I think we already know the answer to that question and it is yes. However when comparing two of the bigger names in the glass industry Riedel vs. Glasvin how do they compare. I will be doing a comprehensive study between 2 glasses to find out. Riedel Restaurant Sommelier $30 vs. Glasvin The Universal ($35 a stem). I think we all ready know the cheap stemless glass is not a good option.
Current Score: 4 Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux/ 1 Glasvin Universal
Round 1: Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux vs. Glasvin Universal vs. Cheap Tumbler
Wine 1: 2016 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana IGT (Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT) Tasted on day 3
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Immediately pick up the funk of the Tuscan Hillsides. Very balanced wine with mild spice, bright red currants, earth, minerals and floral notes. Medium plus finish and amazing value. $16 at Thomas Liquors (includes tax/ buy a case of any wine to get the 20% off). 92 points
Glas Vin Universal: I don’t get the funk on the nose and palate hits you with spices. A bit flat on the finish and lacks complexity. 86 points
Cheap Tumbler: Wow. I knew these were terrible and aromatics would be muted but literally can’t smell much out of this glass. Taste is dull and not picking up much on this wine. Neutral would be a good describer. 80 points
After preforming this mini experiment will certainly do more but the Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux Glass dominated. Not even close on this and everyone using a tumbler recycle them immediately.
WINNER: Riedel Restaurant Sommelier
Round 2 Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux vs. Glasvin Universal
2011 Clarendon Hills Syrah Moritz – Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon Tasted on Day 1
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Day 1: WTSO $36.99. Classic Clarendon Hills Syrah on the pop and pour. Not a powerhouse which I like. Roasted meats, gravel, white pepper, mild spice and red currants. Medium finish. Finish is a little weak and really the only flaw on the wine. Good value. 91 points
Glas Vin Universal: Day 1: WTSO $36.99. Getting more white pepper on the nose using this glass and some floral notes. Palate is flat which was similar to the Crognolo and finishes short. Getting some sharp spicy notes which was consistent on the first test also. Not nearly as enjoyable. (Dumped the remaining wine into the Somm and much better on the finish). 87 points
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Day 2. Black pepper, red currants, roasted meats, earth, minerals, tar and spices. Very nice on day 2 and bit better than day 1. 92 points
Glas Vin Universal: Not as fragrant on the nose and the palate offers that in your face spice. Bright fruit and floral notes. Not getting the black pepper as much. Not nearly as good. 88 points
WINNER: Riedel Restaurant Sommelier
Round 3 Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux vs. Glasvin Universal
2011 Clarendon Hills Grenache Kangarilla (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon)
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Day 2. This is not showing much and muted fruit. Lots of earth and very boring wine. Short to medium finish. 83 points
Glas Vin Universal: Day 2: This really brings out the fruit and spice more on this wine. Cranberry, ripe raspberries, minerals and floral notes. Better acidity also. Medium finish. 87 points
WINNER: Glasvin Universal
Round 4 Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux vs. Glasvin Universal
2018 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Day 2: Wonderful fruit right out of gate featuring blueberries, Bing cherry and plum. Pepper, spice, dark chocolate and graphite. Medium plus finish. Subtle smoke note on the wine. 93 points
Glas Vin Universal: Cherry, plum, spice overload on the palate and red peppers. A bit diluted also. Not getting the intense fruit and pepper of the Riedel Somm. Just not balanced out of this glass. 84 points
WINNER: Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux
Round 5 Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux vs. Glasvin Universal
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Day 1: Classic Ardanza. One of not the most consistent wine vintage to vintage. This is amazing on a pop and pour. Always swirl though. Perfume, roasted meat, dill, oak, stone, spice and floral notes. Flavorful and medium plus finish. I will be buying more of this in an instant. Outstanding value for under $30. 93 points
Glas Vin Universal: Day 1: Solid but not the same experience of the Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux. Spice, wood and floral notes. Lacks the fragrant nose and on the finish lots of spice. 89 points
WINNER: Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux
Conclusion: After doing 5 different wines from around the world the clear winner is Riedel on this taste test and it is not even close.
Round 6 Riedel Sommelier Bordeaux vs. Glasvin Universal
Riedel Sommelier Series Bordeaux: Day 1: Spice, cherry, raspberries, Garrique, minerals and underbrush. More balanced using this glass. Medium plus finish. 90 points
Glas Vin Universal: Day 1: Spice, cherry, a bit hot and floral notes. Underbrush on the finish. Again with this glass the spice is prominent almost to a fault of its’ design. 88 points