There are many glass manufacturers in the world, but one stands out form all the others, and that company is Riedel. This family company has been a manufacturer of luxury glass goods since Johann Christoph Riedel went all over Europe, trading in glass but it was Claus Josef Riedel, the ninth generation, discovered that wine tasted differently depending what sort of glass it was in.
Taking the company into the future is the 11th generation. Joining the company at the age of 20, Maximilian Riedel has expanded the company into new markets, conceived the Restaurant series of glassware for the on trade, and the informal 'O' series of stemless wine glasses, that became the fastest selling series in Riedel's history. Now CEO of Riedel Crystal of America, I asked him six questions.
Describe yourself in three words.
Particular, detail-oriented and creative
If you were not in the wine glass trade, what would you like to do for a living?
I would like to be a wine-maker
What is the greatest wine you have ever tried?
Any wine shared with my family
When you are at home, what wines do you like to drink on a regular basis?
Champagne and Pinot Noir, both chilled, and both from the same glass.
What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced?
I have yet to find it!
Name three people, real or fictional, living or dead, that would be guests at your dream dinner party, and what would you be drinking?
Mozart, Michael Schumacher and Gianni Versace. We would start with 2007 Emmerich Knoll Gruner Veltliner, followed by some Krug Champagne, Romanee-Conti Pinot Noir, Kistler Chardonnay and ending with a Chateay d'Yquem from the 19th century.
