Wine Carafes Key Terms

Wine carafe terminology can help you get the most out of a wine experience

Wine carafes are a vital part of enjoying wine to its fullest. However, you can't just pour a bottle into a carafe, the decanting technique is involved. Mastering this process eliminates sediment and allows the wine to breathe making its bouquet prevalent. Since so much of enjoying a good glass of wine comes from its aromas, it is essential to be familiar with wine carafe terminology to be sure you are serving your customers wine at its prime.

 

Decanting

Decanting is the process of pouring the wine into a wine carafe. This needs to be done in a certain way in order to get the best aromas out of the wine and to filter out any sediment that may be at the bottom of the wine bottle.
Try: The Winedoctor describes the proper process of decanting wine.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is the lightweight, heat and shatter resistant plastic that compose many wine carafes.
Try: Bisphenol-A explains the pros and the cons of this plastic material.

Breathe

Much of the purpose of putting wine into a carafe is to allow it to breathe. The breathing process releases important aromas that contribute to the experience of drinking wine. Because so much of tasting has to do with the aroma, the wine carafes assist in tasting the wine in its best possible form.
Try: WineIntro.com explains why the breathing process is important when drinking wine.

Sediment

Sediment that is filtered out of wine when poured into a decanter is often just the breakdown of the pigment and tannin over time. Sediment, in fact, is a sign of good quality wines. It is, however, filtered out during the decanting process so as not to detract from the wine experience.
Try: Wine Country This Week explains about the development of sediment in wine.

Herbaceousness

Herbaceousness refers to a type of flavor and aroma that some red wines give off when put into a carafe. Herbaceousness is an earthy aroma that is positive in moderation, but can unbalance a wine if it is too strong.
Try: Anchor Wine Yeast examines the pros and cons of herbaceousness.

Bouquet

Bouquet is the combination of several aromas that have developed in the wine over time. Wine carafes are used to bring out the bouquet and for wine connoisseurs to be in touch with the many flavor combinations that exist in each wine.
Try: Wine Love describes how the sniffing of the wine comes into the tasting process.

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