Does shape and size make a difference? I am referring to a wine glass here, in case your thoughts wandered elsewhere. In my opinion – definitely!
Earlier this month I attended my third ‘Riedel Wine Glass Sensory Work Shop’ and for the third time I was blown away by a category three hurricane. Sitting front row, bang opposite Riedel CEO and 11th generation, Maximilian J. Riedel I was totally entranced by what he had to say.
If you look carefully at the large picture above, you will notice a ‘protocol layout.’ Four plastic cups and four Riedel glasses, I will talk about the first three initially.
The first Riedel glass is a ‘New World Pinot Noir.’ Taking the first plastic cup in hand, I delicately poured it into the three different shaped glasses and the magic begins. Most of us know who David Copperfield is, the famous illusionist. Till today I still wonder how he worked his magic. Mr Max did not leave me hanging. He expressed himself in such a thorough way I still have his words ringing in my ear.
Swirling and sniffing the same wine in the three different shaped glasses is enough to start the ‘ conversion.’ Tasting, amplified the concept to new level. I am not a big fan of Pinot Noir, but boy oh boy it blew me away. Imagine a dried up rose (normal glass) as opposed to a fresh fragrant one (proper glass.) “which would you chose?” The glass works like a “loud speaker,” quoting Mr Riedel, it brings out the true essence of how the winemaker wishes to express himself.
Taking my first sip, I fell more hopelessly in love with my precious glass. My lips gently embraced the rim of the glass, “it’s like French kissing the glass.” quoting Mr Max. Once the wine caresses your mouth it washes into the right places to give you the ultimate experience of what it should and truly taste like.
The same was carried out for the Syrah. The spicy aromas, with hints of smoke, charcoal and barnyard all came through remarkably. With regards to the Cabarnet Sauvignon wine, a beautiful Margaux that bloomed in the glass doing it so much justice. These exquisite fragile glasses, are shaped and designed to enhance different types of wines, so chose your appropriate glass to welcome your favourite wine. For the third time, it felt like the blinders a poor horse wears, lifted or that light bulb in your head switching on. You have to experience it to believe me.
“The finest glasses for both technical and hedonistic purposes. I cannot emphasize enough what a difference they make.” Robert M. Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate
The fourth was a Coca-Cola Riedel glass. Yes, a Cola crystal glass. I’m not much of a soft drink person, intrigued I followed what Mr Riedel had to say. In the plastic cup the Coca-Cola was very fizzy and on the nose you barely smelt anything. In the Riedel glass the aromas of the Cola were really in your face. Elements you never thought you would pick up actually shone. Imagine hints of cloves, cherries and orange zest, “feels like I am describing a wine here.” It felt smoother on the palate. In my opinion, let me just say, it takes getting used to, drinking Coke from a Riedel glass. The bubbles are more elegant therefore it might seem like a slightly flat Cola. Maybe I missed the joy of the bursting CO2 bubbles sprinkling on my face.
After the presentation I spoke to Mr Riedel and tongue in cheek asked if any thought was being given to produce a line of glasses less fragile. All I got was an enigmatic smile…..
Incidentally, in case any of you have wondered – I have no association with Riedel except my experience and the way their glasses help transform my wine acquaintance.
Looking forward to the next Master Class... hopefully soon!