RIEDEL SOMMELIERS RHEINGAU (RIESLING) 4400/01

This elegant, tulip-shaped glass with a slightly flared top was first developed in the 1960s by Claus Riedel. It shows off the character of white wines from more northerly regions (Mosel, Rheingau, Franken, Weinviertel) to the best possible advantage. These light, dry wines, combining high acidity with delicate fruit, make for hugely pleasurable drinking when served in this beautifully designed glass. Its unique 'acidity spoiler' (a gently curved lip around the rim) means that the tip of the tongue unconsciously curves up, so that a stream of wine is delivered straight to the sweetness-sensitive taste receptors that are concentrated there. This has the effect of emphasising the fruit.

These young wines are best served cold and have a fine residual 'perlage' (tiny bubbles) resulting from fermentation. The tip of the tongue is also highly tactile and sensitive to temperature, and detects this 'perlage' as a slight prickle. The glass also helps to integrate the acidity of the wine pleasantly into its characteristic apricot and peach flavours. The delivery ensures that the wine does not come into contact with the sourness-sensitive edges of the tongue, but moves on to the back palate to give a final hint of bitter almonds and a long, balanced finish.

Recommended for : Riesling Smaragd, Marsannay rosé, Welschriesling, Dolcetto, Teroldego, Bardolino, Montepulciano, Riesling, Jurançon Sec, Riesling (Spätlese/late harvest dry), Côtes de Provence, Lagrein, Scheurebe, Schilcher, Beaujolais Nouveau, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Alsace Grand Cru, Côtes du Rhône Rosé, Vernaccia, Grüner Veltliner, Blauer Portugieser, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Smaragd, Rosé