Sometime back, there was some lively and spirited discussion around the real and/or perceived value of Riedel and/or Spigelau to whatever other stemware you care to use. The basic premise was that it was a lot of marketing hooey. As I indicated during that thread, the wine shop that I run regularly conducts a Riedel seminar and I promised to update after our next class based on making some changes.
For background information, we taste 5 flights in the Vinum Champagne Flute, Sauvignon Blanc, Montrachet (Chardonnay), Burgundy (Pinot Noir) and Bordeaux (Cabernet/Merlot) stem. Each person receives a slightly larger than normal pour in a joker (non-Riedel) glass as a baseline to compare. They then pour from their joker glass into one (the correct stem) or more of their Riedel glasses and decides for themselves which glass they prefer. Since, in these classes we show which glass is what, there was some discussion about how much was pre-conceived and how much was real.
For the latest class, we did the following:
Joker glass --- I provided a basic 8-oz stem, much like you'd find in any restaurant/bar. I also asked each person to bring a stem that they currently are using at home.
Champagne Flute --- we don't do a comparative here, so we just stuck with the Riedel flute.
Sauvignon Blanc --- in addition to the Riedel Vinum stem, I also placed a Spigelau White (Chardonnay) stem. This was the closest that I could find sizewise.
Montrachet --- could not find anything comparable, so just went with the one stem.
Burgundy (Pinot Noir) --- Added a Spigelau Pinot Noir stem. Also, I added a Overture Magnum series glass.
Bordeaux (Cab/Merlot) --- Added a Spigelau Bordeaux stem. Also, I added a Ridel Vinum Zinfandel/Chianti stem.*
(* I added the Zinfandel/Chianti stem as this is the "universal" stem recommended by Riedel if you only want 1 glass for all wine --- red or white)
There were 17 people, including myself. We had plenty of bottled water and plain bread to cleanse our palates between flights. There was not any other food. The wines poured were:
2002 Reverdy Sancerre 2002 Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2002 Bethel Heights Southeast Block Pinot Noir 2000 Ch. DaugayAnd the results.....
For the Sauvignon Blanc flight, everyone preferred the Riedel stem over their glass, the joker or the Spigelau stem. For the Pinot Noir, 14 people preferred the Riedel stem, 2 preferred the Spigelau and 1 preferred the Riedel Overture magnum For the Bordeax, 12 people preferred the Riedel stem, 3 preferred the Spiegelau, 1 preferred the Zinfandel/Chianti and 1 person preferred the glass they brought (it was a big, honking glass similar to a Riedel but it definitely wasn't anything I'd ever seen).
So, for this highly subjective topic, and a somewhat but not terribly scientific test, I maintain my contention that for the most part Riedel produces stemware that will significantly enhance the enjoyment of wine for most people. As I indicated in the previous thread, I realize that everyone has different tastes and opinions, which I respect, and if you prefer something else stem-wise the I raise my Riedel glass to you and say "cheers!"
Gary