The Best Wine Decanters, According to a Sommelier
Whether you're sipping on a big, bold red, a zesty white or even a vintage port, a wine decanter will improve its taste and texture.
Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or relatively new to the world of wine, you're probably familiar with the ritual of pouring a bottle of wine into a decanter. These vessels are an essential tool in any sommelier's kit, but they're not just for professionals using them with expensive vintage wines. Most wines can benefit from decanting. Yes, even your every day "cheap and cheerful" bottles.
Benefits of Using a Wine Decanter
Wine decanters aren't just attractive pieces of serveware meant to look chic on your table — they're functional, too. First, they expose the wine resting inside that bottle to oxygen, "waking up" those flavor molecules and aromatic compounds hibernating inside the bottle and bringing them to life. Differently shaped decanters have different scientific ways of integrating oxygen into the wine, which can heighten its aromas and improve its texture, soften harsh tannins in reds and enhance the subtle nuances in whites. Wine decanters are also extremely helpful for removing any sediment that may have formed in the bottle over time. Sediment is entirely natural and can occur in older red wines or unfiltered wines, but it's not a pleasant sensation to sip a mouthful of it as it has a similar texture to sand. By carefully pouring your wine into a decanter, you leave the sediment behind, ensuring that what reaches your glass is pure liquid perfection. Finally, decanters can help quickly adjust the serving temperature of a wine. If it's been stored cooler than you'd like to drink, pouring it into a decanter can raise the temperature faster than letting the bottle reach the perfect temperature on its own.
Read on to discover our favorite sommelier-approved wine decanters guaranteed to seriously uplevel your wine-drinking experience.
The Riedel Merlot Decanter is a true standout, with a design that effortlessly combines elegance and simplicity. This decanter is also reasonably priced and highly versatile, but don't let the 'Merlot' moniker fool you. This vessel is very well suited to work its magic on reds, whites and even sparkling wines, whether youthful or aged. Reidel was founded in 1756, and they are probably best known for their wine variety-specific wine glasses, but their range of decanters is also not to be missed. (You'll find several on this list.)
With its very wide base and elegant angle-cut rim, this decanter effortlessly elevates red wines, allowing maximum surface area for oxygen to permeate the wine and giving a solid breath of fresh air to any red feeling a little bit "tight." This is a classic shape at a friendly price and a perfect example of form meeting function.
This attractive, chic decanter is an ideal choice for those just beginning to cultivate an appreciation for the world of wine. This simple design is the perfect introduction to the art of decanting, showcasing the remarkable difference it can make in enhancing your wine experience. It's a piece that effortlessly bridges the gap between wine beginners and connoisseurs while maintaining a slim profile. And unlike other sprawling options, it's a perfect fit on a table for two.
The Dorset Decanter is a shining tribute to the marriage of aesthetics and functionality, sure to grace your bar cart with elegance and style. Named after the idyllic English county along the southern coast, this crystal decanter captures and refracts light through its faceted design, creating a mesmerizing display. Crafted with precision from lead-free crystal and designed to accommodate a spectrum of wines, the Dorset Decanter hails from a renowned Slovenian glassworks with a storied heritage dating back to 1927, embodying a perfect blend of classic tradition and modern flair.
This is an excellent option for any hostess-with-the-mostess: It turns the simple practice of decanting into a showstopping performance that's very fun to watch. Each component of this two-piece set, including the aerator and decanter with an attached funnel in the bottom, is meticulously hand-blown from lightweight and lead-free borosilicate glass. As the wine travels through the winding funnel, it becomes a fascinating spectacle that guests will be sure to remember.
Yes, you can decant white wine! Whether it's a young and vibrant Sauvignon Blanc or a well-aged Chardonnay, decanting can elevate your tasting experience by enhancing its aromas, bringing it to the right temperature (if it's too cold, decanting will help it reach its optimal temperature faster), allowing it to breathe and evolve, and ensuring a sediment-free pour. This elegant decanter from Luigi Bormioli will allow you to fully appreciate the potential of your white wines.
It's hard not to experience a little sticker shock with the Mamba decanter. However, this iconic design doubles as a collector's item. A homage to the Black Mamba snake, Reidel describes this decanter as "adding a touch of theater to the art of wine service" — and they couldn't be more right. With its coiled and upright stance, the Mamba is the perfect companion for young wines, and its design creates a series of air pockets that effectively double-decant your wine. As your wine winds its way through the curves of this glass showpiece, it emits a distinctive gurgle from the vigorous decanting process unique to the Mamba's design. Wine connoisseurs and collectors covet this decanter, so if you need a gift to impress and have the budget to match, this is an elite choice!
Sarah Tracey is a wine, food and lifestyle expert based in New York City. A certified sommelier, she worked her way up from spit-bucket emptier at a local winery to Michelin-starred Wine Director in top NYC restaurants. When she’s not vineyard-hopping, Sarah blogs at The Lush Life. She regularly shares food pairing, home entertaining and beverage expertise with Martha Stewart Living, Oprah Daily, People, Food & Wine, Forbes, Elle, Refinery 29, Life & Style Weekly, Town & Country, Cosmopolitan, PureWow, Brides and Cheddar TV. Her idea of self-care is a solo Beyoncé dance party with a glass of rosé Champagne.
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