Best Wine Decanter Reviews 2020

While all wine decanters do the same fundamental thing (infuse oxygen into your wine), their design durability, holding capacity, and performance are what sets them apart. You can get your hands on a cheap wine decanter, but it will probably disappoint you both in terms of the quality of the results and in its aesthetic appeal, as it may just become the focal point for all the wrong reasons.

A good decanter should allow your wine to breathe, and also be a visual treat at the time of service in order to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs. Adding to this, higher-end models are also more stylish and better adept at separating sediments from the wines, so if you’ve already made the investment in a bottle of Ségla 2012 Margaux, it makes perfect sense to buy accessories that are up to par with it.

Some wine decanters also come with a couple of glasses, which might be a little expensive upfront, but is much more cost-efficient than buying them separately. Plus, you save on precious time wasted looking for wine glasses that match the design of the decanter! To give you a rough idea, prices for wine decanters start at roughly $30 and go all the way to $400+ for one that that will let your wine breathe easy and awaken its flavors—and help you create a dramatic presentation.

Before you set foot to buy the best decanter, there are a few pragmatic factors to consider such as the amount of wine you need to decant to serve your audience.

Here are a few more important aspects to consider that will help ease your buying decision:

• Holding Capacity – Measured generally in ounces or ML, this dictates how much wine you can pour into the decanter.
• Neck Type – Common choices are wide-neck and thin-neck decanters, each with their own set of benefits.
• Shape – Decanters can be had in a variety of shapes, and although the best one is a matter of personal preference, it’s wise to choose one that offers the right amount of surface area for your wine.
• Design/Look – Again mostly a matter of personal taste, most wine decanters are both functional and are visually stunning.
• Material – Most decanters are made from glass, but just like wine glasses, some high-end models are crafted from fine lead crystal and break-resistant crystal.
• Ease of Cleaning – Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, especially if you’re dealing with delicate glass, which could be either dishwasher-friendly or gentle, hand wash.
• Break-resistant – Generally made from plastic, this allows you to get your groove on with the confidence of knowing that even if you drop the decanter, you can simply pick it up, refill it, and get back to your two-step.
• Stopper – A must-have only if you’re going to leave the wine in the decanter overnight.
• Chilling Wine Decanter – This helps decant your wines and keep them cold for a period of time.

Wine decanters can be had in a variety of sizes, some that can fit a full bottle of wine, and others that are good for one or two glasses. Although most wine enthusiasts prefer to buy decanters that fit one full bottle, small-sized decanters might be a better option if you aren’t going to finish a bottle in one go, given that wine turns to acid if it sits steady for too long.

One of the biggest questions with regards to shape is which one is right for you. To explain briefly, most high-quality decanters give you the best of both worlds—great access to air and great grip to pour the wine without dripping. When it comes to the design of decanters, you will literally be spoilt for choice given the plethora of styles available. But to help you out, clear, crystal decanters allows you to see the wine in its pure form, while colored models obscure the color of the wine.

Some wines are best served without decanting, while others should not be served without running them through a decanter. Furthermore, some wines take longer to decant, such as full-bodied red wines or those rich in tannins, for which a decanter with a wide base and neck are a great choice.

Speaking of decanting times, full-bodied wines take the longest to decant, roughly about 1 to 2 hours, while vintage red wines take approximately 2 hours. Wine decanters collect visible deposits over time, which is especially the case with crystal decanters. In order to get rid of the accumulated debris, it’s best to use fragrance-free soap and a non-metallic sponge to prevent any scratches.