Fiona Taylor, of Christopher Piper Wines, discusses the benefits of a good glass

Sidmouth Herald: Riedel wine glass logoRiedel wine glass logo (Image: Archant)

Have you been out to a pub, bar or restaurant in the South West recently and had a memorably delicious glass of wine?

Hopefully, not only will it have been from Christopher Piper Wines but it will also have been served in the correct Riedel glass.

These iconic glasses are the perfect size and have been designed to enhance every aroma and flavour of your wine.

Tested over the years, it was found that the same wine displayed completely different characteristics when served in a variety of glasses.

Sidmouth Herald: Cab Merlot.Cab Merlot. (Image: Archant)

The differences were so great that experienced winetasters were made to believe they were tasting different wines.

According to Riedel, ‘shape matters’ and the rim, diameter and height all are made to ‘translate taste to the human senses’.

Riedel concentrate on creating shapes in which the wine, from specific grape varieties, seems to improve and have recognised the complex role that size and shape play in conveying the message of a fine wine.

The first Riedel in the trade of luxury glassware was Johann Cristoph, born in 1673. He lived in northwest Bohemia, near Haida and Steinschönau, which in the early eighteenth century were to become world centres of trade for Bohemian crystal glass.

Sidmouth Herald: Chard Viognier.Chard Viognier. (Image: Archant)

He journeyed all over Europe trading glass. The earnings from the business justified the long, arduous and dangerous travels, but in 1723 he was tragically murdered, leaving his wife and three sons.

Maximilian J. Riedel, CEO and President of RIEDEL Crystal, is the 11th generation of the family-owned company now based in Kufstein, Austria, and he has earned accolades from The Museum of Modern Art, the San Francisco MoMA, and the Corning Museum of Glass.

Have a quick look around the base of your glass next time you have a glass of wine as Riedel glasses are all signature etched.

Christopher Piper Wines are the only South West supplier of Riedel glassware. Some are exclusive to the trade but others are not and we always have their standard glassware available in our shop.

It is worth a quick look at Riedel’s website should you be interested in their styles and please contact us directly to order.

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