Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV James Bond 007 Limited Edition
Product Description:An icon of cinema meets a champagne house steeped in legacy. Champagne Bollinger marks over four decades as the official champa...
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Decanters and carafes aren’t just beautiful centrepieces on a table — they’re tools that transform the way wine (and even spirits) taste and feel. From softening tannins to elevating the aroma, a good decanter adds both function and theatre to serving. But how do you know if you really need one, and which style is right for you?
Q: What does a decanter do?
A: A decanter helps wine breathe by exposing it to oxygen, softening tannins and releasing aromas. For spirits, decanters are about presentation — offering aesthetic appeal while keeping the drink stable.
For Wine: Decanting allows young reds to open up, softening bold tannins and enhancing fruit character. Aged wines benefit too, with subtle aromas and fine textures becoming more expressive.
For Spirits: While spirits like whisky or cognac don’t change through oxygen exposure, pouring them into a decanter elevates the bar cart and the ritual of serving.
For Hosting: A sculptural glass vessel adds elegance and a sense of occasion to any pour.
Q: How long should you decant wine?
A: It depends on the wine.
Young Reds: 30–60 minutes helps soften structure and bring forward fruit.
Aged Reds: Just 15–20 minutes is often enough, so delicate aromas aren’t lost.
Whites: Less common, but fuller-bodied whites (like Chardonnay) can benefit from 10–15 minutes.
Functional Decanters: Wide-based vessels like the Riedel Ultra maximise surface area and oxygen exposure.
Artisanal Statements: Handcrafted designs such as the Brian Hirst Signature series serve as both sculpture and service.
Everyday Essentials: Slim, easy-pour styles from Zalto or PLUMM are perfect for casual dinners.
Decorative Collectables: Pieces like the Sophienwald Apollo bring both utility and visual drama.
Q: Can you put whisky or bourbon in a decanter?
A: Yes — but it’s for presentation, not preservation. Spirits don’t oxidise like wine, so their flavour stays stable. A decanter simply makes the act of pouring more elegant.
Rinse with warm water after each use.
Use cleaning beads or brushes to remove sediment.
Avoid detergents, which can cling to the glass.
Store upright, away from dust.
From timeless crystal by Riedel and Zalto to collectible Australian-made pieces by Brian Hirst, our collection is designed to suit every style of drinker. Whether you want an everyday carafe or a show-stopping centrepiece, a decanter brings ritual, elegance, and refinement to the pour.