Riedel Sommeliers Riesling / Zinfandel Glass
Riedel Sommeliers Riesling / Zinfandel Glass
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Riedel Sommeliers Riesling / Zinfandel Glass
The Riedel Sommeliers Riesling/Zinfandel glass represents the pinnacle of varietal-specific glassware, individually handcrafted by master glassmakers from the collection that revolutionised wine service in 1973. This glass features a 380ml bowl specifically designed to balance the high acidity and residual sugar of fruit-forward white wines, whilst also performing exceptionally well for certain red wines like Zinfandel.
Created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation), Sommeliers was the world's first wine-friendly glass collection and adhered to the Bauhaus principle that form follows function. Each thin-blown, unadorned glass showcases the discovery that certain wines reveal greater depth and better balance when enjoyed from particular shapes. This versatility makes it the most adaptable white wine glass in Riedel's range, equally suited to high-acidity Riesling and fruit-driven Zinfandel.
Key features of the Sommeliers Riesling/Zinfandel glass:
- Handmade craftsmanship: Individually mouth-blown by master glassmakers, making each piece unique with slight natural variations that confirm authenticity
- Dual-purpose design: Balances fresh characters and high mineral components in white wines whilst emphasising fruit aromas in medium-bodied reds
- Premium crystal glass: Exceptional thinness and clarity that distinguishes Sommeliers from machine-made collections
- Historic design: Created in 1991 as part of the groundbreaking Sommeliers collection that launched in 1973
- Dishwasher safe: Though handwashing is recommended to preserve the delicate handmade quality
This glass suits wine enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate the artisanal nature of handcrafted crystal and seek the finest possible vessel for experiencing Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, rosé wines, and fruit-forward reds like Zinfandel and Primitivo.
What Customers Ask About Riedel Sommeliers Riesling / Zinfandel Glass
Which wines work best in this glass?
Riedel designed this glass primarily for Riesling and similar high-acidity white wines with fruit-forward characteristics, including Grüner Veltliner, Alsace whites, and Mosel Riesling. The shape also works exceptionally well for Zinfandel and Primitivo reds, as it emphasises fruit aromas whilst managing the wines' natural sweetness and moderate tannins. Riedel recommends it for over 25 varietals including rosé wines, Beaujolais, and Dolcetto. If you primarily drink fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay or structured reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, other Sommeliers shapes may suit better.
Is this sold as a single glass or a pair?
This glass is available as a single glass or as a set of 2. Please select your preferred option from the variants on this page. The price displayed will update accordingly. If you are building a collection gradually, buying a single glass first is a practical way to assess whether the Sommeliers range suits your preferences.
What makes Sommeliers different from Vinum or Veritas collections?
Sommeliers represents Riedel's pinnacle collection - each glass is individually handmade by master craftspeople, resulting in exceptional thinness and clarity. Created in 1973, it was the world's first varietal-specific glass collection and established Riedel's dominance of the global wine glass market. Vinum and Veritas are machine-made with more uniform consistency and lower price points, whilst Sommeliers offers the finest possible crystal quality with the unique character of handcrafted pieces. The artisanal nature means slight variations between glasses, which collectors value as confirmation of authenticity.
Why are there variations between handmade glasses?
Each Sommeliers glass is individually mouth-blown by master glassmakers, making every piece unique. Small tolerances in size and weight, tiny bubbles, or slight surface variations are part of the handcrafting process and confirm authenticity. These characteristics don't affect performance and are considered desirable by collectors who value the artisanal nature of handmade crystal. Machine-made collections like Vinum offer more uniformity if consistency is your priority.
Is 380ml capacity sufficient for wine service?
The 380ml capacity is ideal for white wines and lighter reds, providing ample room for a standard 125-150ml pour with space for swirling and aeration. The smaller bowl compared to Bordeaux glasses concentrates delicate aromatics whilst maintaining the temperature of chilled white wines. This capacity reflects Claus J. Riedel's research into optimal proportions for high-acidity wines.
Understanding Riedel's Sommeliers Collection
The Sommeliers collection revolutionised wine service when Claus J. Riedel introduced it in 1973, demonstrating that glass shape profoundly influences wine perception. This discovery - that form follows function - transformed the industry and established Riedel as the authority in varietal-specific glassware.
Each Sommeliers glass is thin-blown and unadorned, allowing the wine itself to take centre stage. The handmade nature means master glassmakers individually craft each piece, resulting in exceptional thinness that cannot be replicated through machine production. The Riesling/Zinfandel glass exemplifies this philosophy, with its 226mm height and 380ml capacity precisely calculated to balance high-acidity wines whilst concentrating aromatic compounds.
Collectors value Sommeliers not just for performance but for the artisanal heritage each glass represents. Whilst machine-made collections offer excellent value and consistency, Sommeliers provides the finest possible crystal quality for wine enthusiasts who seek the ultimate expression of varietal-specific design.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Handwashing (Strongly Recommended): Use warm (not hot) water with mild detergent. Hold the glass by the base, never twist the bowl whilst holding the delicate stem. The exceptional thinness of handmade Sommeliers crystal requires gentle handling. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a lint-free microfibre or linen cloth to prevent water spots.
Dishwasher Care: Whilst technically dishwasher safe, the handmade nature and exceptional thinness of Sommeliers glasses make them vulnerable to damage from contact with other items or harsh detergents. If you choose to use a dishwasher, use only a gentle cycle at maximum 55°C, space glasses generously so they cannot touch, and avoid lemon-scented or abrasive detergents. Many Sommeliers owners exclusively handwash to preserve the pristine clarity and delicate structure.
Polishing: Never hold both the base and bowl simultaneously, as this can snap the delicate stem. For the bowl: hold the glass under the bowl with one cloth whilst polishing with another. For the base: hold it firmly in one hand whilst polishing with the other. Use circular motions with a microfibre or linen cloth. For stubborn water spots, add a small amount of white vinegar to rinse water before drying.
Storage: Store upright, never stacked or rim-down. The thin rim is particularly vulnerable to chipping. Ensure adequate spacing between glasses if storing multiple Sommeliers pieces. Avoid cupboards with strong odours, as crystal can absorb scents over time.
Handling: Always handle Sommeliers glasses with care. The handmade thinness that makes them exceptional for wine service also makes them more delicate than machine-made collections. Hold by the base when pouring or serving.
Why Buy From The Riedel Shop?
Since establishing The Riedel Shop, we've specialised in Riedel's innovative glassware, building expertise in helping customers select the right glasses for their wine preferences. We understand the significance of Sommeliers as Riedel's flagship collection and the care required for these exceptional handmade pieces.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Breakage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
We believe you shouldn't have to take a risk when purchasing glassware. Our Half-Price Replacement policy is particularly valuable for Sommeliers pieces - if you accidentally break your glass within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase. This gives you confidence to use these exceptional glasses rather than keeping them stored away.
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days. Next day delivery may be available on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. We pack all glassware carefully with protective packaging to ensure safe arrival, with extra care taken for handmade Sommeliers pieces.
Can I return the glass if I don't like it after using it?
We offer a no quibble return guarantee that allows you to return goods even after use. The items must be in a resaleable condition and in their original packaging. Please wrap or box items appropriately for transit to avoid damage to goods or boxes.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break your glass within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price. You'll need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation if purchased online) and evidence of the breakage (a photo is fine). We log your purchase at point of sale, or online orders are automatically recorded in our system. This guarantee is particularly valuable for handmade Sommeliers pieces.
Should I handwash or use the dishwasher?
Whilst dishwasher safe, handwashing is strongly recommended for Sommeliers glasses to preserve their exceptional thinness and clarity. The delicate handmade crystal benefits from gentle handwashing, which extends the life and maintains the pristine finish that distinguishes this premium collection. Many collectors exclusively handwash their Sommeliers pieces.
Can I buy replacement glasses to match existing Sommeliers pieces?
Yes, Riedel has maintained the Sommeliers collection since 1973, and individual pieces remain available. However, as each glass is handmade, slight variations in weight and appearance are normal between pieces. Our Half-Price Replacement guarantee provides the most cost-effective solution for replacing broken glasses within 2 years of purchase.
Why do handmade glasses cost more than machine-made collections?
Each Sommeliers glass is individually mouth-blown by master craftspeople, requiring significantly more time, skill, and labour than machine production. The exceptional thinness and clarity achievable through handcrafting cannot be replicated by machines. You're investing in artisanal heritage, superior performance, and a piece that represents the pinnacle of Riedel's glassmaking expertise.
Are Riedel glasses marked with the brand name?
Authentic Riedel Sommeliers glasses feature subtle branding etched into the base, confirming authenticity. All glasses purchased from The Riedel Shop are genuine Riedel products sourced directly from the manufacturer.
Do you offer gift packaging?
Riedel Sommeliers glasses come in Riedel's premium packaging, which is suitable for gifting and protects the delicate handmade crystal during transit.
