Decanters have been around for centuries. They have been made of many different materials during this time. At first glass was used and then after the fall of the Roman Empire it was earthenware, bronze, silver and gold. It was only after the Renaissance that using glass became popular again. The crystal wine decanter of today with its long neck and wide body owes its origins to the Venetians.
Decanting was very important in the past. This was because the wines contained a lot of sediment due to the aging process. In order to deal with this problem, they were decanted, leaving the sediment behind.
The action of decanting also aerated the wine. The large surface area in contact with the air in the decanter changed it, encouraging the development of the more complex aromas and softening the bite. Decanters are also perfect for showing off the color and clarity of wines.
The purpose of decanters through the years was obvious but their popularity was not just because of this. They were desired for their appearance as well. Craftsmen competed with one another to produce unique hand-blown decanters with great aesthetic appeal. They were blown and cut by hand and often engraved with interesting designs.
For some years lead crystal was used for making decanters. It had a brilliant silvery appearance. The dangers of lead to the health has only been discovered in more recent years. There is debate over the danger of the lead in these receptacles. Some people will not use them at all while others feel there is only danger if wines are stored for more than three months.
The glass used today for many decanters is of very fine quality. These decanters are completely transparent and without defects. There are so many different shapes, designs and sizes available to choose from. They are available at many locations, including department stores. Going online to view those produced by different companies can give you a good idea of what is on the market. Products vary greatly in quality and therefore prices also vary considerably.
In order to get the best effect from decanters, particularly those made of crystal, they need to be kept spotless. This can be achieved by adding scrubbers such as crushed ice or coarse salt when washing them. When these are agitated inside the receptacle, they help to remove residue from difficult to reach areas.
Apart from their practical uses, decanters lend elegance to an occasion. There are those who question their value with regards to aeration while others believe it makes a real difference. If you have never tried one out, do not be put off by thinking that it is difficult to use. This is not true and you will be able to decide for yourself whether you think decanting makes a difference.
Crystal wine decanters have always been popular for the way they show off the clarity and color of the wines. Despite the fact that wines have greatly improved over the ages, many of them still benefit from the process of decanting. Add to this the elegance and style of the decanters themselves and one can understand their popularity.
Decanting was very important in the past. This was because the wines contained a lot of sediment due to the aging process. In order to deal with this problem, they were decanted, leaving the sediment behind.
The action of decanting also aerated the wine. The large surface area in contact with the air in the decanter changed it, encouraging the development of the more complex aromas and softening the bite. Decanters are also perfect for showing off the color and clarity of wines.
The purpose of decanters through the years was obvious but their popularity was not just because of this. They were desired for their appearance as well. Craftsmen competed with one another to produce unique hand-blown decanters with great aesthetic appeal. They were blown and cut by hand and often engraved with interesting designs.
For some years lead crystal was used for making decanters. It had a brilliant silvery appearance. The dangers of lead to the health has only been discovered in more recent years. There is debate over the danger of the lead in these receptacles. Some people will not use them at all while others feel there is only danger if wines are stored for more than three months.
The glass used today for many decanters is of very fine quality. These decanters are completely transparent and without defects. There are so many different shapes, designs and sizes available to choose from. They are available at many locations, including department stores. Going online to view those produced by different companies can give you a good idea of what is on the market. Products vary greatly in quality and therefore prices also vary considerably.
In order to get the best effect from decanters, particularly those made of crystal, they need to be kept spotless. This can be achieved by adding scrubbers such as crushed ice or coarse salt when washing them. When these are agitated inside the receptacle, they help to remove residue from difficult to reach areas.
Apart from their practical uses, decanters lend elegance to an occasion. There are those who question their value with regards to aeration while others believe it makes a real difference. If you have never tried one out, do not be put off by thinking that it is difficult to use. This is not true and you will be able to decide for yourself whether you think decanting makes a difference.
Crystal wine decanters have always been popular for the way they show off the clarity and color of the wines. Despite the fact that wines have greatly improved over the ages, many of them still benefit from the process of decanting. Add to this the elegance and style of the decanters themselves and one can understand their popularity.
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