Decanter

A decanter is most often used to serve wine. The purpose of having a decanter is to separate the clear portion of the wine or other liquid from a smaller portion containing the sediment.

Traditionally, decanters made it easier for servants to bring wine to the table. It was decanted in another room, into easy-to-carry decanters. These were made from glass until scarcity made it easier to forge them from bronze, gold, silver or earthenware.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decanter During the Renaissance glass was reintroduced, and the traditional shape of the decanter we see today was brought into vogue. Stoppers were added in the 1730's to limit the exposure of the wine to air.

When buying a decanter, it is important to know what you are going to use it for. Certain shapes or volumes are meant for certain wines, and they are labeled as such. Some need special cleaning and some are dishwasher safe. You will want your decanter to match your room decor, as well. There are many different styles available.

• Riedel

• Ravenscroft

• Spiegelau

• Metrokane

• Godinger

• Puccini