This glass highlights the rich fruit and sweetness characteristic of port. During a series of tastings conducted in London and Austria, some of the world's greatest port experts selected this glass as the ideal shape for vintage port. Recommended for: Tawny Port, Vintage Port.Introduced in 1986, Vinum was the first machine-made series of glasses in history to be based exclusively on the characteristics of grape varietals. Vinum, functional, high in quality, and reasonable priced has had a permanent impact on the globe's wine glass culture. These glasses have proved to consumers and restaurateurs that the pleasure of consuming wine starts with the glass. The Vinum collection, developed by Georg Riedel is designed on the principle that the content commands the shape. Vinum is made of over 24% lead crystal.
Renowned Austrian glassmaker Riedel designs the shape of each glass to most fully enhance the appreciation of the liquid within. Shaped like diminutive wine glasses, these two glasses are made especially for enjoying port, and, in particular, vintage port. The bowl is just wide and tall enough to allow the fruity sweetness of the port to taste its richest. Thin-stemmed and broad-based, providing just the right mixture of delicacy and stability, each port glass stands 6-1/2 inches tall and holds 8-1/2 ounces at full capacity. The set makes a superb wedding gift or adds to an existing collection for the serious wine and spirits drinker.
Comprised of more than 24 percent lead crystal for superb brilliance and clarity, Vinum stems and cocktail glasses are nevertheless affordable because they are machine-made rather than mouth-blown. Riedel introduced the popular Vinum line in 1986 and this particular glass in 1991. While all Vinum glassware is dishwasher-safe, Riedel recommends washing the crystal by hand to prevent detergent residue that can affect wine taste. --Ann Bieri
