Learn more about the "Key to Wine" red wine set
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Iconic Set to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of RIEDEL "O"
RIEDEL "The Key to Wine"
Twenty years after the iconic O Wine Tumbler was first introduced, RIEDEL is excited to announce the launch of the "The Key to Wine" Tasting Set. The Key to Wine is the first educational do-it-yourself tool, which communicates RIEDEL’s grape-varietal philosophy. The featured glasses are specifically designed for red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
The "The Key to Wine" stands testament to the company's passion for wine and glass education, and elevates the enjoyment of wine into a magical wine glass experience.
Based on the principle of ‘form follows function’, the "The Key to Wine" Tasting Set includes glasses which show the difference in performance of thin-skinned (Pinot Noir), medium-skinned (Syrah) and thick-skinned (Cabernet/ Merlot) grapes.
RIEDEL has conducted research
on grape varietal perceptions
leading to the consensus agreed upon by wine experts worldwide:
RIEDEL offers both varietal-specific glasses for true wine connoisseurs and wine-friendly glasses for casual wine lovers. When you opt for a grape varietal-specific RIEDEL glass, rest assured that it is purpose-built and excels when paired with a specific wine. The Key to Wine is designed to unlock the most exclusive characteristics of red wine styles.
A single glass shape is not ideal for all styles of wine; a wine's bouquet, taste, balance, and finish are all affected by the shape of the glass from which it is consumed. A wine can display completely different characteristics when served in different glasses. These differences can be significant - even experienced wine connoisseurs can believe they are tasting as many different wines as there are glasses. Different grape varietals carry unmistakable flavor profiles in their DNA, which emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate glass.
The thickness of grape skins plays a significant role in the flavor, tannin content, and overall characteristics of red wines such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet / Merlot. Red wine grape varieties can be distinguished by their different skin thickness, contributing to their unique taste profiles:
Key to Wine
thin-skinned grapes
like Pinot Noir, Gamay, Nebbiolo, Champagne
Grapes with thin skins result in wines with a lighter color and body compared to thick-skinned grapes. Thin skins yield lower levels of tannins, making these wines smoother and less astringent. These wines are often described as having a silky or velvety texture on the palate. Thin-skinned grapes are more susceptible to environmental factors, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. It allows the grapes to express their unique terroir, but it also makes them more delicate and harder to cultivate.
Key to Wine
medium-skinned Grapes
like Syrah, Shiraz, Blaufränkisch, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Grenache
Medium skin thickness provides these wines with a moderate level of tannins, resulting in wines that have very good balance and structure. Such wines can be both robust and approachable, offering a mix of red and black fruit flavors. The medium skin also allows the grapes to adapt to a wider range of climates and terroirs, resulting in versatile grape varieties suitable for growing in various wine regions around the world.
Key to Wine
thick-skinned Grapes
like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot
The thick skin contains high levels of tannins and pigments, which influence
the wine's flavor and aging potential. Tannins are compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems that contribute to the wine's structure. The thicker skin provides a significant amount of tannins, resulting in a wine with a firm, often grippy tannic structure. The thick skin also helps protect the grapes from environmental factors, making such grapes more resilient and suitable for aging. This contributes to the wine's ability to develop complex flavors over time.
In summary, the thickness of grape skins significantly influences the taste and characteristics of red wine. The thick skin contributes to a more bold and tannic nature, while thin skin produces a lighter and more delicate wine. A medium skin thickness, strikes a balance between these two extremes, resulting in wines that are often bold yet approachable. The skin thickness is just one of many factors that influence the final flavor and style of these wines, but it's a critical one in understanding their differences.
The Key to Wine unlocks a wine’s individual characteristics.
Key to Wine!
Unlock a wine's individual characteristics
- The right glass: With this “The Key to Wine” Tasting Set you have already chosen the right glasses, one perfectly made for wines with different grape thicknesses: thin e.g. Pinot Noir, medium - e.g. Syrah, thick - e.g. Cabernet / Merlot. Firstly, place the glasses on the tasting mat.
- The wine: Select a bottle of your favorite Cabernet / Merlot, Pinot Noir or Syrah single varietal wine, making sure it has the right temperature.
- Clean the glasses: Ensure the glasses are clean and free from any residues or odours that could affect the wine's taste.
- Pour the wine: Fill all three glasses with approx. 100 ml of wine (to allow space for aeration).
- Observe the wine in each glass: Examine the wine's color and viscosity by holding each glass against a light / white, background.
- Instead of swirling the wine, gently roll the wine inside the glass up to the rim to moisten the inside of the bowl; this enhances the aromatic experience by releasing and intensifying nuanced aromas. Repeat this with all glasses.
- Nose the wine: Inhale the wine's aromas by placing your nose over the glass. Take note of the various layers and depths of aroma. Repeat this with each individual glass.
- Taste the wine: Take a small sip and let it roll across your palate. Notice the flavors, acidity, tannins, and the finish. Whether you swallow the wine or use a spittoon, the glass will correctly delivery its message.
- Examine the wine in each glass in a complete sense and judge its characteristics.
- Evaluate for yourself which glass is the best fit your preferred grape variety.
Please remember to drink responsibly and in moderation.
Maximilian J. Riedel, 11th Generation
Unbelievable, it’s the 20th anniversary of my Riedel "O" Wine tumbler. In 2004, I grabbed the attention of the wine and tabletop industries with the introduction of my "O" series. People were quick to embrace a glass that offered all the enjoyment that Riedel is famous for yet was more casual, easy to use, wash and store and added a playful element to the wine and spirits experience. Today, the "O" collection has grown to include over 15 different glass shapes - six variety-specific, sparkling wine, sake, spirits, water, and Gin. The success of "O" is easy to understand casual, contemporary, and chic, perfect for those who crave elegant and uncomplicated designs. Our German production site in Amberg was able to produce to date close to 100.000.000 "O" tumbler
Maximilian J. Riedel, CEO
