This elegant, tulip-shaped Riedel Sommelier Rheingau glass was first developed in the 1960s by Claus Riedel.

It shows off the character of white wines from more northerly regions (Mosel, Rheingau, Franken, Weinviertel) to the best possible advantage. These light, dry wines, combining high acidity with delicate fruit, make for hugely pleasurable drinking when served in this beautifully designed Riedel glass.

Its unique 'acidity spoiler' (a gently curved lip around the rim) means that the tip of the tongue unconsciously curves up, so that a stream of wine is delivered straight to the sweetness-sensitive taste receptors that are concentrated there. This has the effect of emphasising the fruit.

These young wines are best served cold and have a fine residual 'perlage' (tiny bubbles) resulting from fermentation. The tip of the tongue is also highly tactile and sensitive to temperature, and detects this 'perlage' as a slight prickle. The glass also helps to integrate the acidity of the wine pleasantly into its characteristic apricot and peach flavours.

The slightly flared top ensures that the wine does not come into contact with the sourness-sensitive edges of the tongue, but moves on to the back palate to give a final hint of bitter almonds and a long, balanced finish.

The Riedel Sommelier Rheingau glass is mouth blown from lead crystal.

Height   106 mm

Capacity   230 ccm

Material   crystal

Production   mouth-blown in Austria