In the German federal state of Hesse, especially in the Frankfurt area, a common term (also known as an apple wine glass or Schoppenglas) for a stemless drinking glass for the consumption of apple wine, which is traditionally served from stoneware jugs known as Bembel. There are different sizes, which are labelled as 4, 8, 12 or 24 bembels depending on their volume and the number of ribbed glasses.
The name is derived from the diamond-shaped, raised grid-like structure over the entire surface. This serves as a "gripping aid" for greasy fingers caused by eating savoury food without cutlery. Another advantage is that the prism-like texture also adds lustre to cloudy, unfiltered liquids. To protect the contents from dirt or insects, there is the "Schoppendeckel". Traditionally, this is a painted lid, usually made of wood, which is placed on the glass between drinks.
![]()
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena