riedel

agoldf · Nov 17, 2010

I came accross a big Reidel sale (over half off) but only on certain glasses. I was wondering
1) if others thought the sommelier bordeaux was too large?
2) the gerenal opinion of the Vitis line.
thanks

kwilkinson · Nov 19, 2010

Vitis is their ugliest line, IMO, except for the O Series. I think their best (for the price) series is Vitis. And yes, I think the sommelier series bordeaux glasses are too big. Laughably big. They almost look like a "gag" or a joke when they are at guest's tables. The Vinum line is pretty big as well, but not too large to actually use. A bordeaux glass in the vinum line still stands at 9 inches, but the Somm. Series is at almost 11 inches. Two inches doesn't seem like much but it makes a world of difference in these glasses IMO.

Beckwith · Nov 19, 2010

Would you share where you have seen the sale?

foodguy · Nov 19, 2010

yeah, those somms are pretty much the definition of pretentious. to tell the truth, i haven't had much luck with reidel. the breakage rate is amazing. nice glasses, though. periodically amazon will have a sale on spiegelau. they're owned by reidel now. the glasses aren't quite as nice as reidel, but they work really well, and my breakage is way, way down.

gomestar · Nov 19, 2010

Originally Posted by foodguy

yeah, those somms are pretty much the definition of pretentious. to tell the truth, i haven't had much luck with reidel. the breakage rate is amazing. nice glasses, though. periodically amazon will have a sale on spiegelau. they're owned by reidel now. the glasses aren't quite as nice as reidel, but they work really well, and my breakage is way, way down.

I quite like Spiegelau, especially for the price. In putting together a registry, my better half wanted to load up on fancy Ridels, but I objected merely due to the mood it'll put me in when we inevitably break one. She agreed without hesitation.

foodguy · Nov 19, 2010

Originally Posted by gomestar

I quite like Spiegelau, especially for the price. In putting together a registry, my better half wanted to load up on fancy Ridels, but I objected merely due to the mood it'll put me in when we inevitably break one. She agreed without hesitation.

i remember the first dinner party on my new reidels ... something like $200 for a 6-pack. Washing dishes afterward, broke 3 of them by picking them up out of the sink by the stem rather than the bowl.

Gus · Nov 19, 2010

We have a sizable collection of specialty Riedel glasses. I have come to the conclusion after using them for several years that;
1) they are all nice
2) with the exception of unique specialty glasses like the Single Malt Scotch or Liquors, the cost isn't worth it. I have found virtually identical glassware at Crate & Barrel for $2.99-$4.99 a stem vs $29 for Reidel. The C&B glassware I am using to replace Riedel as they break. They look so similar that I serve them side by side. It would take a very sharp eye to notice any difference. They have a nice large stem bowl that is ideal for reds and an excellent sized for whites, again, virtually identical in size and shape to Reidel.

gomestar · Nov 19, 2010

Originally Posted by foodguy

i remember the first dinner party on my new reidels ... something like $200 for a 6-pack. Washing dishes afterward, broke 3 of them by picking them up out of the sink by the stem rather than the bowl.

didn't some guests also break some with an overzealous toast? Either way I'd be major

I broke a $5 Champagne glass a few weeks ago and I was pretty pissed.

A while ago, I was washing a stemless glass and didn't notice that the faucet water was boiling hot (it can literally reach boiling temperature from my faucet), and a firm grip plus the masive temperature change caused the glass to explode in my hand. I wasn't pissed at all, rather I was too occupied with the big gash in my finger (yes, I saw some bone. And there was blood everywhere, I could even taste it). I have a pretty cool scare to show for it, though.

topcatny · Nov 19, 2010

I've had similar problems with breakage on the riedel's I have purchased. I bought a dozen of the Vinum bordeaux glasses. In 3 years we have 1 left. Like foodguy, I remember breaking 3 during one round of dishwashing. My 3yr old daughter also pulled a towel off the counter that 3 more were drying on.

I also switched to Crate & Barrel glasses. They have a 20oz glass for $3.95 a stem. I bought a dozen and have been just as happy. I also won't feel that sharp pain whenever one happens to break

constant struggle · Nov 19, 2010

I have: Bormioli Rocco and Luigi Bormioli glasses, merlot, burgundy, bordeaux, champagne flutes, and chardonnay... I like all of them and got them all really cheap off of gilt home. Anyone else have any experience with them? They are all made in italy.

Manton · Nov 19, 2010

The only Somm I have is the "mature Bordeaux." Very manageably sized. I agree, the regular Bordeaux glass is absurd.

impolyt_one · Nov 19, 2010

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

Vitis is their ugliest line, IMO, except for the O Series. I think their best (for the price) series is Vitis. And yes, I think the sommelier series bordeaux glasses are too big. Laughably big. They almost look like a "gag" or a joke when they are at guest's tables. The Vinum line is pretty big as well, but not too large to actually use. A bordeaux glass in the vinum line still stands at 9 inches, but the Somm. Series is at almost 11 inches. Two inches doesn't seem like much but it makes a world of difference in these glasses IMO.

+1 for Spiegelau's value - they're under Riedel control and way under half the price if not way less sometimes, and have some functional shapes.

I have a set of Schott Zweisel at home, also affordable (in fact they were giving them away here for free with wine as a promo, at some point, where I snagged a couple)

topcatny · Nov 19, 2010

I'll add I also have one Sommelier bourdeaux glass and it is ridiculously big. It is so big that I choose to rarely use it. It mostly spends time collecting dust in the cabinet.

indesertum · Nov 19, 2010

i like my riedel vinum. i take pretty good care of them and they take good care of me. i guess i dont have children to accidentally break mine

indesertum · Nov 19, 2010

if you find some vinum burgundy glasses can i get a pm?

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