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Wine Decanters: Elegance and Function
from: Maxx Guide to WineWine enthusiasts know that a bottle of red wine should be opened at least an hour before serving in order to allow it to breathe. However having the wine breathe in it's own bottle doesn't do much good since wine requires contact with oxygen to improve its aroma and taste. When remaining in its original bottle, very little surface of the wine gets exposed to the air.
Therefore, true wine connoisseurs always use a wine decanter, especially when serving a younger red wine. A decanter is simply a decorative container for wine or other spirits. A good decanter is determined by how much of the wine's surface is exposed to the air. This means a red wine decanter must have a wide base. However, since white wines don't need to breathe as much, decanters for white wine don't have to be as wide.
When decanting your wine, maximize the aeration effect by slowly pouring it against the side of the decanter. This technique, along with the traditional swirling in the wineglass helps oxygen really permeate the wine. However, an hour isn't really enough time to breathe for many red wines. This especially applies to young wines which tend to be harsher and will benefit a lot if decanted several hours before being served.
Decanting your wine has an additional benefit in that it separates sediments from the wine before they hit your wineglass. These sediments develop naturally over time as wines age. Although aged wines don't need to breathe very long, decanting helps ensure the wines clarity and brilliance stays unmarred by any deposits. You must pour slowly and don't decant the last ounce. Rather, strain the last bit and use it for cooking to add a wonderful flavor.
Deciding to give a wine decanter as a gift provides you a lot of choices. Decanters come in many designs which will fit every decor style and price range. So consider your budget along with the taste of the person who's receiving your decanter gift.
In the world of decanters, one company, Variedly, stands out for manufacturing an elegant gift. They're a glass making company with over 250 years of history and an excellent reputation for the highest quality glassware. In 1990, Riedel Glass Works purchased another old glass company from the Spiegelau family which has been making glass for almost 500 years.
Riedel produces innovative designs as well as classic timeless styles. Their decanters are all optimized to enhance a wine drinkers experience and are created from hand-blown glass and fine crystal. Some of their decanters are so elaborate and unique they almost qualify as art.
Decanters are a wonderful wine gift because they combine the finest elements of form and functionality.
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