Decanting wine does two things. It allows the sediment in older wines to settle and it helps to speed up the oxidation of wine. Experts disagree on the efficacy of decanting with some even arguing that decanting actually harms wine by diffusing and dissipating aroma compounds. Since we truly experience taste in the nose, the aroma compounds in wine are where most of the flavor is derived.
Most experts agree that decanting wine does little harm to almost any wine and it can soften the harsher notes in many kinds of wine. Decanting spirits is a bit different since these decanters typically come with a stopper that keeps out air and dust. Special care should ALWAYS be taken with antique or new spirits decanters that are made of lead crystal. Since spirits tend to be stored in decanters for months or even years, some experts argue that the lead in lead crystal can leach into the alcohol stored in the decanter over time. Wine decanters don’t raise the same issues as wine is typically poured out of the decanter over the course of several hours.
We are glassware evangelists. We have enjoyed scotch, wine...even soda in different glasses and noted the tremendous differences that the shape of the glass made to the taste of a beverage. You see, beverages offer a rush of notes that have to be gathered and presented to your nose and mouth. The proper glass serves the same function in presenting these notes as a skilled orchestral conductor would in a concert hall. Both of these conductors gently bring together notes and concepts for the ultimate consumption of the intended recipient. The role of a skilled conductor is to present the symphony (or beverage) in a manner that is honset to the original creator's vision.
We hope that after taking a moment to look around The Stemware Store, we will convert or convince our fellow enthusiasts to enjoy the finest beverages in the finest glassware. How much longer will you go without experiencing the TRUE taste of your favorite libation? The best sommeliers, master blenders and experts know that when it comes to nosing and tasting, the right glass makes all the difference.
Most experts agree that decanting wine does little harm to almost any wine and it can soften the harsher notes in many kinds of wine. Decanting spirits is a bit different since these decanters typically come with a stopper that keeps out air and dust. Special care should ALWAYS be taken with antique or new spirits decanters that are made of lead crystal. Since spirits tend to be stored in decanters for months or even years, some experts argue that the lead in lead crystal can leach into the alcohol stored in the decanter over time. Wine decanters don’t raise the same issues as wine is typically poured out of the decanter over the course of several hours.
We are glassware evangelists. We have enjoyed scotch, wine...even soda in different glasses and noted the tremendous differences that the shape of the glass made to the taste of a beverage. You see, beverages offer a rush of notes that have to be gathered and presented to your nose and mouth. The proper glass serves the same function in presenting these notes as a skilled orchestral conductor would in a concert hall. Both of these conductors gently bring together notes and concepts for the ultimate consumption of the intended recipient. The role of a skilled conductor is to present the symphony (or beverage) in a manner that is honset to the original creator's vision.
We hope that after taking a moment to look around The Stemware Store, we will convert or convince our fellow enthusiasts to enjoy the finest beverages in the finest glassware. How much longer will you go without experiencing the TRUE taste of your favorite libation? The best sommeliers, master blenders and experts know that when it comes to nosing and tasting, the right glass makes all the difference.
