Riedel Superleggero Riesling/Zinfandel Glasses
Riedel Superleggero Riesling/Zinfandel Glasses
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- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Riedel Superleggero Riesling/Zinfandel Glass
Few shapes have to work across as wide a range as this one. Riesling's delicate florals and high acidity sit at one end of the spectrum, Zinfandel's jammy fruit and spice at the other, and this glass is built to let both show properly. The Superleggero Riesling/Zinfandel glass gives them a bowl sized to manage that aromatic range without flattening either style, in the ultra-thin crystal that gives the whole Superleggero range its name.
Superleggero means "ultra lightweight" in Italian, and the original version of this collection was entirely hand-blown. This machine-made version uses production technology Riedel developed in-house to reproduce that same thin-walled quality without the piece-to-piece variation of mouth-blowing. Riedel describes the result as indistinguishable from handmade: the same delicacy in the glass, the same lightness in the hand, but made consistently at scale.
The bowl's proportions are there to do a specific job: enough room for aromatics to lift off a Riesling's acidity, and enough structure to carry a Zinfandel's fruit and pepper without either style getting lost.
Key features
- Egg-shaped bowl sized for aromatic whites and medium-bodied reds
- Ultra-thin, machine-made lead-free crystal
- Base diameter of up to 106mm for stability despite the thin stem
- Reproduces the delicacy of the original hand-blown Superleggero
- Dishwasher safe despite its light weight
- Part of Riedel's wider Superleggero varietal-specific range
This glass is thinner and lighter than standard stemware by design. Whilst it is dishwasher safe, handle it by the bowl or base rather than the stem, give it room away from other items in the dishwasher, and avoid knocking it against taps, sinks or other glassware.
What Customers Ask About This Glass
Why are Riesling and Zinfandel paired in the same glass?
They sit at opposite ends of the wine spectrum, but both benefit from a bowl shape that lifts aromatics without overwhelming the palate: Riesling's florals and acidity on one side, Zinfandel's fruit and spice on the other. Riedel designed this shape to flatter both rather than compromise on either.
Will this glass work for other aromatic whites and medium-bodied reds?
Yes. It suits a broad range including Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Vernaccia, Chablis, Chianti, Chenin Blanc, Muscadet, Soave and other Loire-style wines, alongside Riesling and Zinfandel specifically.
How is machine-made Superleggero different from the original?
The original Superleggero was entirely hand-blown, which naturally produces some variation between pieces. This machine-made version uses technology Riedel developed to reproduce the same thin-walled lightness with consistent results across every glass, at a more accessible price point.
Is it durable enough for everyday use?
It is dishwasher safe and intended for regular use, not display only. The trade-off for its thinness is that it needs a bit more care than heavier glassware: handle by the bowl or base, and give it space in the dishwasher.
Can I buy these individually or only in sets?
You can buy a single glass, a pair, a 4 pack or an 8 pack, so you can start with one and build up your set over time.
Understanding Superleggero
Superleggero sits at the top of Riedel's varietal-specific glassware, built around the idea that the thinner and lighter the glass, the less it gets in the way between you and the wine. The range was originally produced entirely by hand, mouth-blown by skilled glassmakers, which made it exceptional but also expensive and limited in supply.
Riedel's machine-made Superleggero line was developed to bring that same ultra-thin quality to a wider audience without sacrificing the character that made the original worth having in the first place. Each shape in the range, including this one, is sized and proportioned for a specific style of wine rather than wine in general.
Why Riesling and Zinfandel Share a Shape
It might seem odd that a crisp, aromatic white and a fruit-forward, often spicy red are suited to the same bowl, but both styles depend on lifting aromatics that sit above the wine's structure rather than within it. Riesling needs room for its floral, citrus and mineral notes to rise above its acidity; Zinfandel needs room for its jammy fruit and black pepper to show without the wine's alcohol dominating.
The egg-shaped bowl, with its moderate size and gently tapering rim, gives both styles exactly that: enough surface area to release aroma, and a rim narrow enough to direct the wine towards the front of your palate where its fruit and acidity read first, rather than its alcohol or tannin.
Specifications
- Single glass (pure self-indulgence)
- Pair (ideal for trying them out)
- 4 pack (most popular choice)
- 8 pack (best for entertaining)
Care & Use Instructions
Dishwasher Care: Dishwasher safe. Load with enough space around each glass that it cannot knock against other items during the cycle.
Handwashing: If you prefer to handwash, use warm water with a small amount of mild detergent and dry with a lint-free cloth whilst still warm for a streak-free finish.
Polishing: Hold the glass by the bowl, not the stem, when polishing to reduce the risk of snapping the stem under pressure.
Storage: Store upright rather than resting on the rim, with enough space that glasses do not touch each other.
Serving Temperature: Riesling is best served chilled, around 8-10°C, whilst Zinfandel is better slightly below room temperature, around 15-17°C, to keep its fruit and spice balanced rather than hot or jammy.
Why Buy From The Riedel Shop?
✓ No Quibble Returns - Change your mind, even after use, and return it in resaleable condition and original packaging.
✓ Half-Price Accidental Breakage Replacement (2 Years) - Break a glass by accident within 2 years of purchase and we'll replace it at half the current retail price.
✓ Price Match Guarantee - Found it cheaper elsewhere from an authorised retailer? We'll match it.
See our full guarantee policy or get in touch if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days and is free for orders over £49. 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 especially thin pieces like Superleggero.
Can I return the glasses if I don't like them after using them?
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, particularly important for thin crystal glassware.
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.
What's the difference between the buying options?
All options are the identical glass; only the quantity changes. The single glass suits buying one for yourself. The pair is a good way to try the shape with someone else in mind. The 4 pack is the most popular choice for general entertaining, and the 8 pack suits larger-scale use.
Is one glass really right for both a white and a red?
It is less unusual than it sounds. Riesling and Zinfandel both lean on aromatic lift rather than heavy tannin or body, so the same moderate bowl size and tapering rim suit them both. If your collection is mostly full-bodied reds or delicate whites at the extremes, a different Superleggero shape may suit those better.
Do you offer gift packaging?
Riedel Superleggero glasses come in packaging suitable for gifting and provide appropriate protection for the thin crystal. These make a considered gift for anyone who enjoys wine.
Can I buy additional glasses to match my set?
Yes. The Superleggero Riesling/Zinfandel glass is part of Riedel's ongoing range, and machine production ensures new glasses will match your existing set in size and quality, whichever buying option you started with.
How does this compare to the Superleggero Loire/Sauvignon Blanc glass?
Both are built for aromatic whites, but this glass's slightly different proportions and shorter height give it the versatility to also suit medium-bodied reds like Zinfandel, whilst the Loire/Sauvignon Blanc glass is sized more specifically around crisp, high-acid whites.
