Riedel Sommeliers Mature Bordeaux / Chablis / Chardonnay Glasses
Riedel Sommeliers Mature Bordeaux / Chablis / Chardonnay Glasses
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Riedel Sommeliers Mature Bordeaux / Chablis / Chardonnay Glass
The Riedel Sommeliers Chablis/Chardonnay glass has been in production since 1973, and its dual identity as a white wine glass and a vessel for aged red Bordeaux is not a marketing compromise - it reflects a specific design logic. Mouth-blown from lead-free crystal in Austria, the 350ml bowl is intentionally smaller than the Sommeliers Bordeaux Grand Cru, and that restraint is the point. Available as a single glass or a set of 2.
For mature Bordeaux - wine that has reached the plateau where tannins have rounded and the wine tastes better than it smells - the reduced breathing space in this glass de-emphasises the secondary aromas of age whilst reviving the fruit and remaining tannin structure on the palate. Riedel confirmed this application through workshop tastings; it is not an afterthought. For Chablis and Chardonnay of any age, the same bowl geometry highlights freshness, mineral character, and spice, with the shape designed to deliver a smooth texture and a long, balanced finish.
- 350ml bowl: Deliberately smaller than the Bordeaux Grand Cru, providing controlled aeration that suits both mature red Bordeaux and white wines
- Dual-purpose design: Confirmed by Riedel workshop tastings as the ideal shape for mature Bordeaux as well as Chablis and Chardonnay
- Mouth-blown in Austria: Part of the Sommeliers handmade collection; each glass is individually crafted with inherent small variations in size and finish
- Broad wine compatibility: Riedel lists an extensive range of white wine styles and varieties for this shape - see the wine list section below
- Lead-free crystal: Exceptional clarity and lightness
- Available as a single glass or a set of 2
This glass suits collectors who open aged Bordeaux and want a shape calibrated to where the wine actually is, as well as those who drink serious white Burgundy, Chablis, or comparable white wine styles where mineral precision matters.
What Customers Ask About the Riedel Sommeliers Chablis/Chardonnay Glass
Why is this the recommended glass for mature Bordeaux rather than the Bordeaux Grand Cru?
Riedel's reasoning is straightforward: as a Bordeaux ages, its tannins round and integrate, and the secondary aromas of bottle age - leather, earth, dried fruit - become dominant. A large bowl like the Bordeaux Grand Cru shape amplifies those aromas, which in a very old wine can be overwhelming rather than flattering. The smaller bowl on this glass provides less breathing space, which de-emphasises those aged aromas and instead brings the remaining fruit and structure forward on the palate. Riedel confirmed this through workshop tastings. If your Bordeaux is young or recently released, the Bordeaux Grand Cru remains the appropriate shape.
Is this sold as a single glass or a pair?
This glass is available as a single glass or as a set of 2. Please select your preferred option from the variants on this page. The price displayed will update accordingly.
Which white wines work well in this glass?
Riedel designed this shape for a very broad range of white wine styles. The primary use cases are Chablis and Chardonnay of any age, but Riedel's recommended list also includes Viognier, Condrieu, Marsanne, Roussanne, oaked Sauvignon Blanc, white Burgundy styles including Puligny-Montrachet, white Rhone styles, and many Italian whites including Soave, Verdicchio, and Greco di Tufo. See the full wine list on this page for the complete Riedel-recommended variety list.
How does this compare to the Sommeliers Burgundy Grand Cru for white Burgundy?
The Burgundy Grand Cru (1050ml) is designed primarily for red Pinot Noir, Barolo and Barbaresco; the Chablis/Chardonnay shape (350ml) is Riedel's dedicated white wine glass within the Sommeliers range and is the recommended choice for white Burgundy and Chardonnay. The much smaller bowl focuses the aromatic delivery differently - where the Burgundy Grand Cru is built for aeration and palate coverage, this glass concentrates freshness, mineral character and spice. If you drink white Burgundy, this is the Sommeliers shape Riedel recommends.
Should I expect variation between mouth-blown glasses in a set?
Yes - Riedel confirms that small tolerances in size and weight, along with occasional minor surface variations or tiny inclusions, are a normal part of the mouth-blown handmaking process. Two glasses from the same set may differ very slightly. These are not defects. If absolute uniformity between pieces is a priority, Riedel's machine-made ranges such as Veritas or Veloce offer greater consistency.
Can I put this in the dishwasher?
We recommend handwashing the Sommeliers collection. These are mouth-blown glasses with very thin crystal walls, and machine washing increases the risk of breakage from contact with other items or dishwasher components. Warm water, a small amount of mild detergent, and a lint-free drying cloth will keep them in excellent condition and significantly extend their life.
The Logic of the Smaller Bowl
The Sommeliers Chablis/Chardonnay glass sits in an interesting position within the Riedel range. At 350ml it is considerably smaller than the red wine shapes in the same collection, and this is deliberate. Riedel's design philosophy holds that aeration is not universally desirable - for white wines, and particularly for aged wines of any colour where the aromas of bottle development are already pronounced, a smaller bowl that concentrates primary character is more appropriate than one that opens the wine up further.
The discovery that this shape also serves mature red Bordeaux - confirmed through Riedel's own workshop tastings - makes it one of the more versatile shapes in the Sommeliers range. A collector who opens old Bordeaux regularly alongside serious white Burgundy or Chablis has a practical case for keeping this glass in regular rotation alongside the Bordeaux Grand Cru, switching between them according to the age and condition of whatever is open.
Specifications
Riedel-Recommended Wine Varieties for This Glass
The following varieties and styles are recommended by Riedel for use with the Sommeliers Chablis/Chardonnay shape. The list covers a broad range of white wine styles as well as mature red Bordeaux.
Airen, Albarino, Aligote, Auxerrois, ripe Bordeaux (mature red), Bordeaux Blanc, Chablis, Chardonnay, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, Condrieu, Cortese, Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Falanghina, Fiano, Friulano, Fronsac (mature), Fume Blanc, Graves Blanc, Greco di Tufo, Grenache Blanc/Garnacha Blanca, Hermitage Blanc, Macabeo, Marsanne, Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet), Montagny, Morillon, Muscadet, Muscadine, Neuburger, Orvieto Classico, Palomino (excluding Sherry), Pessac-Leognan Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Ribolla Gialla, Rotgipfler, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc (oak-aged), Soave, St. Joseph Blanc, Timorasso, Trebbiano, Treixadura, Ugni Blanc, Verdelho, Verdicchio, Viognier, Xarel-lo.
Care & Use Instructions
Handwashing (Strongly Recommended): Use warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Hold the glass by the base and use a soft cloth or sponge on the interior. Never twist the bowl whilst holding the stem. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a lint-free microfibre or linen cloth to prevent water spots.
Serving Temperature: For white wines, serve at the appropriate temperature for the style - typically 10-13°C for Chablis and lighter Chardonnay, 13-15°C for richer, oaked styles. For mature Bordeaux served in this glass, allow the wine to reach approximately 16-18°C before pouring. Avoid holding the bowl when serving white wines, as hand warmth transfers readily through crystal.
Dishwasher (Not Recommended): The Sommeliers collection is mouth-blown with very thin crystal walls. If machine washing is unavoidable, use the gentlest available cycle at no more than 50°C, with glasses well spaced in the upper rack and nothing touching them. Remove promptly and allow to air dry with the door open. Avoid lemon-scented or heavily abrasive detergents.
Storage: Store upright and never stacked or rim-down. The relatively compact height of this glass (216mm) makes it easier to store than taller Sommeliers shapes, but it still requires care to avoid contact between rims.
Water Spots: A small amount of white vinegar added to the final rinse water will remove stubborn spots. Dry immediately after rinsing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does delivery take?
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.
Can I return the glass if I change my mind?
Yes - we offer a no quibble return guarantee on unopened glassware in original packaging within 30 days of purchase. We cannot accept returns on opened or used glassware due to hygiene and quality control requirements.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break a glass within 2 years of purchase, we will replace it at half the current retail price. You will need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or online order confirmation) and evidence of the breakage - a photo is sufficient. Online purchases are logged automatically; for in-store purchases, ask us to log the sale at the time.
What if I have seen this glass cheaper elsewhere?
We offer a price match guarantee. If you find this identical product - same collection, same glass shape, same pack quantity - available from a competitor at a lower price on the same day, let us know and we will match it. Contact us via our contact page with the details.
Are these glasses marked to confirm they are genuine Riedel?
Authentic Riedel Sommeliers glasses carry the Riedel mark, typically etched into the base. All glasses sold by Art of Living Cookshop are genuine Riedel products. We are an authorised UK retailer and source stock directly from Riedel.
Is this suitable as a gift?
The Riedel Sommeliers Chablis/Chardonnay glass comes in Riedel's presentation packaging, appropriate for gifting. Select either the single glass or set of 2 from the variants on this page.
