Luxist

Next we tried the Vinum XL Montrachet glass, which looks like a lot of the red wine glasses I see used even in good restaurants, with a chardonnay. Don't worry about keeping a chardonnay cool; according to Maximilian, a chardonnay is best at just below room temperature. Maximilian's grandfather was the first to design this shape of glass, and it was always intended for white -- in fact, he called it "the enemy of red wine." It's also apparently good for blanc de blanc champagne. The wide rim helps you avoid the nose burn of the higher alcohol content in those whites, and Maximilian says that the idea that champagne should be served in a flute to preserve the bubbles is a myth.

A man remarked on the elegance of a champagne flute and asked Maximilian what he would do if someone came into Riedel and asked for a champagne flute.

"I would do a tasting with him," said Maximilian. "I would let him decide for himself." 22/07/09