This glass was originally developed in 1989 in collaboration with Hardy Rodenstock, described by the Wine Spectator as the worlds most extravagant wine collector. It was first issued as a glass for dry white wine as part of Riedels mouth-blown HR1 collection. Ironically enough, tastings around the world have subsequently shown it to be the ideal glass for Sauternes and sweet wines. The unusual curved design accentuates the apricot aromas typical of wines made from grapes affected by botrytis (noble rot).
The glass is designed to emphasize acidity, thus balancing the wine's alcoholic sweetness and luscious finish.
This shape has now been added to our mouth-blown Sommeliers series as the Sauternes and dessert wine glass.