Wine Decanter: If You Like Wine, You Have to Get One!
Nowadays, most people simply pour the wine straight from the bottle into a glass. Having the right accessories makes this possible without deflecting from flavors and aromas. All we do is simply use a wine funnel or wine pourer. However, the traditional method would be to pour the wine into another container. This container could be made of crystal or it could be a glass carafe. This act of pouring the wine from the bottle into another container is called decanting.
Even though most of us use a pourer or funnel to pour wine straight into a glass there are times when it is appropriate and even enjoyable to take the time to decant wine in the traditional way. The reason for this is to allow oxygen to mix with the wine. This process is known as aeration and it is the oxygen that ensures the flavors and aromas are as intense as possible. When wine is decanted into another container it is recommended the wine remains open for at least twenty to thirty minutes. There is another reason for decanting wine and that is to separate the wine from any sediment that may be in the bottle. This is especially necessary when decanting a heavy red wine because it contains a large amount of tannins that cause sediment.
In modern society a wine decanter can be either a traditional receptacle for the poured wine or it can be a device that is fitted to the opening of the wine bottle. A traditional wine decanter is very often a very beautiful object and is usually put on display. Traditional crystal decanters are highly prized and many are family heirlooms or antiques. These are in great demand by both wine connoisseurs and those who only want them as a beautiful décor object.
The modern wine decanter is a much smaller device and has a modern look. The modern way of decanting wine is still a special moment and many designers go to great lengths to make the modern wine decanter a stylish and attractive item. This device can be made of a number of materials especially stainless steel. There are those that do an all round function. It will pour the wine neatly without any spillage and it will also have a cap that is self sealing in order to keep any leftover wine fresh. A good quality wine decanter will have a sieve to prevent any sediment from mixing with the wine and going into the glass.
If you want to use your traditional crystal decanter you can still use your modern wine decanter. If you use it when pouring the wine from the bottle into the crystal container it will only add to the aeration process and you may not have to wait as long before drinking. There are both traditional crystal or glass decanters to be found online and in antique shops. The modern wine decanter for fitting on the bottle opening is also found online, at wine merchants and gift shops. There is no reason to stop you from benefiting from the traditional and the modern.