Trade Customers Only
This product is available exclusively to approved Trade customers.
Champagne Glasses
The Riedel Restaurant Champagne Glass (0446/48) occupies the considered middle ground in Champagne service: wider than a classic narrow flute at 66mm, but more restrained than the full egg-shaped bowl of the 0446/58. At 260ml with a slightly curved bowl and a sparkling point etched at the base, it is designed for light, fresh, dry Champagne where the wine's fresh fruitiness, red berry and pinewood aromatics, and lively effervescence are the primary qualities to present.
The slightly wider bowl allows the wine's aromatic character to develop more fully before reaching the nose, while the 66mm diameter maintains a sustained effervescence column and visual bubble display. The shape is also noted as ideal for dry rose wines. Machine-made in lead-free crystal, certified for 1,500 commercial dishwasher cycles, sold in sets of 12.
Key features:
- Slightly curved bowl wider than a classic flute: The 66mm diameter provides more aromatic development space than a narrow 50-55mm flute, while maintaining a sustained bubble column
- Emphasises fresh fruitiness and red berry aromatics: Bowl shape brings forward the characteristic fresh fruit, red berry, and pinewood aromas of light, dry Champagne
- Tempers high acidity: The rim geometry presents the wine's acidity as freshness and structure rather than sharpness
- Sparkling point for consistent effervescence: Etched nucleation point at the base provides a consistent site for CO2 release, producing a steady fine bubble stream
- Also ideal for dry rose wines: The same emphasis on fresh fruitiness and acidity management suits dry, tart rose service
- 1,500-cycle dishwasher certification: EN 12875-1/2 certified
- Set of 12, trade-only: Restaurant-format case quantity
What Restaurant Professionals Ask About This Product
How does this glass compare to the 0446/58 Champagne Wine Glass?
The 0446/48 (260ml, 66mm, slightly curved bowl) is the Champagne list glass: designed for fresh, effervescence-forward Champagne where fruitiness and bubble display are central. The 0446/58 (440ml, 85mm, egg-shaped bowl) is the aromatic Champagne glass: designed for complex Champagne where aromatic revelation is the primary objective. For most by-the-glass service, the 0446/48 is the appropriate choice. For prestige and vintage bottles, the 0446/58 is more suitable.
Is this glass better than a traditional flute for Champagne?
For light, fresh, dry Champagne, the 0446/48 is a genuine improvement on a narrow traditional flute. The slightly wider 66mm bowl provides more surface area for the wine's aromatics to develop. The tradeoff versus a narrow flute — slightly less bubble display — is worth making for the aromatic gain.
What is the sparkling point and does it survive the dishwasher?
The sparkling point is a laser-etched mark at the base of the bowl that provides a consistent site for CO2 bubbles to form. It is a permanent feature of the crystal, not a coating, and survives 1,500 commercial dishwasher cycles. In hard-water areas, limescale deposits can reduce its effectiveness over time; maintaining a regular rinse-aid and descaling regime manages this.
How many dishwasher cycles will this glass survive?
EN 12875-1/2 certified for 1,500 commercial dishwasher cycles, corresponding to 10+ years of normal restaurant service life.
The Champagne List Glass: Between the Flute and the Bowl
The debate about the right glass for Champagne has been ongoing since the coupe fell out of favour in the 1970s. The narrow flute became the default, valued for its sustained bubble display and elegant silhouette. But a 50mm opening restricts aromatic development significantly: the complex character of quality Champagne is compressed through that narrow channel in a way that limits the tasting experience.
The 0446/48 makes a measured response to that limitation. The extra 10-15mm of bowl width compared to a standard flute is not visually striking. But the effect on the aromatic delivery of the wine is proportionally larger. The fresh fruitiness, red berry character, and pinewood notes that define light, dry Champagne are more apparent, more developed, and more clearly delivered to the nose from the first pour.
For the Champagne list glass, the 0446/48 is the right balance between aromatic revelation and the effervescence presentation that remains part of Champagne service. For operations that want to go further with complex Champagne, the 0446/58 is the next step.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Dishwasher Use: EN 12875-1/2 certified for 1,500 cycles. Use stemmed glass racks with individual compartment support. The 217mm height requires adequate rack clearance. Remove promptly and allow to air dry. In hard-water areas, maintain rinse-aid and descaling regimes to protect the sparkling point's function.
Polishing: Steam-polish with a lint-free cloth before formal Champagne service. Hold by the stem and avoid touching the bowl interior; finger oils impair the sparkling point and create irregular bubble formation. Annual breakage rates typically run 15-20% in active restaurant service.
Breakage Planning: 15-20% annually in active restaurant service.
Why Buy From The Riedel Shop?
As specialist Riedel retailers, we stock the full Riedel Restaurant programme and can advise on building a complete glassware solution for your operation. The Restaurant range is designed for professional restaurant and bar use; we can help you identify the right products for your specific service context. Available exclusively to trade customers.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Breakage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days. For urgent orders, contact us to discuss expedited options.
Can I return products if they don't suit our operation?
We offer a no quibble return guarantee on unopened cases in original packaging. We recommend ordering one case to trial the product before committing to larger quantities.
Do you offer volume discounts for larger orders?
For restaurants and groups requiring significant quantities, contact us to discuss volume pricing and delivery arrangements.
Is this product available to home customers?
This product (SKU 0446/48) is designed for trade and professional use. Consumer equivalents may be available through Riedel's retail channels.
