Purchasing a decanter... Hints? This is confusing.

I’m looking to buy a decanter. Besides all the different brands out there, I see many different styles. Are these decorative? Does style not matter? Should I be more concerned with the quaity? ie Reidel.
Does any of this really matter?

I could use your advice.

I’m not a big believer in crystal at this stage of the game. Being a bigger piece of glass wear it will tend to get banged around more in storage when not in use and one does not drink out of this too often. On the other hand you do not need a door stop either. I have seen some very heavy ones even before you fill it with a bottle.

Also, I have learned that the bottom fat decanters make it difficult when getting down to the end, it tends to rush out all at once if not careful.

I like decanters that are shaped more like a flower vase/carafe.

Just my thoughts

One you can clean easy is key.

Red burgundy loses a lot of aromatics with the decanters that have a broad/large air/liquid interface so I prefer a glass decanter.
alan

Simple is better. Those crazy fancy ones are hard to clean, and store. Something nice like this works every time…I have the 2nd one - except it was not as expensive, so it may have been a different brand.



http://www.wineenthusiast.com/captain-s-wine-decanter.asp?icid=LNDDCNTRSRTRSSPOTLIGHT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.wineenthusiast.com/riedel-cabernet-wine-decanter.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.wineenthusiast.com/wine-enthusiast-u-wine-decanter.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Do you want a pretty, impressive looking decanter, or something that is purely functional?

If the latter, you can find lots of glass pitchers/carafes that can serve as a decanter. As long as it has a decent surface-area to air ratio. Easy to clean, and cheap too if you go to places like Ross/TJMaxx/Homegoods.

Those places will also have “real” decanters but made with thick (ugly) glass at cheap prices also.

I don’t think there is a right decanter for every situation. (I have somewhere near thirty FWIW) I think owning two or three different styles is really a must, but then my drinking habits may not be anything like yours. The Riedel “O” decanter is probably my favorite of the basic level ones (there are cheaper ones though). The normal Cabernet and Syrah decanters are decent at the lower level. My preferred high-end Riedel decanter is probably either the Amadeo or the Cornetto. You can also buy pretty good, less expensive decanters from WMF, Spieglau and Eisch.

Good value & practical - Pyrex conical laboratory beaker

Sexy, pricey, but gushes last 4oz - Riedel Ultra Magnum decanter

Practical, efficient, clean lines - Riedel Cabernet Magnum decanter

Pretty, but how do you clean it?- Riedel Amadeo

Target was selling a simple riedel caraffe decanter for around $20 IIRC. A simple caraffe decanter is all you need IMO. Ducks and Amadeus decanters are frivolous eye-candy, IMO. I have a couple of those wide bottom decanters as well and wish I didn’t- impossible to clean and don’t pour well.

I agree with Kent: conical lab beakers.

In terms of what it does to the wine, there is really only one major consideration: Are you decanting for the purpose of accelerating aeration of the wine, or only for the purpose of eliminating sediment and/or aesthetics (with possibly slow aeration in mind)? The former calls for a decanter that allows a wide surface of the wine to be exposed to air; the latter suggests a narrow wine-to-air surface. If you will be doing both for different wines, you probably want at least two decanters.

A second consideration is how the decanter contributes to the aesthetic experience rather than the wine itself. If the appearance will make a difference to you, by all means you should consider artistically-designed decanters.

I personally am less interested in artistic display. I have a nice wide-bottomed, glass decanter that I picked up at Crate & Barrel for about $30 (it might be this one, but mine holds a magnum without the wine coming up into the neck). It works great for aeration, and is stylish enough for me. I also have a slim, crystal decanter that someone gave me as a gift, which works for decanting without much aeration – though an old-fashioned glass carafe is largely as effective. (Caveat: If you are considering the Crate & Barrel one that I linked, it does not have the gushing at the end problem but there is a learning curve in terms of pouring.)

– Matt

+1 and a beaker cleaning brush.

Get a simple water pitcher. Easy to clean and dry.

It functions exactly as well as any other liquid holding vessel.

I am with the utilitarian group. Glass, easy to put in the dishwasher, and not overly wide at the bottom. I find carafe shaped ones as the most useful. When I used to drink young cabs, a wider vessel (think the fancier kind) work better.

For eye candy there are many options

avoid decanters with a rolled lip (look for a cut lip) unless you want wine on your tables and carpet instead of in your glass.

I don’t think you need to spend lots of money unless you like the look. Its good to have different styles based on the wine and how much air it will need. Young vs. Old. Cab/Barolo vs. Pinot. Don’t forget about whites. Also, are you going to leave it in the decanter for4 a day or two for say a Port wine? Then limited air is good IMO.

Here are a couple I wouldn’t want to clean or store.

http://www.winestuff.com/acatalog/Riedel_Black_Tie_Decanter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.winestuff.com/acatalog/Riedel_Eve_Decanter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.winestuff.com/acatalog/Riedel_Swan_Decanter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

At least this one looks easy to pour.
http://www.winestuff.com/acatalog/Riedel_Paloma_Decanter.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I use a Pyrex liter measuring cup for 99% of my wine.

Easy to clean, it has a handle for controlled pouring, and a drip-free “spout.”

$2 in a kitchen supply sale bin.

Search antique shops, even thrift shops. I have gotten most of my best decanters-glass only-under $15.

Dang, I didn’t think there was anyone as nutty as me. 30 is +/- what I have, too. And I’m glad of it.

You also will want glass or lined leaded crystal in that case – the lead otherwise will leach into the wine.

Consider also eventually getting a magnum decanter – I share the view expressed by many others that I regret that when younger I did not buy more wines in magnum.