Riedel 002: The Universal Red Wine Glass That Elevates Every Bottle



The Universal Solution: One Glass, Endless Possibilities
Imagine having one wine glass that enhances every red wine you pour into it — from a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to a delicate Pinot Noir. This isn't wishful thinking — it's exactly what the Riedel 002 Red Wine Glass delivers. Part of Riedel's Wine Friendly series, the 002 represents a perfect balance between scientific precision and practical versatility, making it the ideal choice for wine enthusiasts who want quality without complexity.
The Riedel 002 isn't just another wine glass — it's a carefully engineered universal instrument designed to enhance the enjoyment of red wines. Whether you're a beginner exploring the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a reliable everyday glass, the 002 delivers the Riedel experience in a versatile, accessible format that works beautifully with any red wine you choose to pour.
Engineered for Versatility: The Wine Friendly Philosophy
What makes the Riedel 002 extraordinary is its universal design philosophy. Unlike varietal-specific glasses that require multiple sets, the 002 is crafted to enhance a wide range of red wines. This versatility comes from Riedel's deep understanding of how glass shape affects wine perception, distilled into a single, perfectly balanced design.
The glass features a carefully calculated bowl shape that releases aromas effectively, allowing you to experience the full bouquet of any red wine. The design emphasizes fruit flavors while balancing tannins, creating a harmonious tasting experience regardless of the wine's origin or style. This makes the 002 perfect for wine enthusiasts who appreciate quality but don't want to manage an entire collection of varietal-specific glasses.
The Wine Friendly series, which includes the 002, was created to meet the growing demand for functional, versatile glassware that doesn't compromise on quality. It represents Riedel's commitment to making their wine-enhancing technology accessible to everyone, not just serious collectors with extensive glass collections.
Crystal Clarity: Premium Materials, Practical Design
The moment you hold a Riedel 002, you immediately understand why Riedel has been the gold standard in wine glassware for over 250 years. Made from clear crystal glass, the 002 offers both elegance and durability. The crystal provides exceptional clarity, allowing you to appreciate every nuance of your wine's color — from the deep garnet of a Syrah to the bright ruby of a young Merlot.
Unlike Riedel's premium hand-blown collections, the 002 is machine-made, which makes it more accessible while still maintaining the quality and precision that define the Riedel brand. This manufacturing approach ensures consistency and durability, making the 002 perfect for everyday use without the fragility concerns of hand-blown crystal.
The glass feels substantial in your hand, with a well-balanced stem that allows comfortable swirling without fear of tipping. The base provides excellent stability, and the overall construction feels both elegant and robust — a perfect combination for a glass that's designed to be used regularly.
The Perfect Dimensions: Science Meets Function
The Riedel 002's dimensions are carefully calculated to optimize the wine-tasting experience. Standing at 9-3/4 inches (247 mm) tall, the glass provides ample space for aromas to develop before reaching your nose. The 3-7/8 inch (97 mm) diameter creates the perfect balance between aeration and concentration, allowing wines to open up while maintaining their aromatic intensity.
With a capacity of 23-1/2 ounces (667 ccm), the 002 gives you plenty of room to pour a generous serving while leaving space for swirling. This capacity is ideal for red wines, which benefit from aeration and typically require larger pours than white wines to fully appreciate their complexity.
The bowl shape is designed to direct wine across your palate in a way that enhances fruit flavors while softening tannins. This universal approach means you'll experience improved taste and aroma whether you're drinking a bold Cabernet, a smooth Merlot, or a delicate Pinot Noir. The design works with the wine rather than against it, allowing each varietal to express its unique characteristics.
Practical Excellence: Built for Real Life
One of the Riedel 002's greatest strengths is its practicality. Unlike delicate hand-blown crystal that requires careful handling, the 002 is designed for everyday use. The machine-made construction ensures durability while maintaining the quality and clarity that wine enthusiasts expect from Riedel.
The glass is fully dishwasher-safe, making cleanup effortless and allowing you to enjoy your wine without worrying about special care requirements. This practical approach doesn't mean compromising on quality — it means Riedel has created a glass that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle while still delivering the enhanced wine experience the brand is known for.
The 002's versatility extends beyond wine types to usage scenarios. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or exploring new wines, this glass adapts to your needs. You don't need to think about which glass to use — the 002 works beautifully with any red wine, making every tasting experience more enjoyable.
The Complete Experience: From Aroma to Finish
Using the Riedel 002 transforms wine drinking from a simple act into a more engaging sensory experience. The glass's design enhances three critical aspects of wine appreciation: aroma release, flavor perception, and tannin balance.
When you pour wine into the 002, the bowl shape immediately begins working to release aromas. As you swirl, the design creates optimal aeration, helping the wine open up and express its full bouquet. The height of the glass allows these aromas to develop and concentrate before reaching your nose, creating a more intense and enjoyable aromatic experience.
The rim diameter and bowl shape work together to direct wine across your palate in a way that emphasizes fruit flavors while balancing tannins. This means you'll taste more of what makes each wine special — the fruit characteristics, the complexity, the finish — while experiencing smoother, more integrated tannins.
Technical Specifications
Model: Riedel 002 Red Wine Glass
Collection: Wine Friendly Series
Material: Clear crystal glass
Manufacturing: Machine-made
Height: 9-3/4 inches (247 mm)
Diameter: 3-7/8 inches (97 mm)
Capacity: 23-1/2 ounces (667 ccm)
Design Purpose: Universal red wine glass
Dishwasher Safe: Yes
Durability: High-quality crystal designed for regular use
Best For: All red wine varietals
Care: Dishwasher safe, no special handling required
Why the Riedel 002 Matters
In a world where wine appreciation can seem complicated, the Riedel 002 offers a refreshing simplicity. It proves that you don't need an entire collection of varietal-specific glasses to significantly enhance your wine experience. One well-designed glass can make a remarkable difference in how you perceive and enjoy red wines.
The 002 represents the perfect entry point into the Riedel experience. It delivers the brand's signature wine-enhancing technology in a versatile, practical format that works with any red wine you choose. Whether you're just beginning your wine journey or you're a seasoned enthusiast looking for a reliable everyday glass, the 002 delivers performance that exceeds expectations.
The Riedel 002 demonstrates that great wine glass design isn't about complexity — it's about thoughtful engineering that enhances the wine you're already enjoying. This glass makes every red wine taste better, smell better, and feel more complete, transforming ordinary wine moments into more engaging experiences.
When you choose the Riedel 002, you're not just buying a glass — you're investing in a tool that will enhance every red wine you pour for years to come. It's the universal solution that proves sometimes the best choice is the one that works beautifully with everything.