When it comes to history of wine decanters, these accessories have always been used to serve and store wine. Originally, decanters were made from crystal and glass, but this changed after the fall of the Roman Western Empire. During this period, decanters were made from bronze, silver, gold or earthware.
However, the use of glass material to make wine decanters was introduced back after the rise of Venetian empire during the Renaissance period. This also saw the introduction of decanters in a wide body and slender neck which increased the surface areas for exposing the wine. However, due to the wide body, wine was greatly exposed and this resulted in it reacting with air.
Luckily, this problem came to an end in 1730 when British came up with stoppers with the aim to limit the exposure of wine to air. Over time, the design for wine decanters have pretty much remained the same with very little change being made to the design.
The decanting process involves pouring the wine from the bottle to the decanter in order to remove the sediment. During the decanting process, the unwanted sediment is left behind in the bottle. Usually, buildup of sediment is apparent in old red wine or wine that was not filtered during winemaking.
Similarly, the decanting process is vital as it helps to aerate and allow the wine to breathe before consuming it. A decanter allows wine to come into contact with air, and this is also known as oxidization. It is for this reason that decanters feature a wide belly in order to expand the surface area of the wine. Doing this allows the wine to attract with air so that it can attain its real and authentic taste as well as meet its full flavor potential. Also, aeration helps to soften tannin and pigments which are likely to form sediments and give a bitter taste.
With this information in mind, it is therefore important to use a decanter to decant your wine before serving. However, with so many options of wine decanters in the market, finding the most suitable one for your needs can be a challenging task. In this article, we will look at some of the best wine decanters that you can find in the market. Also included is a buying guide to help you make the right selection of wine decanter for your needs.
The 11 Best Wine Decanter
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1.Our Pick: Le Chateau Wine Decanter
Are you in the market for a functional wine decanter that can hold your 750ml bottle of wine? Well, look no further than the Le Chateau wine decanter which is crafted from 100% lead-free crystal material. This decanter from Le Chateau Company is our best pick as it designed to ensure that you enjoy quality tasting wine all the time.
Besides its elegant design, this decanter boasts of an 8.5 inch bottom that provides a larger surface area to ensure maximum aeration for your wine. Interestingly, this is largest diameter for decanters in the market. Additionally, it has a unique slanted top that allows you to pour out your wine without causing any mess.
Apart from giving your wine its rich taste and aroma, Le Chateau decanter is a sure way to impress your guests. It can be a great addition to your wine table or home bar. Plus, it makes great gift idea to surprise your friends and family that love wine.
Things We Like
- Elegant and modern design
- Wide diameter allows for maximum oxygenation of wine
- Crafted from 100% lead-free crystal
- Slanted spout prevents dribbling and spills
- Sized to aerate 750ml bottle
- Easy to wash and dry
Things We Dislike
- Lacks filter
2. Runner Up: Sagaform Wine Carafe with Oak Stopper
The Sagaform wine carafe is an elegant decanter that comes with an oak stopper to protect the wine from elements. It features a classic style and can add to the beauty of every home. It is crafted from lead-free material which is dishwasher safe. With this, you can say goodbye to the hassles of cleaning and maintaining your decanter.
Besides wine, this decanter is also ideal for aerating other cold drinks. It is therefore versatile and you can use it at home as well as in the office to store water. For this reason, it makes a realistic gift for yourself and your loved ones.
Another thing that stands out about this carafe is the fact that it can accommodate up to 67 ounces of wine. Unlike most options, this decanter features a wide bottom that will perfectly oxygenate your drink. Plus, it has a wide opening that makes it possible to pour wine without spills or drips.
Things We Like
- Comes in an elegant and class design
- Suitable for aerating wine and other cold drinks
- Lead-free material
- Comes with oak stopper
- Holds 67 ounces of wine
- Dishwasher safe
- Affordable
Things We Dislike
- Glass forms bubbles
3. Upgrade Pick: Rabbit Super-Aerating Decanter System
If you are in the market for a decanter that will help you aerate and decant your wine quickly, the Rabbit Super aerating decanter system would be a great choice. This hand-blown decanter enhances the taste of both cheap and expensive red wine. With this decanter, lovers of red wine will undoubtedly notice a difference in the taste of their wine.
This crystal decanter is designed with a crystal wine spray funnel as well as a screen for collecting sediments. The funnel has the ability to turn the wine into tiny particles for maximum aeration. The wine particles are sprayed to the sides of the decanter, and they pick up oxygen. On the other hand, the sediment screen comes in handy in filtering out sediments.
In order to maintain its looks, you need to hand wash the decanter. However, the funnel and screen are dishwasher safe. However, some people find the glass to be thin and fragile and prone to breakage.
Things We Like
- Innovative system
- Enhances the taste of wine
- Ensures quick aeration
- Great gift idea
- Features sediment filter to eliminate sediments
- Easy to clean and dry
Things We Dislike
- Thin and fragile
4. Budget Pick: WBSEos Wine Decanter
Next on our list is the WBSEos wine decanter which is a budget-friendly option. The WBSEos comes with a U-shaped classical design that is highly regarded by wine enthusiasts. It is designed to hold 1500ml of wine and leaves adequate space for breathing.
This decanter is 100% hand-blown from lead-free crystal glass, and it can be used as a beautiful showpiece for your home without breaking the bank.
When not in use, you can place in our wine table or bar as a work of art. In fact, most users appreciate the fact that it is very exquisite without compromising on functionality. Besides, this beautiful piece would make for a great gift for your loved ones.
It is very easy to pour wine from this decanter thanks to its curved and slanted pout. Plus, it features two open ends that allow you to serve form the small opening and pour from the large opening. This way, you will have an easy time using this decanter without causing any mess. You will, therefore, have adequate time to enjoy drinking your favorite wine.
Things We Like
- Comes in a U-shaped classic design
- Can accommodate up to 1500ml of wine
- Wide bottom ensures proper aeration
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Easy to hand-wash
- Lightweight design
Things We Dislike
- Spots after being used
If you enjoy drinking wine, there is no doubt that you take every measure not to spill or waste your wine regardless of whether it is cheap or expensive. Menu Winebreather carafe is designed with this mind so that you enjoy every drop of your favorite wine. This cleverly crafted wine decanter is designed to expose your wine to oxygen with just one simple step. You just need to place the decanter to your open wine bottle and flip it over so that the wine pours to the decanter without any spills or drips.
This simple step will aerate your wine and improve its quality within a short period of time. It is also very easy to pour back the wine to the bottle as you just need to flip it back over. It has however been noted that this decanter works well with young wines and not older wines. It is also not appropriate for wine with sediment since it causes it to mix with the wine.
Things We Like
- Aerates wine quickly
- Elegant design
- Easy to use- aerates in one easy step
- Easy to clean
- No leakages
Things We Dislike
- Not durable
- Not ideal for older wines
- Causes sediment to mix with wine
The moment you start pouring your wine from this wine decanter by CulinexCo, you won’t want to do it any other way. This is an exceptional wine decanter that is crafted from hand-blown glass that ensures you get the most out of your wine drinking experience. The hand-blown glass gives that artistic feel. A unique spec of this decanter is that it comes with a stopper that you can use to protect your wine from elements and overexposure to air molecules.
For optimal oxidization, wine needs to settle on a decanter with a large surface area. CulinexCo knows this too well, and they have crafted the base of their decanter in a tilted shape so as to help aerate you wine quickly and perfectly.
Unlike most decanters, this decanter features a slanted base that allows kinetic movement in order to ensure the right amount of aeration. It can comfortably hold a full bottle of wine or 40 ounces and provides adequate oxidation surface.
Things We Like
- Modern swirling design
- Broad base for quick aeration
- Features bottle stopper
- Functional
- Easy to use
- Pours cleanly
Things We Dislike
- Being hand blown, this decanter comes with bubbles
The Godinger Dublin wine decanter is the best crystal decanter that comes with a stopper. Crafted from 24% lead glass crystal, this decanter is a stunning addition to any bar and was designed for elegant table settings.
Unlike glass decanters, this crystal decanter sparkles brightly, and it features an Irish classic design that comprises diamond and wedges. However, since this decanter does not feature a lead-free construction, there are chances that impurities might interfere with your drink.
The decanter measures 12 inches high, and it comes as a 2-piece set. With the Dublin pattern, you can serve your wine in this decanter and easily match it to barware or dinnerware in your home. Besides, the stopper comes in handy in preserving the wine so that you enjoy it for longer. After use, it is recommended to wash by hand in order to maintain its stunning appearance.
Things We Like
- Stunning and well built
- Versatile
- Comes with stopper
- Sparkles brilliantly
Things We Dislike
- Not dishwasher safe
- Lead may affect wine quality
Built from state of art technology, the Luigi Bormioli Magnifico decanter is a great way to aerate your glass of wine. This decanter is made from lead-free material and is built to last even after repetitive use. The stem is reinforced with titanium to ensure you enjoy aerated wine for years to come.
It is also designed with functionality in mind as can hold up to 35 ounces of wine. With stunning looks, this decanter can be used as a nice addition to your dining room or bar. Plus, it is dishwasher safe and clean-up doesn’t have to be a struggle anymore.
Things We Like
- Dishwasher safe
- Built with sturdiness and durability
- Elegant design
- Accommodates 35 ounces
- Constructed from lead-free material
- Practical
- Affordable
Things We Dislike
- Chips easily
Truth be told, glass decanters are fragile, and they can break if you are not careful. With this in mind, the Wine Enthusiast decanter is designed to be break resistant and you can pour your wine with peace of mind.
It is made from lead-free crystal glass, and it features a unique and lovely appearance that will make it the centerpiece of your winery. You can even place it o the dinner table when guests come to your home. Along with having a beautiful appearance, this decanter is very functional and it allows wine to breathe so that it can achieve a nice taste. It aerates the wine when it reaches the wide base and when poured on the glass.
Unlike most decanters that stand upright, this model rests at an angle. The arcing handle which is easy to grip lays on top of the decanter to form an unusual design. Although the handle seems delicate, you will be surprised to know that it is very sturdy and doesn’t break easily.
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Things We Like
- Break resistant
- Sturdy and elegant handle
- Aerates wine well
- Made from lead-free crystal
- Lightweight feature
Things We Dislike
- Drips on the side
As the name suggests, Riedel Merlot decanter is best suited for aerating merlot wines. With a capacity of 34 ¼ ounces, this machine blown crystal decanter is great for decanting both young and old wines to give you the flavor you desire. It is made from lead-free crystal in order to ensure brilliance and clarity.
It has an elongated neck and thickly cut base that maximizes airflow to enhance the purity, clarity, taste and aroma of your wine. Because of the shape of the decanter, it takes only a few hours for your wine to achieve that rich taste and aroma.
Impressively, this decanter also has a cabernet model. The decanter features a very simple design that complements any type of glassware or wine stemware in your home. Besides, coupling it with wine glasses makes it a perfect gift for individual use and special occasions. When it comes to cleaning it, it is recommendable to hand wash it.
Things We Like
- Simple yet elegant design
- Can decant both young and old wines
- Holds a full bottle of wine
- Compact size
- Easy to pour from it
- Affordable
- Large capacity that can hold one bottle of wine
Things We Dislike
- Cannot hold more than one bottle of wine
Are you in the market for a practical, durable and good looking wine decanter to improve the overall taste of your wine? Well, you will be pleased to know that Le Sens will do exactly that without taking up too much space. This decanter features a very unique swan shape that is very easy and comfortable to hold. It has smoothly elegant curves that make it very easy to grasp.
It is made from 100% hand blown lead-free crystal glass and is safe to use and won’t interfere with your wine. It is very functional as a wine decanter as it oxygenates wine allowing it to release its true taste and aromatic flavors. Besides being a wine carafe, this piece of artwork can also be used to decorate your home and entertain guests.
Although it seems very delicate, this decanter features a sturdy design and can even be placed on a marble countertop. With proper care, it can last for a very long time and act as a perfect gift for friends and family.
Things We Like
- Highly functional
- Exquisite and elegant design
- Suitable for home décor
- Easy to handle and use
Things We Dislike
- Doesn’t fit well in wine cabinet
How to Choose the Best Wine Decanter
There are many styles and designs of wine decanters available ad it can be overwhelming to decide on the most suitable for your needs. Here are some vital factors to consider when shopping for wine decanters.
1. Shape
Shape is a top concern that you should keep in mind when choosing your wine decanter. Decanters come in numerous shapes which will greatly determine the surface area that the wine decanter will offer. Decanters that come with a wide neck help with aeration since they give the wine more exposure. They also help the wine to have a richer taste and are very easy to clean.
The other type is thin-necked decanter which is not ideal for aerating wine because of its thin neck. Nonetheless, thin neck decanters are great at sifting out sediment and provide a great flavor for aged wine. Decanters that have a broad middle provide more room for the wine to aerate before serving. These decanters help to speed up the aeration process especially for wine that has been in the bottle for a number of years.
When choosing the decanter shape it is also important to consider whether it is easy to pour without dripping. Of course, you don’t want to waste any expensive wine or even stain the counters. For mess-free wine pouring, choose decanters with wider mouths.
2. Size
While some wine decanters are large enough to accommodate more than one bottle, others are sized to accommodate just one bottle or glass of wine. Therefore, you need to decide which size of decanter would be most ideal for your situation.
For instance, large decanters are a practical option if you are looking to serve numerous glasses of wine at once while small decanters are ideal if you are planning to finish one bottle or less of wine. If you opt for large-sized decanters for a large quantity of wine, you should keep in mind that it won’t aerate very quickly since the surface area is reduced.
3. Material
Basically, wine decanters are crafted from glass, since it doesn’t give the wine unwanted flavor. Many higher-end decanters are pretty much made from delicate crystal glass which is more decorative and expensive. Crystal decanters also come in more intricate designs and are durable. However, this type of material is prone to breakage when not properly handled.
However, if you are in the market for a more budget-friendly option, standard glass decanters would be your best option. Standard glass decanters are nonporous; hence, they are heat resistant and dishwasher safe as compared to crystal decanters.
4. Choose a Design
Decanters come in different designs allowing you to choose one that you like most. While some decanters are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, others come in simple designs. When making your choice, be sure to pick a design that you are comfortable to use without worrying about breaking it.
Fancy and colored glasses have a great appearance especially for special occasions; however, they are very easy to drop. Besides, it is very possible to find affordable decanters that work well like high-end options.
5. Ease of Cleaning
It goes without saying that improper cleaning of your decanter can greatly affect the taste of your wine. Truth be told, cleaning your decanter is not an easy process especially if you don’t have the right cleaning tools. In order to clean your decanter thoroughly, you need a glass cleaner, brush and cleaning beads. The ease of cleaning will depend on the shape of the decanter. Additionally, you may want to look for decanters that are dishwasher safe in order to ease the cleaning process.
6. Stopper
It is wise to choose a wine decanter with a stopper in order to prevent the wine from losing its flavor. A stopper preserves the flavor and aroma of wine especially if you don’t intend to drink the wine after serving. An hour before serving, remove the stopper in order to allow enough time for the wine to aerate. However, keep in mind that not all models of decanters come equipped with a stopper.
7. Price
Price is another to be aware of when choosing the best wine decanter for your needs. The prices for different decanter models vary with stylish and more elaborate models coming at a higher price. Usually, high-end models are more suited for separating the sediment for aged wine. If you have a tight budget, go for simpler models that will enhance the taste of your wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the process of decanting wine?
A: Decanting wine is very simple. You just need to wine from the bottle to a decanter. You can then pour it in a glass or return it back to the original bottle.
Q: What is the benefiting of using a wine decanter?
A: Most wine lovers prefer to use decanters because of their ability to enhance the taste and aroma of cheap wine. Wine decanters are very effective at giving a richer taste to wine without necessarily aging it. As you pour wine into your favorite decanter, you are exposing the wine to air and this increases the fullness of the flavor.
Additionally, wine decanters can be a great addition to any kitchen. Apart from their functionality, decanters are attractive and can server aesthetics purpose in your home.
Q: How long does it take to decant wine?
A: Decanting wine usually takes around 15 minutes to 30 hours depending on the type of wine. For instance, the process of decanting younger wines is different from that of older wines. Younger wines may around 30 minutes to 1 hour to breath while older wine may take more time like 2 hours to decant, depending on the style. Full bodied wines also take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
Q: What is the process of cleaning a decanter?
A: When cleaning your decanter, avoid using kitchen soap as this can affect the flavor of your wine when not properly rinsed. You will need a decanter cleaning brush that is designed to reach the base and neck of the decanter. If it is impossible to reach some areas, consider getting decanter beads which will help you reach those tight spots. Once you have cleaned your decanter, the next process is to dry it. You can do this using a decanter dryer or place the decanter upside down in a bowl containing a towel.
Q: Will aerating red wine improve its flavor?
A: When aerated, the biter tannins in red wine will be softened resulting to better tasting wine. Aerating gives the red wine its true flavor to enable you achieve maximum pleasure.
Q: What are the popular wine decanter brands?
A: There are numerous wine decanter brands in the market to choose from. Some of the most popular decanter brands include; Fusion, Wine Enthusiast, Epicureanist, Metrokane, Spiegalau, Riedel and Schott Zweisel.
Conclusion
There are numerous benefits that can be accrued from aerating your wine using a wine decanter. The right wine decanter has the ability to improve the taste and aroma of both cheap and expensive wine. Due to their stunning designs, decanters can also be a nice addition to your bar counter and wine table. Plus, they eliminate any spilling or dripping so you can enjoy sip without wasting the wine. Above are just some of the best wine decanters in the market that will change your wine drinking experience.
Although the market is packed with numerous brands of wine decanters to choose from, each decanter is unique, and factors such as style, color, material, size and surface area should be put into consideration when you are making your final design. You want to ensure that the carafe you choose suits your style and preference and enhance the taste of your favorite wine.