The Best Wine Decanter for Enhancing Flavor and Aroma

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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To an amateur oenophile, looking for the best wine decanter is an unnecessary and extravagant purchase. Transferring your favorite wine from one bottle to another container can help you to recognize and appreciate the melody of flavors and aromas in your drink. After all, decanting wines does more than add a gorgeous centerpiece to your dining table.

A wine decanter is a container that you can use for red wine, whisky, cognac, bourbon, scotch and other liquors. It serves to expose your drink to the air before you enjoy a glass. This exposure enhances the flavor and allows you to experience the taste intricacies created by the winemaker.

On the other hand, a wine decanter separates the sediments that collect in the bottle of aging wine. The deposits of wine's tartaric and color matter are not harmful, but they can make the drink cloudy, hard, and bitter. A wine decanter will help you serve only the liquid for a clear sip each time.

Are you interested in finding a suitable wine decanter for your oenophile experiences? We have covered 5 of the best wine decanters you can buy to enhance your favorite bottles' flavors and aroma.

The 5 Best Wine Decanters to Consider

1. Le Chateau Wine Decanter

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Le Chateau Red Wine Decanter Aerator - Crystal Glass...
  • ????Taste Your Wine's Rich Natural Flavors: After being kept in...
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The Le Chateau wine decanter is a lead-free crystal piece with a broad base and an asymmetrical spout. The material and elegant design make it an excellent centerpiece for your dining area. You can gift this product to friends and family as it is a beautiful addition to a well-stocked bar at home.

Additionally, the broad base allows for optimal aeration of the wine. The shape of this decanter increases the breathable surface area for the drink. Consequently, it effortlessly enhances the aromas and tastes of the wine.

The Le Chateau has an asymmetrical spout that does not spill when you pour out the drink. This wine decanter is durable, functional, aesthetically pleasing and does not make a mess. Plus, the lead-free crystal decanter has the capacity to accommodate an entire 750ml bottle of wine at once.

Pros:

  • It is an excellent gift and centerpiece because of the lead-free crystal piece material.
  • It has a broad base that is suitable for aged red wine and large bottles.
  • The asymmetrical lip reduces dripping when the wine is almost done.
  • It is affordable.

Cons:

  • It requires gentle hand washing. Otherwise, it would crack.

2. Spiegelau Authentis Decanter

Spiegelau Authentis Decanter, Set of 1, European-Made...
  • PREMIUM WINE DECANTER - Sleek curves give this Authentis decanter...
  • GERMAN LEAD-FREE CRYSTAL BARWARE - Sparkling lead-free crystal...
  • DISHWASHER SAFE – Spiegelau’s Platinum Glass process ensures...
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The Spiegelau Authentis Decanter has a premium feel because of its distinctive design. If you want to enhance your wine service while still bringing out your favorite bottles' taste and aroma, this product is for you. Plus, you can use it for both white and red wines.

This European-made wine decanter has a lead-free crystal construction with a broad base for maximum aeration. The crystal decanter is also dishwasher safe due to Splegelau's Platinum Glass process that makes it durable. This product will withstand over 1500 dishwasher cycles without breaking.

Take advantage of the premium glassware construction and excellent craftsmanship of the Spiegelau Authentis for a special gift. After all, the crystal decanter is a practical, elegant, and modern addition to any wine bar or diner table.

Pros:

  • Excellent glassware composition of lead-free crystal glass that makes the decanters dishwasher safe and durable.
  • The laser-cut rim of the spout and seamless stem enhance the modern aesthetic appeal.
  • It has a broad base of 9 inches for optimal aeration.

Cons:

  • These decanters tend to spill if you pour out the wine quickly.

3. Savino | Glass Wine Saving Carafe | Clear | 750ml 

Savino | Glass Wine Saving Carafe | Clear | 750ml | For...
  • ENJOY MORE WINE – Enjoy a glass of wine without the fear of...
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The Savino | Glass Wine Saving Carafe adds a Scandinavian minimalistic look to any kitchen or fine table. The simple yet classic style of the mouthblown carafe emphasizes the elegance of the design. Plus, if you are looking for a tasteful gift, this decanter has a solid oak stopper for extra appeal.

Any white wine enthusiast will appreciate the long angular shape that eases holding and pouring. Additionally, it will allow your wine to breathe while acting on the sulfurous elements during the decanting process.

The mouthblown glass decanter is thin and long to allow a larger surface area for air exposure. This combination of features quickens the process of bringing your drink close to room temperature.

Pros:

  • These wine aerators are suitable for mellowing out white wine.
  • This decanter is an affordable option.
  • The minimalist look and the stopper make the wine decanter a terrific gift.
  • Lead-free construction and is also dishwasher safe.
  • The glass doesn't cloud or discolor after prolonged use.

Cons:

  • It is not suitable for red wine because of the narrow base.

4. Waterford Lismore Square Decanter

Waterford Lismore Black Square Decanter
  • Crafted from the finest Crystal
  • Part of the Lismore Black Collection. Rich opaque black color...
  • Perfect for everyday use and entertaining, serve up your drink of...
  • Presented in elegant Waterford packaging
  • Hand wash with soft cloth

The Waterford Lismore Square Decanter has a unique and unconventional shape when compared to other wine decanters. This unorthodox take on the design calls back to the rustic crystal decanter commonly used for spirits. Despite the shape, it can still carry out the decanting process on your wines.

The Waterford Lismore Square Decanter can accommodate 26 ounces and help you display it in a well-crafted crystal container. The diamond and wedge-cut etching on the side make it a stunning but functional fine table piece.

When you are not serving wine with this decanter, you can use it for spirits. Plus, the product comes in a box that is presentable and gift-wrap-ready.

Pros:

  • It can also store and display spirits.
  • Stylish crystal design with exquisite patterns.
  • The wine decanter is ideal for sediment removal.

Cons:

  • This crystal decanter has a smaller base than other wine aerators. Thus, it is not as effective at exposing the wine to oxygen.

5. Brew To A Tea (BTaT) Decanter with Stand, Stopper, Brush and Beads

BTaT- XL Decanter with Drying Stand, Stopper, Brush and...
  • 1800ml (60 oz) Capacity Wine Decanter Made from 100% Lead-Free...
  • Designed to Aerate and Oxygenate Wine to Release Its Aroma and...
  • Stainless Steel Drying Stand with Rubber Coating for Wine...
  • Drying Stand to Make Cleaning Your Decanter Very Easy, Dries...

If you are looking for a large-capacity wine decanter, the BTaT is the best choice. The 60-ounce crystal glass piece is 100% lead-free and designed to maximize the surface area of wine exposed to oxygen. Additionally, a conventional bottle of wine should fit comfortably inside the decanter.

The BTaT Decanter comes with three other accessories for making your oenophile life easier. For starters, it has a cork ball for the spout. This material is softer than solid wood and can create a seal that preserves the wine after aeration.

You do not have to worry about cleaning this wine decanter since it comes with stainless steel beads to help you reach stubborn sediment residue. Gently swirl them while hand washing and use the stainless steel drying stand. The scratch-resistant stand has a rubber ring to prevent any damage to your glass decanters.

Pros:

  • Broad base for optimal aeration of an entire bottle of wine.
  • The wine decanter comes with extra accessories making it affordable.
  • Easy cleaning and drying.
  • Slanted spout for easy pouring.

Cons:

  • It is not one of the most durable wine aerators.
  • Some customers are not happy with the materials used in making the decanter.

The Wine Enthusiast Guide for Selecting the Best Wine Decanter

1. Cost

It is possible to get wine decanters at about $20, while specialized ones cost hundreds more. If you are interested in aeration and not adding aesthetic appeal to your home, the cheap options can serve the purpose well. You can go through customer reviews to find out if spending less will mean buying a durable decanter.

Increasing your budget can allow you to experience a more efficient decanting process that will remove the wines' sediment. Moreover, you can get a product that comes with more accessories than the standard stopper. These additions can ease the cleaning of the wine decanter.

2. Size

Most buyers prefer to find a wine decanter with the capacity to hold a standard bottle of wine. Typically, this size is enough to serve a few guests. Still, if you want to throw more extravagant parties for numerous friends, you should consider buying large decanters.

On the other hand, a larger container may mean that you will have more wine leftover. Since it is not advisable to store wines in decanters unless they have an airtight stopper, the size you buy matters.

3. Shape

The shape of wine decanters serves both form and function. A wide-necked one is ideal for aeration since it allows more oxygen to reach the wine. Plus, they are easy to clean because you can swirl the water or stainless steel beads easily for a thorough wash.

On the other hand, a thin-necked one is much better at separating wine from the sediment. The decanter shape allows you to pour out the wine gently for a clear sip of your favorite bottle. Nevertheless, such decanters are notoriously tricky to clean and may require specialized tools.

4. Aesthetic Appeal

Wine decanters come in numerous designs. You can find a product that can enhance the look of your fine table by displaying your wines in a classy container.

A crystal glass decanter has more ornate and decorative value than the others. However, this stylistic choice means that you need to be extra careful with the product as it may be heavier and delicate. The best wine decanter should have both form and function.

5. The Wine

Decanting can help you bring out the aroma and flavor of your bottle of wine. However, some decanters are explicitly made for certain wines. If you want an authentic oenophile experience, you can ensure that you have the right products for any kind of wine.

Aged wine requires more sediment removal and less aeration than a younger one. Always check for the best practices for the bottle of wine you have. After all, the products you buy should help your favorite wine bottles to taste better.

6. Cleaning Procedures and Spout Design

A slanted spout makes it easier to pour out the wine without spilling. Alternatively, the decanting system can have an intelligent anti-dripping mechanism to ensure you do not make a mess while using it.

Cleaning decanters requires care and patience as leaving the soap inside will affect the taste of the wines. You can buy products that are dishwasher safe for many cycles to ease the process of cleaning them.

On the other hand, some manufacturers include other cleaning accessories such as beads and a special brush. These tools can help you remove stubborn sediment stuck on the base of the decanter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Wine Decanter

1. What is the best shape for a wine decanter?

The best wine decanter shape depends on the intended purpose. If you want to increase aeration, go for one with a broad base and wide neck. These features increase oxygen contact and flow.

2. Is wine better in a decanter?

Decanters heighten wines' flavor and aroma by allowing them to breathe. Decantation involves removing and softening sediment from the wines for a clean mouthfeel. Nevertheless, you should not store the wine in decanters without airtight stoppers.

3. Does wine go bad in a decanter?

You should not leave red wine in a decanter for too long, typically overnight, without an airtight stopper to prevent further aeration. Too much oxygen will cause the wine to turn to vinegar, become sour, and discolor.

Lead crystal decanters should not store wine even for one night. The lead levels of your drink will increase to dangerous levels after a prolonged duration. If you want to keep wines in your decanter, ensure you go for a lead-free crystal one.

4. Should you swirl the wine in a decanter?

Swirling wine in a decanter quickly exposes it to oxygen and speeds up the aeration process. However, older wine requires you to remove sediment as opposed to concentrating on airing it. Thus, it would be best to find out what works for the bottle of wine you have to get the best from it.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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