Stemware consists of 3 parts: the bowl, stem and base. The height of the stem and the width of the base are part of the glass design (known as the architecture). Grape varietal specific stemware features finely-tuned glass bowls consisting of 3 variables: shape, size and rim diameter; to translate the “message” of wine to the human senses.

When developing a glass, Riedel’s 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 colour, bouquet and taste, but often the glass is not considered as an instrument to convey the wine’s message. Over the years, Riedel has acquired some interesting scientific explanations as to why the shape of a glass influences the bouquet and taste of alcoholic beverages.

The first discovery was made while enjoying wine. The same wine displayed completely differently characteristics when served in a variety of glasses. The differences were so great that experienced connoisseurs were made to believe that they were tasting different wines. The grape variety is the key factor in determining the relationship between fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol. As the next step, Riedel was able to create shapes in which the wine, vinified from specific grape varieties, seemed to improve. They started to recognise the complex role that size and shape play in conveying the message of a fine wine.