Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru Glass (Single)
Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru Glass (Single)
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Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru Glass
The Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru glass represents the pinnacle of machine-made glassware technology - a glass that achieves the delicacy and precision of handcrafted pieces through revolutionary manufacturing processes. As the largest, lightest, and thinnest machine-made wine glass available, Superleggero combines state-of-the-art engineering with Riedel's varietal-specific design philosophy for elegant, aromatic red wines.
Riedel developed this machine-made version to replace the original handmade Superleggero, driven by the need for absolute consistency. Because Riedel glasses function as finely tuned instruments for wine enjoyment, eliminating variations in bowl geometry and rim diameter is essential - these factors directly influence how wine flows to your palate and which characteristics you perceive. The generous 1022ml capacity and 276mm height create an expansive bowl that allows complex aromatics to develop, whilst the 106mm base diameter provides exceptional stability despite the glass's delicate construction.
Key features of the Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru glass:
- Precision consistency: Machine production ensures identical bowl geometry and rim diameter across every glass, eliminating handmade variations that affect wine perception
- Technical breakthrough: The lightest and thinnest machine-made wine glass available, with balance and delicacy previously achievable only through hand-blowing
- Expansive aeration: 1022ml capacity allows aromatic wines to breathe and develop their full bouquet
- Engineering innovation: 106mm base plate diameter sets new manufacturing standards for stability in ultra-light glassware
- Burgundy-specific design: Bowl shape designed for Pinot Noir, Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, and other elegant reds with complex aromatic profiles
This glass suits serious wine enthusiasts who appreciate how precision glassware reveals the subtleties of premium Burgundy, Barolo, or comparable wines where aromatics and delicate fruit characteristics define the experience. The technical perfection of machine production ensures every glass in your collection performs identically.
What Customers Ask About Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru Glass
Why choose machine-made over handmade for fine wine glasses?
Riedel's varietal-specific philosophy requires exact consistency in bowl geometry and rim diameter, as these factors determine how wine flows to specific areas of your palate and which aromatic compounds you perceive. Handmade glasses inevitably vary between pieces, whilst machine production ensures every glass performs identically. Riedel developed proprietary technology specifically to achieve handmade-quality thinness and balance through machine production, combining precision with the delicacy previously only possible through hand-blowing. For serious wine enthusiasts serving multiple guests or comparing wines side-by-side, this consistency is invaluable.
Which wines work best in this glass?
Riedel designed this glass for Burgundy Grand Cru and similar elegant, aromatic red wines. Specific varietals include Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero), Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Beaujolais Grand Cru, Gamay, Moulin-à-Vent, and St. Laurent. The expansive bowl also suits certain fortified wines like Sherry and Palomino. If you primarily drink full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends, consider the Bordeaux-specific Superleggero glass instead, as bowl shape significantly affects wine perception.
What's the difference between this and the Bordeaux Superleggero glass?
The Burgundy Grand Cru glass features a wider, more rounded bowl (1022ml capacity) designed to capture delicate aromatics from Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo-based wines, directing wine to emphasise fruit elegance and aromatic complexity. The Bordeaux glass has a slightly smaller capacity (953ml) with a taller, more tapered shape suited to full-bodied wines with prominent tannin structures. Choose based on your primary wine preferences - Burgundy/Pinot Noir drinkers benefit most from this shape.
Is this glass too delicate for regular use?
The Superleggero is exceptionally thin and light, requiring careful handling. The 106mm base diameter provides stability on flat surfaces, but the glass demands more attention during washing and storage than heavier designs. This is a glass for wine enthusiasts who value performance over robustness and are willing to handle glassware with care. If you need more durable everyday glassware, consider Riedel's Veritas or Performance collections instead.
Can I put this in the dishwasher?
Whilst Riedel glasses are generally dishwasher safe, we strongly recommend handwashing the Superleggero collection due to its exceptional thinness. The delicate crystal and tall design make it vulnerable to knocking against other items or dishwasher components. Handwashing with warm water and careful drying will preserve the glass's pristine clarity and structural integrity for years to come.
Understanding Superleggero Technology
The Superleggero collection represents Riedel's solution to a fundamental challenge in varietal-specific glassware: achieving absolute consistency whilst maintaining the delicacy required for optimal wine presentation. Traditional handmade production creates subtle variations between glasses that affect wine flow and taste perception - variations that compromise Riedel's philosophy of directing wine to specific palate areas.
Riedel invested in developing proprietary manufacturing equipment capable of producing glasses with wall thickness and weight previously achievable only through hand-blowing, whilst maintaining the geometric precision of machine production. The result is a glass that performs identically to its siblings - critical when serving multiple guests or comparing wines side-by-side. The technology behind the 106mm base plate, which provides stability despite minimal weight, sets new standards for what's technically possible in machine-made crystal.
Why Bowl Shape Matters for Burgundy
The expansive, rounded bowl of the Burgundy Grand Cru glass creates specific conditions for aromatic wine varieties. The wide opening allows volatile aromatic compounds to develop and reach your nose, whilst the bowl's curvature directs wine to areas of the palate that emphasise fruit elegance rather than tannin structure. For Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo - wines prized for aromatic complexity and delicate fruit characteristics - this geometry reveals nuances that narrower glasses mask.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Handwashing (Strongly Recommended): Use warm (not hot) water with a small amount of mild detergent. Hold the glass by the base, never by the bowl whilst cleaning the stem, and never twist the bowl whilst holding the stem. Support the bowl from underneath with one hand whilst washing the interior with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and dry immediately with a lint-free microfibre cloth to prevent water spots.
Drying Technique: The Superleggero's exceptional thinness requires particular care when drying. Hold the bowl firmly in one hand and gently polish it with a microfibre cloth in the other hand - never hold both the base and bowl simultaneously as this can create stress fractures in the stem. Allow glasses to air dry in an upright position before final polishing if needed.
Dishwasher (Not Recommended): Whilst technically dishwasher safe, the Superleggero's delicate construction makes machine washing inadvisable. If you must use a dishwasher, select the gentlest cycle at maximum 50°C, secure glasses in the upper rack with ample spacing (they must not touch each other or any other items), and avoid heavily abrasive or lemon-scented detergents. Remove promptly and allow to air dry with the door open.
Handling: Always hold Superleggero glasses by the base rather than the bowl when possible. When pouring wine, support the base on a stable surface rather than holding the glass in the air. The thin crystal can transmit hand warmth to the wine more readily than heavier glasses, so minimise contact with the bowl during service.
Storage: Store glasses upright in a dedicated area where they won't be knocked or jostled. Never stack glasses or store them rim-down. Consider using individual glass storage boxes or padded dividers if storing for extended periods. Ensure storage areas are clean and dry to prevent dust accumulation on the delicate rim.
Removing Spots: For stubborn water spots or cloudiness, add a small amount of white vinegar to your final rinse water. For wine residue, use a decanter cleaning product specifically designed for fine crystal rather than abrasive scrubbing.
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're not just retailers – we're enthusiasts who understand how the right glass transforms the wine-drinking experience, particularly with precision-engineered collections like Superleggero.
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 covers accidental breakage for 2 years from purchase with proof of purchase, giving you confidence to use your Superleggero glasses rather than keeping them in a cupboard. This guarantee is particularly valuable for delicate collections like Superleggero.
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 for £9.95 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 particular care taken for delicate collections like Superleggero.
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, particularly important for delicate glassware like Superleggero.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break a 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.
Is this sold individually or in a set?
The Riedel Superleggero Burgundy Grand Cru glass is typically sold individually, allowing you to build your collection according to your needs. Check the product variants for available pack options and pricing.
What's the difference between Superleggero and other Riedel collections?
Superleggero sits at the pinnacle of Riedel's machine-made collections, featuring thinner crystal than Veritas, Extreme, or Performance ranges. The 1022ml capacity is larger than standard Burgundy glasses, providing more generous aeration for aromatic wines. Superleggero offers the closest experience to Riedel's handmade Sommeliers range but with the consistency advantage of machine production. For everyday use, Veritas or Performance may be more practical; Superleggero is designed for serious wine occasions.
Are Riedel glasses marked with the brand name?
Authentic Riedel glasses typically feature subtle branding etched into the base. The Superleggero collection carries the Riedel mark, confirming authenticity. All glasses purchased from The Riedel Shop are genuine Riedel products sourced directly from the manufacturer.
Do you offer gift packaging?
Riedel Superleggero glasses come in Riedel's standard packaging, which is suitable for gifting and provides appropriate protection for the delicate crystal.
How do I know if my wine justifies this level of glassware?
Superleggero glasses are designed for wine enthusiasts who invest in premium bottles where subtle nuances matter - typically wines from Grand Cru Burgundy estates, premium Barolo producers, or comparable age-worthy reds. If you're regularly opening bottles worth £30 or more, or collecting wines to age, the precision of Superleggero will help you appreciate the complexity you've invested in. For everyday wines under £20, Riedel's Vinum or Performance collections may offer better value whilst still delivering varietal-specific benefits.
Why is this glass suitable for Sherry?
Whilst primarily designed for elegant red wines, Riedel recognises that certain fortified wines like Sherry and Palomino benefit from the Burgundy glass's expansive bowl, which allows complex oxidative characteristics to develop. The wide opening helps aromatic compounds in aged Sherries reach your nose, whilst the bowl shape directs the wine to emphasise nutty, saline characteristics. For dry Fino or Manzanilla styles, a smaller glass may be more appropriate.
Understanding Burgundy and Pinot Noir
The Burgundy Grand Cru designation on this glass reflects its suitability for premium wines from Burgundy's classified vineyards and comparable Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo-based wines worldwide. Unlike Bordeaux wines with their structured tannins, Burgundy wines showcase delicate fruit characteristics, complex aromatics, and elegant acidity. The expansive bowl capacity and wide opening create conditions where these subtle qualities can fully express themselves, directing wine to areas of your palate that emphasise fruit elegance rather than tannin structure.
Barolo and Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo grapes in Piedmont, share Burgundy's aromatic complexity and benefit similarly from the generous bowl shape. The glass's geometry allows these wines' characteristic floral notes, tar, and red fruit complexity to develop fully before reaching your palate.