Anyone who drinks serious wine at home will be used to the idea of decanting prior to service, even if only into a glass jug or carafe. After all, it just isn’t enough to take the cork from a bottle and expect its contents to breathe fully. The owner of a modest set of decanters, I admit to being seriously attracted by several of the current Zerrutti range, whose eye-catching designs are both steeped in heritage and remarkably effective. Based on a traditional design from Chianti, the Rossi decanter ($44.95) is similar to the ship’s decanter concept in shape, creating a large surface area for some serious breathing. The Turn decanter ($69.95) is a favourite. When not ensconced on its stable base, its shape lets it roll around the table, contributing to the wine’s aeration and generally performing the sort of attention-grabbing sideshow that just might make boring dinner parties more bearable. Clearly modelled on the duck decanter concept, another classic shape, the Tecno decanter ($84.95) has an angled design, which is as interesting to look at as it is practical to use.
