What is the Purpose of a Decanter?
Have you been wondering what a decanter is used for? In this article, we will take a closer look at the purpose of a decanter and why you should add one to your collection, so read on!
A decanter is a container used to hold liquids, particularly wine or spirits. They can come in many different forms, the most common being globular bottles with stoppers. Decanters were historically designed to aerate wines which improve their flavor by speeding up the aging process.
This was especially important before the advent of modern wine preservation techniques, such as refrigeration and carbon dioxide injection. The aeration process can be achieved simply by decanting (pouring the liquid into the decanter), but this risks spilling some of the liquid.
A more effective technique is to pour wine from one decanter to another several time which speeds up the air exposure.
In addition to aerating wines, decanters have been used for other purposes in the past, such as serving water and melted ice over food when camping outdoors. In restaurants, a decanter can hold any liquid besides wine or spirits.
Some people choose to use a carafe as an alternative to a decanter. Carafes are similar to decanters but have a more slender body and lack a stopper.
What are the Benefits of a Decanter?
Decanters are not just for show; they can be pretty functional. The most important benefit to having a decanter is that it aerates the wine, which enhances the flavor of the drink.
This is because when the wine is exposed to air, it begins the process of oxidation. This causes white wines to turn yellow and brown over time and red wines to become more fragrant.
A decanter also helps to separate the sediment from the wine. This sediment, found at the bottom of the bottle, is not particularly pleasant to drink and can become lodged in your teeth.
Pouring wine into a decanter also helps it "breathe," which gives it a better taste. In addition, the oxygen exposure opens up the aromas and flavors of the wine, making it more enjoyable to drink.
In addition, using a decanter can make you look like a wine connoisseur. It can be a great way to impress your guests and show them that you know your stuff when it comes to wine.
Finally, a decanter is a great way to show off your wine collection. If you have a lot of expensive wines, you can show them off by putting them in an ornate decanter so everyone will be impressed by your good taste.
Are Decanters Worth the Money?
Decanters are not usually cheap. You can expect to pay anywhere from $15-$200 for a decent quality decanter. In comparison, high-end decanters can be $1,000 or more.
However, they may be worth the investment, especially if you are a wine lover. Not only do decanters improve the flavor of wine, but they can also add a touch of elegance to your home.
If you are looking for a unique gift for a wine lover, a decanter is a perfect option.
So, if you are a wine lover, a decanter is a worthwhile investment.
If you are interested in adding a modern twist to your decanter, check out the Proper Decanters. They offer a wide variety of handmade decanters used for wine, whiskey, and other spirits.
Wine Decanters vs. Whiskey/Brandy Decanters
There are two significant differences between wine decanters and whiskey/brandy decanters. First, wine decanters typically have a very thin neck that is only wide enough to fit one or two fingers, while whiskey/brandy decanters usually have a much wider neck.
This makes them much easier to pour from because you can fit your whole hand inside and use a gentle pouring motion. Wine decanters also typically have flat bottoms, while whiskey/brandy decanters do not.
This is because wine should never be allowed to sit in contact with anything besides glass or crystal. By contrast, whiskey and brandy need contact with the barrel's wood to age properly.
Therefore, if you are looking for a decanter to hold wine, it is best to get a wine decanter. Likewise, if you are looking for a decanter to hold whiskey or brandy, it is best to get a whiskey/brandy decanter.
What are Decanters Made of?
The vast majority of decanters are made from either crystal or glass. However, you can also find them made from ceramic, wood, and even metal.
Crystal and glass decanters are the most popular because they are delicate yet durable. They also tend to be quite affordable compared to decanters made from other materials.
One disadvantage of glass and crystal decanters is that they are fragile. If you drop them, they can break or chip very easily. However, if you take proper care of your decanter, it will last a long time.
Do I Really Need to Decant My Wine?
Decanting wine is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial in some instances. For example, if you are serving a young, tannic wine, decanting will help to soften the tannins and make the wine taste smoother.
Decanting can also be helpful if you are serving a wine that has been exposed to oxygen for a long time. By pouring it into a decanter, you can reintroduce fresh oxygen and improve the flavor of the wine.
Decanting an aged wine can help because it will help poor off the clear wine. This will leave sediments at the bottom of the decanter and will help improve the taste.
Decanting and Serving Wine: The Right Way
When you pour wine into a decanter, there is a sure way that you should go about doing it to get the best results.
First, place the decanter on a flat surface and make sure that it is pointing away from your guests. This will help to prevent any spills.
Next, hold the bottle of wine at a 45-degree angle and slowly pour it into the decanter. Make sure that you pour the wine down the side of the decanter, not directly into the center.
This will help create a good vortex and ensure that the wine is appropriately aerated.
Finally, once the decanter is full, swirl it around a few times and then serve it to your guests.
What is the Difference Between a Decanter and a Carafe?
A decanter is a type of pitcher typically used to serve wine, brandy, and other fine spirits. In contrast, a carafe is a type of bottle designed to hold water or other drinks that are not quite as delicate as wine.
Carafes are similar to decanters in many ways, but they have a few key differences. For instance, a typical carafe will only have a narrow neck that is too thin for a hand to fit inside.
In contrast, a decanter will typically have a wider neck, and the entire jug of the decanter will fit inside a hand.
This makes it much easier to pour from a carafe than a decanter. Carafes also typically have rounder, more bulbous shapes, while decanters are typically more elongated.
Another critical difference between carafes and decanters is that carafes typically do not have a flat bottom. This is because they are not meant to be set on a table like a decanter. Instead, they are meant to be hung from a drinking glass or other vessel.
Can You Put Vodka in a Decanter?
While a decanter is typically used to serve wine and other delicate drinks, it is not limited to those beverages. You can put any drink in a decanter as long as it is the correct size.
This means that you can put vodka in a decanter if you choose. In addition, you can purchase vodka decanters that are explicitly made for this type of spirit.
Also, if you have a crystal decanter with a metal interior, you will put any alcohol inside it as long as it is the correct size.
For example, if you have a wine decanter that measures five inches tall and four inches wide on the base, you can use it to pour any drink as long as those measurements are equal or less. This means that you can put alcohol in a carafe and other items such as iced tea or juice.
How Long Does Wine Last in a Decanter?
Typically, the wine will last in a decanter for about 12 hours but can be enjoyed for up to three days. However, this depends on a few different factors, such as the type of wine, the temperature of the room, and the type of decanter.
If you are unsure if the wine has gone bad or not, it is always best to throw it out after about three days because it could potentially grow mold when left to sit for too long.
By pouring the wine into a decanter, you can reintroduce fresh oxygen and improve the flavor of the wine. Decanting an aged wine can help because it will help poor off the clear wine.
This will leave sediments at the bottom of the decanter, and the wine will be poured off these sediments. This is why wine should not be decanted for more than about an hour because if it sits for too long, the sediment will start to mix with the wine.
Final Thoughts
Not only do decanters add flavor to your drink of choice, but they are also made from unique craftsmanship. A decanter is a must-have addition to their bar collection for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
If you are interested in getting a decanter for you or a loved one, check out our collection at Proper Decanters.
For more information on the benefits of decanters, check out these articles: