Decanters 101: All You Need to Know About Aerating Your Wine

June 15, 2016  |   Posted in Blog Articles, Experiencing Wine   |   1 Comment   

One of the most fascinating aspects of wine is its transformative nature. Unlike your typical beverage, a wine’s flavor, texture, and aroma can change drastically with time and other factors. That’s why serious oenophiles understand the importance of decanters and various wine decanting accessories.

If you’re looking to expand your vino knowledge, check out these facts surrounding this ancient wine accessory.

 

Where to Start

What is the purpose of a wine decanter?

As a key tool for aerating wine, the decanter has been around for centuries. While some varieties taste best in their closed cork state, the majority of wines gain intensity of flavor and aroma when exposed to air. Therefore, the decanter allows the liquid to breathe and gives it an elegant home for leftovers once you open a bottle.

Not only do decanters help optimize your tasting experience, but they also serve as practical serving devices. For many people, a gorgeous crystal decanter is a classic centerpiece for a dining room hutch, buffet, bar, or cabinet.

 

 

What’s the difference between the many decanting accessories?

When shopping for a unique decanter for your home, you’ll notice they come in a ton of diverse styles. From traditional wine carafes and pitchers to more sculptural hand-blown glass designs, how do you know what’s best?

In general, all decanters perform the same task by letting your red or white mingle with oxygen. So, when it comes to shape, material, and construction, subtle differences are mostly relevant to personal taste. If you’re looking for a modern piece to complement your existing décor, try a cool glass decanter with unique shape or color. For timeless appeal, stick with a crystal vessel with classic lines and patterns.

Note that certain liquors aerate and pour best from a specially styled carafe. That’s why knowledgeable dealers sell distinct decanters meant for whiskey, red wine, white wine, and more.

 

What’s the price of a typical decanter?

Collectors can be quite discerning about their wine decanters, so you’ll find pieces ranging everywhere from an economical $30 upwards into the thousands of dollar range. An individually handcrafted 100% crystal decanter can cost you a fortunate, but it will last a lifetime and make an indelible mark on your home décor. On the other end of the spectrum, you can pick up a mass-produced glass carafe from the local department store for next to nothing.

Decide if you want practicality over design, and pick a piece that smartly suits your budget. No matter what you choose, the second your wine hits the air, you’ll have an incredible tasting experience like never before.