How the shape and design of your wine glass transforms taste and aroma

3 hours ago 1

Advertorial for RIEDEL

October 7, 2025 — 10.36am

For more than five decades, RIEDEL has pioneered the art and science of glass design, proving that the right stemware can enhance not only the look of your table, but also the way wine feels, tastes and lingers on the palate. With the launch of RIEDEL Veloce, the brand’s premium machine-made collection, that legacy of innovation enters an exciting new chapter.

Produced at RIEDEL’s Weiden factory in Germany, RIEDEL Veloce is crafted using state-of-the-art technology. The result is glassware so finely balanced and featherlight, it mirrors the quality of handmade crystal, yet with the precision and accessibility of machine production. As Maximilian J. Riedel, 11th-generation glassmaker and CEO, explains: “It requires a very high level of expertise to produce these glasses by machine. We owe this to the skills of our technicians and our years of experience in machine production.”

At the heart of RIEDEL Veloce is the brand’s iconic Grape Varietal Specific design. Each glass is meticulously shaped to highlight the nuances of individual varietals — from full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons to crisp Rieslings. The result? A sensory experience that engages sight, smell, taste and touch with every pour.

The science behind the sip

From aroma to mouthfeel, RIEDEL Veloce reveals the finer points of glass design — showing how precision and proportion shape every sip.

Turn your sip into a sensory experience.

Looking-glass precision: Scientific studies confirm that glass shape influences both aroma intensity and flavour perception — from how aromas collect in the bowl to how oxygenation changes volatile compounds. Every curve in RIEDEL’s Veloce glasses is deliberate, honed through comparative tastings to reveal the wine’s fullest expression.

Angles and aromas amplified: Research shows that our perception of flavour is dominated by smell, with estimates suggesting around 70–80 per cent of what we call “taste” actually comes from aroma. That’s why RIEDEL’s Grape Varietal Specific bowls are shaped to present each wine’s bouquet precisely, unlocking its most delicate layers.

Flavour, perfectly balanced: The angle and diameter of each rim are engineered to influence where the wine lands on the palate first. This subtle redirection can enhance fruitiness and soften acidity or tannins, depending on the varietal. This precise design also balances texture of the wine and extends length on the palate.

More than lip service: Ultra-thin crystal rims and featherlight stems create a seamless connection between lips and wine, elevating the enjoyment of every sip.

Beautifully crafted, varietal-specific stemware like RIEDEL’s doesn’t just look elegant — it elevates wine on every sensory level.

Your glass half full

Five glasses, five experiences — each designed to bring out the best in every pour. And with the full RIEDEL Veloce collection offering eight varietal-specific options, there’s a perfectly crafted glass to amplify every flavour preference and style of wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon: A generous bowl and gently tapered rim allow powerful aromas to open and smooth tannins for a velvety, balanced sip. Perfect for Cabernet, Merlot or bold blends.

Pinot Noir/Nebbiolo: With a wide bowl and softly curved lip, this glass enhances delicate red fruit and floral aromas while directing wine to the tip of the tongue to highlight its silky texture.

Unlock your Pinot Noir with a glass designed to capture delicate aromas.

Riesling: Sleek and slightly narrower, this glass preserves vibrant citrus and floral notes while channelling acidity forward for a crisp, refreshing finish — ideal for off-dry Rieslings and aromatic whites.

Sleek, slender, and refreshing — this Riesling glass knows its notes.

Chardonnay: A generous bowl with a wider rim allows richer whites to breathe, softening oak and enhancing creamy, buttery textures while showcasing subtle nutty and stone-fruit flavours.

Generous by design to let your Chardonnay breathe.

Champagne/Sparkling wine: With a tall, elegant silhouette, this glass maintains fine bubbles and delivers aromas directly to the nose, revealing floral, citrus and brioche notes with every sip.

The glass that lets bubbles rise and aromas bloom.

Lightweight, durable and dishwasher-safe, the RIEDEL Veloce collection offers premium performance at a lower price point. Perfect for entertaining, gifting or enjoying an evening glass of wine.

Sponsored by RIEDEL. Discover the complete RIEDEL Veloce range at riedel.com and select homewares retailers across Australia and New Zealand.

Drink responsibly.