It was an Italian lawyer and owner of a famous Tuscan winery who made Georg Riedel aware that his range featured only glasses dedicated to French grape varieties. Stung into action, Riedel began working with the oenologist Dr. Walter Filliputti to research the characteristics of the Sangiovese grape variety and the optimum shape with which to set off its delicate qualities.
Sangiovese is native to the stony soils of the Tuscan hills, where most vineyards are sited at an altitude of 1000-2000 feet. Intense sun on steep slopes with poor soils results in medium-bodied wines with good acidity, minerals and tannins. The shape of this glass brings out the characteristic Chianti bouquet of cherry and bitter almonds. On the palate it helps the wine to gain fruit and suppleness, with the acidity and tannins making for a complex finish. The glass was officially presented at a tasting in Florence on 11 June 1991, where it was warmly acclaimed by leading winemakers of the region.