Buying a Decanter...Which one?

Deano · Post by **Deano** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 10:13 pm

I am considering to purchase a decanter, but i would like to hear from everyone who could point me in the correct direction to a good brand and model? Which ones should i definitely stay away from? What approx price range should i consider for a reasonable decanter? thanks

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 10:53 pm

I use Redel Cabernet decanter, both 750 and 1500 ml. It's not cheap, but a great decanter both in quality and weight.

Jakob · Post by **Jakob** » Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:15 pm

Anything that allows a good surface area exposure to air is just fine. If it's a utility rather than an ornament, I try use something shaped like this one, and would avoid glass that is too fine (thin) as it has a tendency to misbehave (break) when being cleaned :oops:

Available under $50.

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 5:53 am

Dean,

I have a number of them, about 5 to be exact. All are functional and do their job. The more expensive ones look better but are not necessarily any better.

Peters of Kensington http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/catalog/subcat.asp?depid=06&catid=0611&subcatid=213 have a great range, are well priced and deliver.

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 8:57 am

I like the Zerutti Turn decanter (but keep breaking then :oops:

), and I also have a Spiegelau which seems to work well.

As an alternative, you can use conical lab flasks. They are usually pyrex, so tougher than glass, and way cheaper than a decanter. Dont have the pizzazz a Decanter does, but they would certainly be a talking point around the dinner table!

cheers

Andrew

GraemeG · Post by **GraemeG** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 10:29 am

Wizz wrote:I like the Zerutti Turn decanter (but keep breaking then ),

I think the Zerutti is lead-free, yes? The other thing I particularly like about it is the fact it has a diamond shaped profile, with the contents of a 750ml bottle reaching up to the widest point. As the level of wine drops, therefore, the surface area exposed to oxygen falls as well - whereas with the more traditional 'dump' shape there's increasing oxidation of the remaining dregs of wine...

cheers,
Graeme

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:06 am

There is one other advantage to the turn decanter, the bottom is pointed and any sediment not decanted falls into it and there is less "wastage".

Adair · Post by **Adair** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:03 pm

GraemeG wrote:the contents of a 750ml bottle reaching up to the widest point.

I think this is the most important aspect of a decanter, on which the standard Riedel Bordeaux (750mL) (which I currently use as my work decanter) fails.

Adair

Glen G · Post by **Glen G** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:09 pm

GraemeG on Zerutti Turn Decanters wrote

As the level of wine drops, therefore, the surface area exposed to oxygen falls as well

I think the surface to volume ratio remains the same however.
Anybody know the math behind this?

Cheers
Glen

DJ · Post by DJ » Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:45 pm

My favourite is a one litre water jug which happens to pour beautifully. Second favourite is the Zerutti Turn - I don't own one but have drunk plenty out of other peoples

I think the Riedels are too heavy - especially as the night wears on and coordination diminishes :oops:

I have an Orrefors nice enough but the guests have been known to suggest it looks like a bed pan
and a Waterford which is too heavy

Jakob · Post by **Jakob** » Wed Jul 14, 2004 1:12 pm

Glen G wrote:GraemeG on Zerutti Turn Decanters wrote
As the level of wine drops, therefore, the surface area exposed to oxygen falls as well

I think the surface to volume ratio remains the same however.
Anybody know the math behind this?

Volume = Surface Area x Depth / 3 = Pie

r^2 h / 3
So, umm, yes? :cry:

:oops: I hate math. Anyway, as the wine is poured, it flows in a horizontal fashion, probably more so than it does vertically, so you're not just 'skimming the top' with each pour, but getting some from lower in the decanter too.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:23 am

Adair wrote:
GraemeG wrote:the contents of a 750ml bottle reaching up to the widest point.

I think this is the most important aspect of a decanter, on which the standard Riedel Bordeaux (750mL) (which I currently use as my work decanter) fails.

Adair

If you use the 1500ml Riedel Bordeaux and it centainly will be around the widest point.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:24 am

that was me.forgot to sign in

Adair · Post by **Adair** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 8:49 am

Rob wrote:
Adair wrote:
GraemeG wrote:the contents of a 750ml bottle reaching up to the widest point.

I think this is the most important aspect of a decanter, on which the standard Riedel Bordeaux (750mL) (which I currently use as my work decanter) fails.

Adair

If you use the 1500ml Riedel Bordeaux and it centainly will be around the widest point.

Yes - but you might want to use the magnum decanter for a magnum.

Actually, I don't know what the magnum decanter looks like. I only have the 750mL - bought as part of a special bundle. However, I am sure if I could afford the Bordeaux magnum decanter, I would to have it as it is most probably of excellent quality and beauty but alas...

Kind regards,
Adair

bacchaebabe · Post by **bacchaebabe** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:53 pm

I have a Zerrutti Turn decanter and a Riedel Ultra decanter which is beautiful and was a gift. I love both but the worst thing about the both of them is when you get down low, they both become quite difficult to pour, especially the ultra decanter, as you almost have to turn it right upsidedown due to the very flat edges.

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/ca ... did=106992

I want to get one of the Riedel duck decanters as this one pours a lot better and yet still has plenty of surface area. This is not a cheap decanter though.

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/ca ... did=226175

If you were looking for a good everyday decanter, I'd be inclined to recommend the Zerrutti Turn. It's reasonably priced, works well, cleans out OK and clever placement of the base ensures it always ends up where you want it - ie. in front of you and not stuck in front of of someone else who may top themselves up and not everyone else!

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/ca ... did=201603

simm · Post by **simm** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:04 pm

bacchaebabe wrote:I have a Zerrutti Turn decanter and a Riedel Ultra decanter which is beautiful and was a gift. I love both but the worst thing about the both of them is when you get down low, they both become quite difficult to pour, especially the ultra decanter, as you almost have to turn it right upsidedown due to the very flat edges.

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/ca ... did=106992

I want to get one of the Riedel duck decanters as this one pours a lot better and yet still has plenty of surface area. This is not a cheap decanter though.

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/ca ... did=226175

If you were looking for a good everyday decanter, I'd be inclined to recommend the Zerrutti Turn. It's reasonably priced, works well, cleans out OK and clever placement of the base ensures it always ends up where you want it - ie. in front of you and not stuck in front of of someone else who may top themselves up and not everyone else!

http://www.petersofkensington.com.au/ca ... did=201603

The Turn is a roil noice idea. Something very comforting about it rolling around. Lovely. The ultra is gorgeous and is almost worth placing on a shelf as an artwork in itself, but I see your point about the pouring.

Lucky thing to have both,

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:44 pm

Adair wrote: I don't know what the magnum decanter looks like. I only have the 750mL

The 1500ml looks exactly like the 750ml, but just a bigger version

AlanK · Post by **AlanK** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:13 pm

DJ wrote:My favourite is a one litre water jug which happens to pour beautifully. Second favourite is the Zerutti Turn - I don't own one but have drunk plenty out of other peoples
I think the Riedels are too heavy - especially as the night wears on and coordination diminishes
I have an Orrefors nice enough but the guests have been known to suggest it looks like a bed pan
and a Waterford which is too heavy

I use the water jug as well, it is so easy to clean. Love it!

Deano · Post by **Deano** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:47 pm

Thank you all for your comments. I now have a few ideas which has made it a little easier for me. I haven't worked out yet how to copy someones quote but i do like Wizz' comment about using a conical lab flask...being a lab tech myself...i'm going to have a look through the cupboards at work on Monday.

AlanK · Post by **AlanK** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:09 am

Dean Burgess wrote:Thank you all for your comments. I now have a few ideas which has made it a little easier for me. I haven't worked out yet how to copy someones quote but i do like Wizz' comment about using a conical lab flask...being a lab tech myself...i'm going to have a look through the cupboards at work on Monday.

Dean,

I am a Chemist as well, you can also look for a flat bottom round bottom flask :oops:

.

Alan