Wine Glasses

[foodguy]

i started out with riedels and the first dinner broke three of them ... one from a guest overenthusiastically toasting and two the next morning cleaning up (if they're in a sink full of water, lift very carefully from the bowl, not the stem). I use those now with what i hope will be great wines. though, come to think of it, haven't used them in a couple of years . may say something about my drinking.
they have been replaced by spiegelau from Amazon. they used to run occasional specials basically buy one get one free. Astonishing value at that price (and still a good value at the regular). they are very elegant glasses but don't have the instant shatterability of riedel.
that said, i haven't tried the target riedel. picked them up, but they didn't seem as finely made. of course, given the price ...

 

[660]

Originally Posted by ama

I use these: http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=472180

Love them, haven't even manged to break one yet!

Can second Schott Zwiesel glasses in tritan crystal they are perfect for parties and other occasions when glasses are prone to break.

I have 48 of these glasses and no breakages so far, I've tipped one over on a marble counter, dropped a couple in to the sink when washing, things that would definitely break all other wine glasses. Had them out on barbecues etc. etc.

I am very happy with the performance but will probably get a few mouth blown Riedel glasses for those very special occasions/bottles à deux though.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

thanks for the suggestions, I appreciate it. I have a set of glasses for parties, so no worries there. These will be special occasion glasses, I'll post up pics of what I end up with.

Thanks again, this site is impressive with the wealth of knowledge about what I would consider details.

 

[jenlain]

Schott Zwiesel 26 oz. Claret goblets. Can be had at Wasserstrom (sp?) online for about half the price of other outlets (less than $10/ea). The large size is pretty striking and they are fairly durable.

 

[superego]

Make life easy and just get some Reidel Vinum stemwear. A while back I got four of them for under $100, so it should suit your needs mightily.

 

[Girardian]

I am surprised by all the reports of breakage. I have had, for years, Riedel Vinum and had only one glass broken -- and that by a guest. I suppose I'm simply more mindful about my glasswear, and my guests are the same.

I'd second the Schott Zwiesel Titanium series if this is a concern -- I've heard very good reports about these glasses.

My approach to glassware is a bit different now than it was when I purchased some of my glasses. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably get:

- A set of Schott Zwiesel for guests / parties
- A pair each of higher end Reidel glasses for specific wine tastings (for my own use for anything other than "everyday" wines)
- Two sets of 6 stemless glasses (Cabernet and Burgundy / Pinot) because stemless are perfect for outdoor and BBQ and moving around a lot. None for white -- this defeats the purpose of keeping the wine cool.

 

[Reggs]

Originally Posted by Dburr

True - but good quality glassware can make a good California Cab inch toward greatness. Anyone who doesn't know the value of a proper glass hasn't yet learned to maximize the wine experience.

Do you put styrofoam cups under your audio cables too?

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by Girardian

My approach to glassware is a bit different now than it was when I purchased some of my glasses. If I had it to do over again, I'd probably get:

- A set of Schott Zwiesel for guests / parties
- A pair each of higher end Reidel glasses for specific wine tastings (for my own use for anything other than "everyday" wines)
- Two sets of 6 stemless glasses (Cabernet and Burgundy / Pinot) because stemless are perfect for outdoor and BBQ and moving around a lot. None for white -- this defeats the purpose of keeping the wine cool.

Excellent strategy. I've heard people here refer with contempt to the stemless, but we have two each of Reidel's Burgundy and Bordeaux, and as you surmised, they are very stable and excellent for outdoor/patio/poolside use.

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

I've heard people here refer with contempt to the stemless, but we have two each of Reidel's Burgundy and Bordeaux, and as you surmised, they are very stable and excellent for outdoor/patio/poolside use.

I have some Spiegelau stemless burgundy glasses and I like them a lot. They seem much less likely to be whacked and tipped by the hand and voice of an Italian person.

 

[GonD]

Iittala's Essence is IMO one of the best looking glass-serie there is. I also haven't broke any of mine, and have washed them mainly in dishwasher.

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by gomestar

I have some Spiegelau stemless burgundy glasses and I like them a lot. They seem much less likely to be whacked and tipped by the hand and voice of an Italian person.

The Burgundy ones can also hold a whole bunch of tequila and OJ

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by Piobaire

The Burgundy ones can also hold a whole bunch of tequila and OJ

you mean no tumbler for that? Certainly more of an advantage with the greater size...

 

[Piobaire]

Originally Posted by gomestar

you mean no tumbler for that? Certainly more of an advantage with the greater size...

Burgundies can hold juice of two oranges and matching tequila

Plus I like the feel of the glass.

 

[chorse123]

Do the Riedel vinum have a beaded/rolled lip? I'm thinking of getting a few for a Riesling fanatic for the holidays, but don't think I have any glasses from that line. Looks like Amazon has them for around $70/four glasses.

I've been happy with the Riedel I have, but I broke a champagne flute on Thanksgiving. Too much pressure on the stem while drying it and it snapped right against my thumb. Big gash. Ouch.

 

[gomestar]

Originally Posted by chorse123

Do the Riedel vinum have a beaded/rolled lip? I'm thinking of getting a few for a Riesling fanatic for the holidays, but don't think I have any glasses from that line. Looks like Amazon has them for around $70/four glasses.

I've been happy with the Riedel I have, but I broke a champagne flute on Thanksgiving. Too much pressure on the stem while drying it and it snapped right against my thumb. Big gash. Ouch.

the Vinum glasses I've seen have had the cut lip. Perhaps they've changed, but they're not cheap-o glasses so expect quality.

One thing on the Vinum, they are pretty easy to break. Be careful with these. Spiegleau comparable Vino Grande line uses slightly thicker glass and is a bit more durable, but they're not as "precise" as the thin Vinums.