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Subject: Decanters

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ChangeMe

Grape Destemmer
Posts:88

01/09/2003 5:42 AM
Okay so I need a decanter. Any suggestions on what to look for? Does size matter (sorry, couldn't resist)? How important is lead-free? How much can I expect to spend for a decent to good one? As always, thanks for the education.

skwid

Wine Connoisseur
Posts:5452

01/09/2003 5:47 AM
IMHO the biggest thing is getting one that pours well and doesn't splash and dribble all over the place. Any decenter will have the large area so I wouldn't put that much into that. Personally I think the Speigelau Vino Grande bottle sized decanter is great (they also make a magnum sized one). It costs about $35 and uses leaded crystal. I don't think the lead/no lead really matters. The wine won't be in the decanter long enough to leech out any lead so I don't worry about that.

Budman

Master of Wine
Posts:11834

01/09/2003 10:18 AM
skwid, I agree. I have a Spig Vino Grande. It's reasonably priced, has large air space, cleans easily. It is versatile, and didn't cost me an arm or a leg (like most Riedels).

Joseph Bembry User is Offline

Wine Lover
Posts:4857

01/09/2003 2:39 PM
Petey, just make sure you get one that has a wide enough bowl, so you get as much wine in contact with the air. Some decanters we have used at tastings in the past have been too small so the wine didn't have a lot of air surface contact. I have a couple magnum sized decanters that I will sometimes put a 750ml bottle into. Even greater air/wine contact. The Spig is a good value. Also, check out Wine Enthusiast as they usually will have some good ones in th$25-$30 range. jb

Tom

Barrel Sampler
Posts:2384

01/09/2003 3:05 PM
IWA does good as well and has reasonable prices. http://www.iwawine.com Good luck.

Sacred Cow User is Offline

Wine Thief
Posts:2764

01/09/2003 5:22 PM
The Wine Club has the Vino Grande for $30.99 right now... Mike

ChangeMe

Barrel Filler
Posts:1210

01/09/2003 10:51 PM
I have a magnum wide bottom style decanter like the vino grande (but the brand is WMF) The getting the last glass or two out of it is a pain (basically have to turn the decanter completely upside down) but otherwise it is nice. For simple decanting where aeration is not as important, I have a riedel cabernet decanter that I got at amazon for $23. As far as lead free goes... It has been suggested before to dump a cheap acidic white wine it in and leave it for a day or two. That should leach out any possible lead contamination. I also wouldn't store wine long term in lead decanters, but normal use shouldn't be an issue.

Dick W.

Barrel Filler
Posts:1081

01/10/2003 8:08 PM
the only thing i'd add on decanters, we have four, is that we have one special one for occasions, and it has to do with it's the decanter that was used when we got engaged, so we had to have one. the riedel duck decanter. it holds only 750ml, but it's beautiful, and is a very nice piece for special occasions or guests. but it's pricey at $135, and really no better than others, it's more just a nice reminder of that evening every time we use it.

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