Decanters have been around since ancient times and have the same job that they always have, which is to separate the wine from the dregs, sediment, etc., and deliver it to you in its best possible condition. Nowadays, decanters are made of crystal or glass instead of ceramics, but their function remains the same.
There are quite a few differences between modern wine decanter and classic wine decanters though, which we’ll cover in this article on how to choose the right one for your home bar.
1) Materials
When it comes to wine decanters, there are two main materials used in their construction: crystal glass and stainless steel. Crystal is a stronger material than steel, which means it can withstand higher temperatures; for instance, most crystal decanters are dishwasher safe.
Additionally, crystal’s transparent properties allow you to watch your wine as it is being poured. Steel, on the other hand, is more affordable than crystal and has similar heat-resistant properties. However, because of its opacity, you won’t be able to see inside your decanter while pouring wine into it.
2) Capacity
As wine decanters have been around for many centuries, it’s not surprising that most classic decanters were designed to hold a larger volume of wine.
In fact, many of these wine decanter designs held up to four or even five glasses at a time! Many modern-day wine decanters tend to be smaller in volume, holding only one or two glasses of wine.
3) Functionality
The major functional difference between these two wine decanters is that a classic wine decanter has an elongated neck, which makes it difficult to reach into when pouring. Since modern wine decanters are made with shorter necks, they’re easier to pour from.
Of course, you can just as easily pour directly from a classic bottle with no issues, but many people prefer to avoid having to do so. This is especially true if you want to use your wine decanter for more than one type of drink. With a classic decanter, you might have trouble using it for anything other than wine because of its long neck.
With a modern decanter, however, you don’t have to worry about that issue at all. Aesthetics: It may not seem like much on paper, but in practice there’s quite a bit of difference between classic and modern wine decanters in terms of aesthetics.
4) Longevity
Over time, a wine decanter’s finish is sure to wear down, especially if you use it regularly. When choosing between a classic wine decanter and a modern version, keep in mind that older decanters may be more susceptible to chipping than newer designs. If long-term use is in your future, you may want to lean toward buying a cheaper decanter that looks great but isn’t meant for frequent use.
You can always upgrade later on. A beautiful glass design could also stand out as a nice addition to your home decor—the look of antique or designer pieces often make them worth keeping around even after they’ve lost their functionality. To be sure you’re getting the right wine decanter, lechateauwinedecanter.com should be your dealer.