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(Edison, NJ – May 2011) — Maximilian J. Riedel, 11th generation CEO of Riedel Crystal, announces a stunning new addition to his notable collection of mouth-blown lead decanters, the Mamba available this May 2011 at www.riedelwebstore.com. The alluring Mamba decanter ($495), designed by the Riedel CEO himself, is redolent of a sleek and venomous mamba snake found only in exotic jungle settings, and is not only striking, but serves as a “tool” for the enjoyment of wine. As the wine flows through every bend it is double-decanted, “opening up” speedily, achieving what would take hours of decanting in a typical bowl-shaped carafe.

Following the serpentine Eve decanter (2009), the Mamba channels the vigor of the famous Black Mamba, the world’s fastest snake. “I was born in the year of the snake which inspired my great fascination with this mysterious creature,” comments Maximilian. “I create my decanters to have equal parts grace and command, while being functional tools that enhance the experience of enjoying wine.” Mirroring the snake’s poised upright stance, the Mamba’s coiled base creates a series of air pockets which “charge” the wine as it moves towards the elegant upright neck upon pouring. While the wine makes its journey through the glass, the Mamba emits a gurgle – an aural reminder of the decanting accomplished by the force of the wine passing through the vacuum created in the Mamba’s base.

In addition to the clear crystal Mamba decanter available nationwide, Maximilian also conceived two limited edition colored Mambas, each characteristic of the regal namesake snake: green and black. The Green Mamba and the Black Mamba decanters (both $495) were produced in limited quantities of only 100, each numbered and bearing the engraved signature of Maximilian, making these true collector’s items. Requests for the exclusive decanters can be… Read more »

(February 2011 – Florida) – Riedel Crystal, with Florida A&M University’s Center for Viticultural & Small Fruit Research and the Board of Directors of the Florida Grape Growers’ Association, have determined the optimal glassware for wines made from two grapes native to Florida, Muscadine and Blanc du Bois. Following a blind tasting of each wine in 16 different varietal-specific Riedel glasses, a panel of 14 Southeast winemakers, Florida viticulture professionals and four Riedel glassware experts, including 10th-generation CEO Georg Riedel, concluded that Riedel’s Degustazione white wine glass underscores the flavors and aromas of Muscadine wine, and similarly Riedel’s Restaurant white wine glass best serves the Blanc du Bois.

“We believe that developing of a “functional wine glass” for Muscadine and Blanc du Bois varietals will enhance the appreciation of the Southern wines and underline their unique character,” remarks Dr. Violeta Tsolova, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Professor in Viticulture. “Using Riedel’s varietal-specific stemware will raise consumer interest and significantly elevate the marketability of the Florida wine industry.”

Winemakers from leading Florida wineries, including Lakeridge Winery, SeaBreeze Winery, and Log Cabin Winery, as well as Enoch’s Stomp Winery from Texas joined representatives from the University of Florida, Florida International University, FAMU and the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Lakeland, FL to achieve a consensus on the glasses that maximize the flavors of both varietals.

Georg J Riedel, who has conducted research with winemakers from Robert Mondavi to Angelo Gaja, and who successfully developed a glass shape specific to the Norton grape indigenous to Missouri, led the tasting, informing participants on the specific characteristics of each Riedel glass shape and size. Understanding that both varietals are native to Florida and the southeast, the group sought a specific glass shape that would best enhance the regional characteristics and specific flavor profiles… Read more »