Meet Spiegelau. The Glassmaker That's Been Around Since Before Shakespeare.
Andi Healey
Web Manager
You may not have heard of Spiegelau. But, you've almost certainly drunk from one of their wine glasses. Here's why that matters, and why the Definition range in particular deserves a closer look.
Key Takeaways
- Spiegelau has been making glass in Bavaria since 1521, the same year the Aztec empire fell to the Spanish conqueror, Hernán Cortés.
- The company joined the Riedel family in 2004, sitting alongside Riedel and Nachtmann.
- All glasses are lead-free crystal, machine-blown, dishwasher safe, and made in Germany.
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The Definition range is Spiegelau's top tier: featherlight and wine-specific
In This Article
Who is Spiegelau?
Worth knowing: Spiegelau is one of the oldest glass manufacturers in Europe still in operation. Most businesses founded in 1521 are not around to tell their story.
The Riedel connection
Spiegelau, Riedel, and Nachtmann are all part of the same family. If you already trust Riedel, Spiegelau is the logical next step for everyday glassware.
What makes Spiegelau different?
Machine-made does not mean mass-produced in the pejorative sense. It means engineered to a consistent standard that handmaking cannot reliably replicate at scale.
The Definition range
Which Definition glass do you need?
The range covers the main bases, with a couple of tumblers and digestif glass rounding out the set for those who want to build a complete service.
| Glass | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Universal | Most red and white wines | Versatile bowl shape that works across a wide range of styles. The sensible starting point if you want one glass that does most things well. |
| Bordeaux | Fuller reds: Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah | Larger bowl to allow aeration and to soften tannins. The wider opening encourages the kind of swirl that actually releases aroma. |
| White Wine | White wines and lighter reds | Smaller bowl preserves cooler temperature for longer. Focuses aromatic compounds toward the nose without overwhelming them. |
| Burgundy / Pinot Noir | Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo | The widest bowl in the range. Pinot needs room to breathe, and this gives it room to breathe without dissipating the delicate aromas that make the grape worth drinking. |
| Champagne | Champagne, Crémant, sparkling wine | Tulip shape rather than flute, allowing the aromas to develop properly. A flute keeps the bubbles; this keeps the bubbles and the nose. |
| Digestif | Whisky, brandy, fortified wines | Smaller, concentrated bowl to capture and concentrate spirit aromas. Doubles effectively as a port or dessert wine glass. |
Browse the full Spiegelau Definition range at The Riedel Shop, with free UK delivery on orders over £50.
Shop Spiegelau DefinitionFrequently asked questions
Is Spiegelau part of Riedel?
Yes. Spiegelau was acquired by Georg Riedel in 2004 and is now part of the Riedel/Nachtmann/Spiegelau Group. The brands operate independently with distinct identities and price points, but share the same parent company and benefit from Riedel's technical expertise and manufacturing knowledge.
What is the difference between Spiegelau and Riedel?
The most significant difference is manufacturing method. Riedel's premium ranges, Sommeliers and Veritas, are handmade, which produces exceptional thinness and character but also fragility and a higher price point. Spiegelau's glasses are machine-blown, which means greater consistency, better dishwasher durability, and lower prices. For everyday use, Spiegelau is often the more practical choice; for special occasions or gifts, Riedel's handmade ranges offer something more considered.
Are Spiegelau Definition glasses dishwasher safe?
Yes. All Definition glasses are dishwasher safe and designed to retain their brilliance after repeated cycles. Spiegelau's Platinum Glass process produces a surface that resists scratching and clouding over time. Independent tests have run the glasses through 1,500 dishwasher cycles without degradation. Standard domestic use will not come close to that threshold.
Are Spiegelau glasses made in Germany?
Yes. Spiegelau glasses are developed and produced in Germany, continuing a tradition of Bavarian glassmaking that stretches back to 1521. The Definition range is made using state-of-the-art production technology at the same German facility.
Does Spiegelau use lead crystal?
No. All Spiegelau glasses are lead-free crystal. The formulation achieves the brilliance and clarity of traditional lead crystal without the use of lead oxide, making the glasses safer, more sustainable, and no less impressive to look at.
What is the lightest glass in the Definition range?
The lightest Definition glasses weigh around 120g, comparable to some handmade crystal glasses that cost considerably more. The lightness is one of the range's most commented-upon qualities, and it makes a genuine difference to the drinking experience, particularly during extended tastings or formal dinners.
Which Spiegelau Definition glass should I start with?
If you drink a range of wines and want one glass that handles most of them well, the Universal is the natural starting point. If you drink predominantly one style: a lot of Burgundy, for instance, or a lot of Champagne: go straight to the varietal-specific glass. The quality difference between using the right glass and the universal is real, if modest; the difference between using a Definition glass and a standard wine glass is considerably more noticeable.
How does Definition compare to other Spiegelau ranges?
Definition sits at the top of the Spiegelau range. It evolved from the earlier Willsberger and Hybrid series, taking the best design elements of both. The key advances are the exceptional lightness, achieved through tighter manufacturing tolerances, and the single-piece stem, which improves both the aesthetics and the structural integrity of the glass. If you are looking at Spiegelau and want the best they make, Definition is it.
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