Time was when pretty much only barely housebroken bachelors and characters form Fellini flicks drank their wine from tumblers. Certainly in restaurants we're not wild about the idea of swilling our Petrus out of Duralex. But times are changing. That same louche element now holds a certain appeal, a devil-may-care spontaneity that we admit to liking at times – particularly now that glassmakers Riedel have entered the fray with their ‘O' series. Like their regular cousins, the new line comes in a range of shapes designed to suit particular wines (three for whites, three for reds and a tasting glass), largely resembling the bowls of the Riedel Vinum series, only without the stems attached. We're pleased to report that they're a marked improvement on Vegemite glasses; in fact they're probably among the most satisfying, beautifully made new homewares we've seen in seven years. Large and light, they're a joy to old. The thin glass feels lovely on the lip, and they hold the aroma of the wine well. Better still, they're much harder to damage and knock over, and are a much better fit for the cupboard, picnic basket and dishwasher than their grown-up counterparts. Just the thing for occasions when the full sommelier's choice extravaganza is that mite too formal.
Australian Gourmet Traveler – November, 2004
These tumbler-shaped glasses are designed to enhance the enjoyment of medium-bodied red wines made from Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo and Gamay grape varietals, including Burgundies, Beaujolais, and Italian Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Part of Riedel’s "O" series, they are based on the Austrian company’s benchmark Vinum collection of wineglasses specifically tailored to particular grape varietals. The generous bowl provides ample breathing space for the bouquet to develop, while the slightly flared rim directs the flow of wine to the tip of the tongue, which allows you to appreciate the balance of fruit flavors and acidity. The lead-free glasses have a stemless shape that suits casual entertaining and fits easily into the dishwasher.
