Riedel Vinum Extreme Cabernet Decanter Gift Set

Though glasses shaped and sized for different types of wine seem commonplace today, when Riedel introduced this idea in 1961 it was revolutionary. Since then Riedel has continued fine-tuning glasses to bring out the best characteristics in wines and spirits. Varying bowls' shapes and sizes affects the position of the head when sipping and where wine first contacts the tongue's various taste zones. Riedel crystal is used by fine restaurants all over the world and thus must stand up to frequent trips through a dishwasher. But because lead crystal has a soft, coarse surface to convey intense aromas, Riedel recommends the glasses be hand washed. --Fred Brack