Riedel Ouverture White Wine Glasses, Set of 4

Description

Perfect for everyday use, the four white-wine glasses in this set
are part of the moderately priced Ouverture series offered by world-renowned
Austrian wineglass maker Riedel Crystal (founded in 1756). Being lead-free,
they’re not crystal like Riedel’s premium glasses but are machine blown of
potash glass and are dishwasher-safe. Their thin rims are cut and polished to
Riedel’s exacting standards, so wine flows easily onto the tongue. Each glass
holds 9-7/8 ounces and stands 7-1/8 inches high. Though glasses shaped and
sized for different types of wine seem commonplace today, when Riedel
introduced this idea in 1961, it was revolutionary. Since then Riedel has
continued fine-tuning glasses to bring out the best characteristics in wines
and spirits. Varying bowls’ shapes and sizes affects the position of the head
when sipping and where wine first contacts the tongue’s various taste zones.
–Fred Brack From the Manufacturer A Glass Is Not Just a Glass The Content
Determines the Shape Riedel’s belief when it comes to develop a shape is that
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. He often does not consider the
glass–used as an instrument to convey the message of the wine. Over the years
we have acquired some interesting scientific explanations as to why the shape
of a glass so influences the bouquet and taste of alcoholic beverages. The
first discovery was made while enjoying wine. The same wine seemed completely
different, when served in a variety of glasses–so much so that experienced
connoisseurs were made to believe that they were tasting a different wine. In
the next step, Riedel was able to determine shapes in which the wine seemed to
improve. The grape variety is the key factor determining the relationship
between fruit, acidity, tannin, and alcohol in wine. We started to recognize
the complicated role played by size and shape in conveying the message of a
fine wine. The Influence of Size and Shape on Alcoholic Beverages Bouquet The
quality and intensity of aromas are determined by the personality of a wine
and the relative affinity of the glass shape. Bouquet can only develop in a
range of temperatures. Low temperatures temper the intensity, whereas high
temperatures push mainly alcoholic fumes. When describing the importance of
the glass shape we assume that the right serving sizes (white wine: 2-3
ounces; red wine: 3-5 ounces) and temperatures are respected. When wine is
poured out, it starts to evaporate and the aromas quickly fill the glass in
layers according to their density and specific gravity. The lightest vapors
are at the rim, the heaviest on the bottom. Consequently the size and the
shape of the glass can be fine-tuned to the typical aromas of a grape variety:
The lightest, most fragile aromas are those which resemble flower and fruit
aromas. Slender, egg-shaped glasses emphasize this kind of aroma. The middle
is filled with green vegetal aromas and earthy mineral components. The
heaviest aromas are those of wood and alcohol. When swirling the glass, the
wine moistens additional surface which increases the evaporation and intensity
of the aromas. However, it does not allow layers of bouquet to blend together.
It is for this reason that the different qualities of aroma noted in a variety
of glasses are amazing. (The same wine may have fruit aromas in one glass and
green and vegetal herbiness in another). To eliminate this effect, you would
have to move the layers vertically and shake the glass. Only then would you
discover the same bouquet in all glasses! Experienced tasters rely on their
olfactory talents more than their palates to determine the provenance of the
sample or the grape variety in blind tastings. Very large glasses with a
capacity of more than 25 ounces allow you to sniff through the layers of
bouquet by inhaling extremely gently and consistently for more than ten
seconds. You can smell through the fruit aromas to the alcohol fumes. Palate
We cannot dictate firm rules over personal preferences, though our advice may
provide valuable guidelines. Years of experience have shown that 90 percent of
wine lovers approve of the suggestions made by Riedel. Physical movements and
adjustments are controlled subconsciously. The shape of the glass forces the
head to position itself in such a way that you drink and do not spill. Wide
open glass shapes require us to sip by lowering the head. Narrow rims roll the
head backwards and the liquid flows because of gravity. This delivers and
positions the beverage to different zones of the palate. Drinking in big sips
to quench the thirst will diminish the influence of the vessel, and only the
aftertaste will offer flavor. Alcoholic beverages are consumed according to
their strength in small to very small quantities at a time. This gives the
chance to control the flow where the beverage contacts the tongue. The
resulting nerve message is delivered at a speed of 400 m/sec to our brain
where it leaves a lasting first impression. In most cases we would be
disappointed if the sweet fruit flavors were lacking, and tart components
dominated the taste picture. If this occurs, the blame is usually put on the
quality of the wine but never on the shape of the glass. Shape Every wine has
its own blend–fruit, acidity, mineral, tannin, alcohol–based on the grape
variety, soil, and climate. By studying the character of the grape variety
Riedel is able to deliver wine and spirits to the nose and palate so that each
beverage can reach its full expression. The finish plays an important part in
the overall impression and even this is strongly influenced by the design of
the bowl.It will take time to recognize that a glass is not just a glass but
an instrument of pleasure and enjoyment. Key Factors in Selecting a Wine Glass
Type A wine glass should be: Colorless Transparent Unadorned Thin-walled With
a cut and polished lip Egg-shaped Stemmed Made of lead crystal Size The size
of a glass is important, showing the quality and intensity of aromas. The
evaporation space has to be chosen according to the “personality” of the wine
or spirit. It is best to respect the appropriate serving quantities:
Approximately three ounces for white wine Four up to a maximum of five ounces
for red wine One ounce for spirits. General RulesRed wines and their character
require large glasses, White wines medium-sized glasses, and Spirits small
ones in order to emphasize the fruit character and not the alcohol. Shape
Riedel’s belief: The content determines the shape The glasses are designed to
emphasize a wine’s harmony, not its faults. Riedel has always viewed the wine
glass as an instrument to bring together: Personality of the wine Smell Taste
The sense of sight To appreciate fully the personality of different grape
varieties and the subtle character of wines, it is essential to have an
appropriately fine-tuned glass shape. The shape is responsible for the flow of
the wine and consequently where it touches the various taste zones of the
tongue. The initial contact point depends on the shape and volume of the
glass, the diameter of the rim, and its finish (whether it is cut and polished
or rolled edge) as well as the thickness of the crystal. As you put your wine
glass to your lips, your taste buds are on the alert. Once the tongue is in
contact with the wine three messages are transmitted at the same time:
temperature, texture, and taste. Wine is composed of different elements:
fruit, acidity, mineral components, tannin, and alcohol. The combination
between the sense of smell and taste leads into the wonderful world of flavor.
Taking Care of Riedel Stemware As Riedel glasses are executed in the finest
lead crystal, it is important to pay attention to their correct care. The
surface is coarser than ordinary glass, which has the advantage of conveying
more intense aromas. On the other hand the surface is softer, more delicate,
easily scratched, and quickly absorbs environmental odors such as a cardboard
smell or the wood of your cupboard. As our glasses have a large surface, this
intensifies the effect. If the glasses are not used frequently, nose them
before serving. Hand Washing Do not be afraid when washing your glasses by
hand. Depending on how greasy the glasses are, use more or less detergent in
lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly afterwards under running water. Before
polishing your glasses, steam them over a bowl of boiling water for that extra
sparkle. The best way to polish your Riedels is to use lint-free linen that
has been washed without a fabric softener–the softener leaves a light film of
grease which kills the bubbles in champagne. When wiping, use two cloths and
both hands–your left hand to hold the bowl, your right hand to wipe it. Do
not force the cloth into the bowl, otherwise the thin walls will not hold the
pressure. The disadvantage of holding the glass by the base while wiping the
bowl is that you twist the stem which may break.

Features:

• 4 glasses shaped for serving white wines
• Machine-blown of lead-free potash glass
• Cut-and-polished rims so wine flows easily onto tongue
• Each holds 9-7/8 ounces, stands 7-1/8 inches high
• Made by world renowned wineglass makers

Product Details:

• Brand: Riedel
• Color: White Wine
• Style: White Wine
• Theme: Wine,Wineglass
• Shape: Chardonnay
• Brand: Riedel
• Color: White Wine
• Style: White Wine
• Theme: Wine,Wineglass
• Shape: Chardonnay
• Pattern: Solid
• Product Care Instructions: Not Machine Washable, Hand Wash Only
• Age Range (Description): Adult
• Unit Count: 4.0 Count
• Number of Items: 1
• Package Type: Standard Packaging
• Finish Type: classic
• Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
• Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Manufacturer: Riedel
• Item model number: 408 /5
• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
• Date First Available: March 18, 2004