Crystal of Kufstein, Austria. Riedel invented varietal specific wine glasses, an approach imitated by all their competitors. In this episode: facts about wine glass anatomy, materials, and unique shapes.
Does size matter? Does shape matter? Does thickness matter?
We’re talking about wine glasses, of course. How important are they?
I begin with a conversation I had with Maximilian Riedel at ProWein in Dusseldorf. Maximilian is the 11th generation of his family to make fine glass products, and since 2014 he has been the President and CEO of Riedel Crystal and Tiroler Glashütte GmbH.
Maximilian Riedel:
How Important is Your Wine Glass?
This episode asks a simple question: how important is your wine glass?
I begin with a conversation I had with Maximilian Riedel at Pro Wein in Dusseldorf. Maximilian is the 11th generation of his family to make fine glass products, and since 2014 he has been the President and CEO of Riedel Crystal. We learn a little history about Riedel, its connection to the US market, and its iconic innovations.
I also discuss the tasting that Maximilian led me through after the interview in which I sampled the same Pinot Noir from three different Riedel glasses. It’s not hype - varietal specific glasses can make a difference. And, yes, they’re beautiful.
We cover wine glass materials, anatomy, and recommendations for selecting the right wine glass. At a minimum, seek out a clear glass without ridges or seams (either mouth blown or made by a very high quality machine). The glass should be clear and as thin as possible. Modern glasses do not use lead (thankfully), but with the help of science and skill they retain most of the highly refractive properties of lead crystal, which make them equally as beautiful.
We conclude with a brief sound test - indeed, you can audibly distinguish the difference in high quality versus lesser quality wine glasses.
LINKS
Interview with:
Maximilian Riedel - Instagram
Riedel The Wine Glass Company
Riedel History and Generations
Other high quality wine glass producers to consider:
Spiegelau (Germany) - a sister brand of Nachtman, and owned by Riedel since 2004
Nachtman (Germany) - a sister brand of Spiegelau, and owned by Riedel since 2004
Zwiesel Crystal Glass (Germany; brands include Schott Zwiesel, Zwiesel Kristallglas)
Zalto Glass (Germany)
Baccarat (France)
Other Links:
Anatomy of a wine glass - D-Vine.pro
Claus Joseph Riedel glasses at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City
How to Choose a Wine Glass - Decanter Article
Oxford Companion to Wine. Terms: Drinking Vessels, glass, glasses
Music:
SHOW NOTES
[00:20] Intro
[01:07] How important is your wine glass?
[01:42] Varietal-specific wine glasses
[02:10] Riedel history
[03:50] Max Riedel
[04:16] Evolution of Riedel’s business
[05:45] The “Fish Bowl”
[06:10] Riedel in the US market
[07:26] “Universal glasses don’t exist]
[08:58] Riedel and innovation: the “O” Series
[10:05] Wine glass anatomy
[11:23] Tasting Pinot Noir from three different glasses
[14:23] Recommendations: what to look for in a wine glass
[15:50] Proper etiquette for holding a glass and sipping wine
[17:00] “Crystal glass” vs. lead crystal (24% lead oxide)
[18:45] Sound test: good, high, and ultra-high quality wine glasses
[20:19] Conclusion
