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There is a different buzz in the city this week.
It's not about the latest business acquisition or the record breaking
Canadian dollar - it's about fine crystal. Wine enthusiasts are looking
forward to an elegant evening at Brookstreet Hotel on Oct. 4, when Maximilian
Riedel, CEO of Riedel
Crystal America, will launch Vitis, his new line of crystal
glassware.
"You can serve wine in any glass, but once you
drink wine in a Riedel glass, you will be amazed at the difference. The
aromas and flavours of the wine are amplified and sipping the wine is
delightful in the delicate crystal," says Diane Paradis, co-owner of
CA Paradis who is hosting the event. What is the difference? How does it work? "Wine seems dead in a basic glass, but comes
alive when served in Riedel crystal," says Stephen Beckta, sommelier
and owner of Beckta wine & amp; dining. "The wines are more
expressive and taste substantially better." Mr. Beckta uses Riedel glasses in his restaurant to
ensure that his patron's wine and food experience is memorable. Riedel's products were not an instant success. It
took more than 20 years for the wine world to embrace the Riedel approach.
The tipping point in Riedel's history came in 1987, when winemakers such
as Angelo Gaja, Robert Mondavi and wine publications such as The Wine
Advocate, the Wine Spectator and Decanter Magazine endorsed Riedel
glassware. These endorsements helped to put Riedel glasses on the tables
of the wine world. Under the leadership of Georg Riedel (Maximilian's
father), Austria-based Riedel Crystal became the world's leading wine
glass company. Those who have tried Riedel swear by it. "We are proud to sell Riedel glasses and
decanters. The product does exactly what it says it will do," Ms.
Paradis says. "A customer explained it best - it is the difference
between polyester and silk." Wineries, winemakers and sommeliers agree. Karen
Brunet, sales manager at Huff Estates Winery in Prince Edward County, says
Riedel glasses are used exclusively for the sampling of Huff wines at its
tasting bar and patio restaurant. "There is a wow factor with Riedel," she
says. "The glassware is high-quality crystal, elegant yet incredibly
durable. The decanters are mouth-blown crystal and one of a kind. Riedel
products are works of art." James Bertrand, president of National Capital
Sommelier Guild, is also a Riedel enthusiast. "I never really enjoy
pinot noir wines until I tasted one in a Riedel pinot noir glass, then I
fell in love. Event Info
Tickets are $170 per person which includes four Riedel Vitis glasses. To purchase tickets for this
Oct. 4 event to be held at the Brookstreet Hotel, contact CA Paradis on
613-731-2866 or www.caparadis.com
___ If you would like to re-publish this article or would like The Savvy Grapes to write in your publication, contact Debbie directly. Cheers! |
Copyright © 2004 The Savvy Grapes Inc.
All rights reserved. OUR
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Ottawa
Business Journal - Executive Dining Guide
The
Riedel family (pronounced REE-dle as in needle) has been in the glass
business for more than 300 years, spanning 11 generations. They have
revolutionized the way we taste and enjoy wines with the introduction of
their delicate crystal glasses that are specifically crafted and designed
to enhance the characteristics for each grape variety. 
