Riedel Crystal Water Glasses Buyers Guide

Riedel Crystal is considered by many to be the benchmark of fine wine glasses. What about fine water glasses?

Georg Riedel, the 10th generation in the Riedel family to lead the world-wide Riedel organization, was in Southern California in October 2004 promoting Riedel wine glasses. He was on a U.S. tour conducting stemware seminars to demonstrate how glass design enhances the wine tasting experience, specifically how the shape and size of a glass can be designed to fit a specific wine varietal.

After the seminar, FineWaters asked Georg Riedel about choosing the appropriate stemware for fine water thinking he might recommend something different for a sparkling vs. still water. Instead, he said, “Water is water.” There are no special glasses for drinking different types of water, he added.

At FineWaters, we think differently and will be testing that concept in the near future. Preliminary results of our testing sugests that there is a benefit from different shapes of stemware for enjoying Bottled Water. It's the bubbles!

There are, however, Riedel crystal water glasses for waters. Riedel has four collections, which include a specific water glass: Sommeliers, Vinum, Wine and Ouverture. The Vinum Extreme does not have a water glass, and neither does the new line the O-Riedel Wine Tumbler.

Sommeliers – Lead Crystal, Hand-Made
The Sommeliers line of Riedel crystal stemware is the top of the line. It is lead crystal, mouth-blown and hand-made in Austria. The Riedel signature is featured at the base of this line to distinguish it from other Riedel glassware. The Riedel brochure describes this line as a design revolution – thin-blown, unadorned and reduced to its essence.

	Sommelier Water Glass 4400/20 The 4400/20 model retails for approximately $58 (US) per stem. Designed in 1987, it is 5 1/8-inches high and holds 10-1/4 ounces.  FineWaters Comments: If water is your main drink it doesn't get much better. Probably the tallest glass on the table. You will not be embarrassed to toast with this glass.
	Sommelier Water Glass 9400/23 Blue The Sommelier 94200/23 is blue in color with a tall stem and a classic shape.  FineWaters Comments: If you drink wine and water this is the most decadent choice. Waiters will not be confused and pour wine into your water glass.

Vinum – Lead Crystal, Machine-Made
Vinum was introduced in 1986 and made for every day use. It is 28% lead crystal and machine-made.

Vinum Water Glass 416/2 There is one water glass in the brochure, model 416/2 which retails at approximately $10 (US) per stem. Designed in 1991, it is 5-7/8 inches high and holds 12-3/8 ounces.  FineWaters Comments: A good choice if you drink water and wine at the same time and are looking for a dishwasher safe glass.

Wine – Non-Lead Crystal, Machine-Made
The Riedel Wine collection is made for customers who feel that plain stemware is not decorative enough. It combines a decorative stem with Vinum’s most popular glasses. There are artfully designed ridges at the base of the stem and at the base of the bowl.

Wine Water Glass 448/20 There is one glass in the brochure, model 448/20 which retails at approximately $12.90 per stem. Designed in 1999, it is 8-3/4 inches high and holds 13-3/8 ounces.  FineWaters Comments: A dishwasher safe and less expensive option for water only. Also nice with the other glasses of the wine series. Your waiter will occasionally pour white wine in your glass.

Ouverture – Non-Lead, Machine-Made
Introduced in 1989, Riedel calls this line an “uncomplicated beginners series” for wine drinkers. It is not matched to the grape varieties or winegrowing regions. There are ten sizes made for “drinking pleasure.”

Ouverture Water Glass 408/2 The Ouverture water glass model in the catalog is 408/2. It is approximately $10.90 (US) for a single stem. Designed in 1994, it is 5-7/8 inches high and holds 12-3/8 ounces.  FineWaters Comments: A good choice if you drink water and wine at the same time and are looking for a dishwasher safe glass.

The O-Riedel Wine Tumbler – Non-Lead, Machine Made
This new glass series was recently introduced by Georg Riedel’s son, Maximilian Riedel (11th generation). It is designed for every day use, convenience and for every occasion. It keeps the shape of Riedel Vinum series, but without the stem. This tumbler fits in the dishwasher, picnic basket, minibar or small kitchen. The price range is half the price of Riedel Vinum glasses.

O-Riedel Glass There is no specific water glass listed. However, if you are interested in the tumbler design, FineWaters suggests you try the 414/15 model designed for Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Designed in 2003, the glass is 4-1/4 includes high and holds 13-/14 ounces and retails in $9.95 (US) per tumbler.  FineWaters Comments: High-end tumbler designed for wine but perfect for water if all other glasses on the table are Riedel O series. Otherwise it looks silly. A perfect lemonade glass for a picnic.

For fine dining, toasting and a feeling of elegance, choosing the right water glass makes a difference in the enjoyment of the fine waters.