Riedel's varietal-specific philosophy requires exact consistency in bowl geometry and rim diameter, as these factors determine how wine flows to specific areas of your palate and which aromatic compounds you perceive. Handmade glasses inevitably vary between pieces, whilst machine production ensures every glass performs identically. Riedel developed proprietary technology specifically to achieve handmade-quality thinness and balance through machine production, combining precision with the delicacy previously only possible through hand-blowing. For serious wine enthusiasts serving multiple guests or comparing wines side-by-side, this consistency is invaluable.

Riedel designed this glass for Burgundy Grand Cru and similar elegant, aromatic red wines. Specific varietals include Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero), Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Beaujolais Grand Cru, Gamay, Moulin-�-Vent, and St. Laurent. The expansive bowl also suits certain fortified wines like Sherry and Palomino. If you primarily drink full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends, consider the Bordeaux-specific Superleggero glass instead, as bowl shape significantly affects wine perception.

The Burgundy Grand Cru glass features a wider, more rounded bowl (1022ml capacity) designed to capture delicate aromatics from Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo-based wines, directing wine to emphasise fruit elegance and aromatic complexity. The Bordeaux glass has a slightly smaller capacity (953ml) with a taller, more tapered shape suited to full-bodied wines with prominent tannin structures. Choose based on your primary wine preferences - Burgundy/Pinot Noir drinkers benefit most from this shape.

The Superleggero is exceptionally thin and light, requiring careful handling. The 106mm base diameter provides stability on flat surfaces, but the glass demands more attention during washing and storage than heavier designs. This is a glass for wine enthusiasts who value performance over robustness and are willing to handle glassware with care. If you need more durable everyday glassware, consider Riedel's Veritas or Performance collections instead.

Whilst Riedel glasses are generally dishwasher safe, we strongly recommend handwashing the Superleggero collection due to its exceptional thinness. The delicate crystal and tall design make it vulnerable to knocking against other items or dishwasher components. Handwashing with warm water and careful drying will preserve the glass's pristine clarity and structural integrity for years to come.

Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.

We offer a no quibble return guarantee that allows you to return goods even after use. The items must be in a resaleable condition and in their original packaging. Please wrap or box items appropriately for transit to avoid damage to goods or boxes, particularly important for delicate glassware like Superleggero.

If you accidentally break a glass within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price. You'll need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation if purchased online) and evidence of the breakage (a photo is fine). We log your purchase at point of sale, or online orders are automatically recorded in our system.

Superleggero sits at the pinnacle of Riedel's machine-made collections, featuring thinner crystal than Veritas, Extreme, or Performance ranges. The 1022ml capacity is larger than standard Burgundy glasses, providing more generous aeration for aromatic wines. Superleggero offers the closest experience to Riedel's handmade Sommeliers range but with the consistency advantage of machine production. For everyday use, Veritas or Performance may be more practical; Superleggero is designed for serious wine occasions.

Authentic Riedel glasses typically feature subtle branding etched into the base. The Superleggero collection carries the Riedel mark, confirming authenticity. All glasses purchased from Art of Living Cookshop are genuine Riedel products sourced directly from the manufacturer.

Riedel Superleggero glasses come in Riedel's standard packaging, which is suitable for gifting and provides appropriate protection for the delicate crystal.

Superleggero glasses are designed for wine enthusiasts who invest in premium bottles where subtle nuances matter - typically wines from Grand Cru Burgundy estates, premium Barolo producers, or comparable age-worthy reds. If you're regularly opening bottles worth �30 or more, or collecting wines to age, the precision of Superleggero will help you appreciate the complexity you've invested in. For everyday wines under �20, Riedel's Vinum or Performance collections may offer better value whilst still delivering varietal-specific benefits.

Whilst primarily designed for elegant red wines, Riedel recognises that certain fortified wines like Sherry and Palomino benefit from the Burgundy glass's expansive bowl, which allows complex oxidative characteristics to develop. The wide opening helps aromatic compounds in aged Sherries reach your nose, whilst the bowl shape directs the wine to emphasise nutty, saline characteristics. For dry Fino or Manzanilla styles, a smaller glass may be more appropriate.