- Bottoms Up (RSS)How much would you pay for air?
By Jessica Yadegaran
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 12:53 pm in Uncategorized.
We’re all quite familiar with the various ways by which to aerate wine. Decanting. Swirling in glass. Swirling in mouth. Aeration is necessary, as you know, to increase a wine’s velocity and decrease its pressure. The decrease in pressure draws in air, allowing a better bouquet, enhanced flavors and a smoother finish.
I usually decant old and new reds.
But lately, I’ve been aerating everything in between because I’ve found a way to make the process less cumbersome. A large, crystal decanter is not your best friend when you’re only having a glass. It’s just not worth washing afterward, even with my long, nifty decanter sponge-cleaner.
The tiny Vinturi Wine Aerator ($40) works on a glass by glass basis. I put it on the table at dinners or when my wine club meets for people to experiment. You simply hold the egg sized contraption over your glass and pour the wine into it. The devise makes an offensive, giggle-inducing sounds, but otherwise, I’m a bit hooked on mine. I wasn’t wild about the price tag, but once you’re accustomed to aerating your wines with it, the process can get a bit addictive.
Would you pay $40 for the Vinturi? What’s your favorite mode of aeration?
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April 16th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
That is quite awesome, not only a fast way to aerate but looks like quite the conversation piece. Although pretty sure I would manage to make quite a mess with that. LOL
April 19th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I’ve tried this out at WineStyles in the Creek with Jeff, the wine buyer over there and I have to say it’s a pretty interesting gizmo. I think it might be one of the few wine gizmos that actually does what it hypes.
I also like think the newer Eisch breathable glasses are pretty grand and worth the $15-20 price tag especially, as you pointed out, when you’re only having a glass or two or tasting multiple wines at my curent fav joint in the East Bay, Artisan Wine Lounge in the Creek, as well.
Now I just need to fork out the moola and get me one of those Vinturi’s…
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 am
Agreed Ward. At first I didn’t think it was worth it but since I drink a glass of wine for myself quite often, it’s a convenient way to decant.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:51 am
Try it out Amber, it’s pretty cool.
April 24th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
This exact same aerator is at Wine Thieves in Lafayette for $30. Score!
April 24th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Omigod, that’s a $10 savings. Thanks for sharing dude. Score!