Vinum Oaked Chardonnay Glasses, Pair

Why it works as a gift

Good glasses are an anniversary gift that gets used every time a bottle is opened, and a pair suits two people better than a set of six for parties. Riedel describes Vinum as the first machine-made glass collection in history to be based on the characteristics of grape varietals. This glass, article 6416/97, is the collection's shape for full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay and Montrachet; Riedel also lists white Burgundy, Meursault, Corton-Charlemagne and Pouilly-Fuissé among the wines it suits.

The shape is the point. Riedel describes an egg-shaped bowl with a soft, rounded silhouette, and the Amazon listing says the size of the bowl gives a rich bouquet room to develop while limiting the risk of it becoming over-concentrated. The glass stands about 7.6 inches tall. It is premium machine-made crystal glass, the pair comes in a single Riedel-branded gift box, and Riedel says it is dishwasher safe, which means it can come out on a weeknight rather than only on the anniversary itself.

Against an all-purpose wine glass set at a similar budget, this is the more specific and more personal choice: it says you noticed what they drink. Against a decanter, it is easier to use and store. The trade-off is focus. If the couple drinks red as often as white, a varietal glass for Chardonnay covers only half the table.

Who it’s for

• A couple who orders white Burgundy or California Chardonnay when they go out to celebrate
• Newlyweds who registered for everyday glasses and not for a varietal pair
• A partner who keeps a special bottle for each anniversary, as the glasses to open it with
• Hosts who cook at home and serve rich white wine with roast chicken or fish, as a thank-you after a dinner

Skip it if

• They drink red almost exclusively; a bowl shaped for oaked Chardonnay is the wrong tool for a Cabernet
• They prefer crisp, unoaked whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, which are not among the wines Riedel lists for this shape
• They already own Riedel Vinum or Veritas glasses; a second set will feel like a duplicate rather than a surprise
• They don't drink alcohol, or you are not sure that they do

Giving it

• Pair the glasses with a bottle of oaked Chardonnay or white Burgundy from their favorite shop, so the gift is ready to use that evening
• Add the Neuhaus Classic Ballotin of pralines for a dessert course after dinner
• The pair ships in a Riedel gift box, so a ribbon is all it needs; leave a few days for delivery, since glassware should arrive before the date rather than on it
• Check the retailer's return policy before buying in case a glass arrives damaged

The facts

Article number

6416/97

In the box

2 glasses in a single Riedel-branded gift box

Material

Premium machine-made crystal glass

Size

About 4.25 x 4.25 x 7.56 inches per glass

Suited wines

Oaked Chardonnay, Montrachet, white Burgundy, Meursault, Corton-Charlemagne, Pouilly-Fuissé

Care

Dishwasher safe; Riedel advises placing glasses so they do not touch

Collection

Vinum, which Riedel calls the first machine-made glass collection based on grape varietals

Consider instead

• Riedel Extreme Cabernet Glasses, Set of Four — The better Riedel choice for a couple who mostly drinks red
• Wedgwood x Vera Wang Duchesse Toasting Flutes, Pair — A pair for Champagne and toasts, for a couple who marks occasions with sparkling wine
• Marquis by Waterford Markham Decanter & Glasses Set — A decanter set for someone who drinks spirits more than wine