Berry Bros to launch own glassware

Berry Bros. & Rudd is to release its own range of glassware later this month

Speaking to the drinks business in Hong Kong last week, Alun Griffiths MW, wine director at the merchant, said there would be seven glasses in the collection and that they would be positioned “a little above Riedel’s Vinum range”.

The historic wine company already has a set of three glasses designed by Simon Berry’s grandfather, according to Griffiths.

However, the glasses, for red and white wine as well as Cognac, are deemed too small by today’s standards, particularly for fine wines such as grand cru red Burgundy.

The new range of glasses, which will be made by John Jenkins and Sons, will be available to buy through Berry’s shops, mail order and online businesses, and Griffths said they would also be used at the merchant’s events.

Referring to Berry’s hospitality operation, Griffiths admitted the company can get through as many as 200 glasses a month due to breakages.

In terms of the range, Griffiths said he was particularly pleased with the Champagne glass.

“It’s still a flute but has more of a bulbous shape to it,” he said, which allows the contents to be swirled, releasing more of the delicate aromatic components in the wine.

As previously reported by the drinks business, criticism concerning the quality of glassware used for Champagne in the restaurant sector has prompted Champagne commentator Richard Juhlin to design his own flute, which has recently been launched in the UK.