Decanter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A decanter is a vessel used to hold the resulting decantation of a liquid, which contains sediment (such as wine). Liquid from another vessel is poured into the decanter in order to separate a small volume of liquid, containing the sediment, from a larger volume of "clear" liquid, which is free of such. In the process, the sediment is left in the original vessel, and the clear liquid is transferred to the decanter.
Wine decanters are frequently ornate in order to make an attractive vessel from which to serve the wine. Decanters often come with a stoppered lid, which may have a rod to aid decanting. Most decanters have a tall, upright shape and are made of glass, frequently lead crystal, so that one may see the process of decanting. Decanters have also been designed in various modernized shapes. Carafes are used for less expensive wines.
While only some red wines require decantation, all red wines, especially young ones, benefit from the oxygenation that occurs during the decanting process. A good decanting process involves the wine trickling down the walls of the decanter, imparting fuller flavour while taking the unwelcome edge off the wine[1].