Reciprocal Decanters

“To decant or not to decant?”

It’s a question that often arises when a bottle of fine wine is opened.

But what exactly is decanting, and is it really necessary? Here, premier wine merchant Reciprocal explains the benefits of decanting.

“Decanting is used to help aerate wine,” explains Reciprocal. “And while not all wines need to be decanted to enhance their flavour, full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz will taste better after a couple of hours of decanting. Similarly, older vintages should be allowed to breathe for about two hours before being enjoyed.”

The best decanters are made of glass and feature a narrow neck and wide base to allow as much of the wine as possible to come into contact with the air to help dormant aromas and flavours develop in full.

A great example of hard-working, beautiful-looking decanters is Riedel’s range of decanters. The wide range of handmade and machine-made decanters includes different sizes and designs, delighting both wine and design lovers.

A popular choice, the “Cabernet” decanter is a practical piece for wine lovers. With its functional design, it is suitable for both young and old wines, white or red. While the ‘Curly’ decanter features eye-catching coils and curvatures that help to charge and aerate wine. The twists of the decanter form a soft and playful spiral, with a slim tail for decoration and a wider spout for easy pouring. Another great option, the ‘Amadeo Fatto A Mano’ decanter, was launched in 2006 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of RIEDEL. Named after fellow Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose 250th birthday was also celebrated that year, this hand-blown decanter is shaped like a lyre and pours like a dream. Wine is simply decanted into the vessel’s wider opening and poured into the glass through its slender mouth.

Reciprocal Wines is South Africa’s premier fine wine and spirits merchant, boasting over 50 years of experience as a trusted importer and distributor of some of the world’s most renowned wines. A favourite among South African wine enthusiasts, Reciprocal Wines offers an exceptional selection of high-quality international wines, spirits, and wine accessories to elevate every occasion.