Evaluating Wine Gadgets: Necessities versus Niceties
Essential Wine Accessories for Enthusiasts: A Guide
In the world of wine, having the right tools can make a significant difference in the taste, aroma, and overall enjoyment of your favourite vintages. Here's a guide to the recommended wine accessories for any enthusiast.
Opening
A reliable corkscrew is the foundation of any wine collection. Popular choices include waiter's corkscrews, winged corkscrews, and electric models. For those seeking high-tech options, the Coravin wine system allows you to pour wine without removing the cork, preserving the remainder for weeks or even months by using argon gas.
Pouring
A wine aerator can greatly enhance the wine's flavour by softening tannins and releasing aromas as you pour. Both simple aerators and high-tech versions are available, depending on preference. Specialty wine glasses, such as the Periodic Tableware Beaker Wineglass, can also elevate the experience.
Storing
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining wine quality. Unopened wine should be stored in a cool, dark place at around 55°F (13°C), ideally in a wine fridge or cellar. Bottles should be stored horizontally or at a slight angle to keep corks moist and prevent air ingress; screw-cap bottles can be stored upright since they don't have corks.
For opened bottles, use wine preservers like vacuum pumps (e.g., Vacu Vin Wine Saver Pump) for short-term freshness or Coravin systems for longer-term preservation. Always refrigerate opened wine to slow spoilage. Avoid heat, sunlight, or vibration to prevent deterioration.
Additional Accessories
Insulated wine tumblers and stylish chillers are useful for maintaining serving temperature on-the-go or at home. Specialty wine glasses tailored for different varietals or tasting preferences can also enhance the wine-drinking experience.
In Summary
Here's a breakdown of the recommended accessories for each wine function:
| Function | Recommended Accessories | Notes | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Opening | Corkscrew (waiter’s, winged, electric), Coravin system | Coravin allows pouring without uncorking, extending wine life up to a month[4] | | Pouring | Wine aerator, specialty wine glasses | Enhances aroma and flavor; beaker-style glasses offer unique experiences[1] | | Storing (unopened) | Wine fridge or cellar, store horizontally or angled | Keep at ~55°F, away from heat, light, and vibration[2][4] | | Storing (opened) | Vacuum pump preservers (e.g., Vacu Vin), Coravin system | Vacuum pumps good for a few days; Coravin extends preservation for weeks[2][3][4] | | Serving Temperature | Insulated wine tumblers, wine chillers | Keep wine at ideal serving temperature; chillers can bring warm wine down quickly[1][2] |
These accessories collectively support optimal wine enjoyment by preserving flavour, aroma, and temperature, while enhancing the overall experience. And remember, investing in the wine or books instead of expensive wine accessories can often provide a more rewarding experience in the long run.
Happy wine tasting!
What about considering a wine fridge or cellar for home-and-garden, along with specialized wine glasses for food-and-drink, to elevate the lifestyle of enjoying wine at home? With a wine fridge, you can store unopened wine properly and maintain its quality, just as you would preserve opened bottles using a vacuum pump or a Coravin system. On the other hand, using Periodic Tableware Beaker Wineglasses, insulated wine tumblers, and stylish chillers can also contribute to enhancing the wine-drinking experience at your table.
