From corkscrews to coasters, here are the best wine accessories to invest in
To enjoy uncorking a corking bottle of wine, you need the finest equipment...
Words: Jonathan Wells
There is truth, as they say, in wine. But the one universal truth we’ll all find swirling around our coupes and flutes is that this age-old drink is something to be savoured. From dinner parties to drinks tastings, wine is the ideal sophisticated tipple for any occasion — and unique in its versatility.
As such, your wine experience extends way beyond the bottle. The right glassware, gadgets and even storage can affect your enjoyment of a particular vintage. So, for any oenophiles in your life this Christmas, we’ve put together an ideal guide of the best wine gifts to ensure they’ll pour into the New Year in style.
Raise your glasses
If you’re looking for one purchase guaranteed to elevate your drinking experience to the next level, then we’ve got just the crystal-cut, elegantly-designed, perfectly-curved thing for you. Wine glasses, in their huge range of shapes, sizes and purposes, are works of art in themselves — and here are three of the best designs.
From The Wolseley Collection, these are the same glasses used in the acclaimed London restaurant, each with a ‘W’ discreetly-engraved on their base. From master designer Tom Dixon, these striking glasses have been created by fusing clear and solid black glass — and glassmaker Riedel’s Performance collection is the most technologically advanced range on the market.
Pour yourself into finding the best decanter
Of course, once the wine’s in your glass, your main focus will be sipping at it like the sophisticate you are. But, before it’s poured, your decanter will serve as the centrepiece of any drinks party. As such, it should be unique and beautiful — upgrading immeasurably from your usual green glass bottle.
William & Son‘s Rogaska Decanter is hand-crafted from crystal. Berry Bros. & Rudd’s fine glass offering will aerate your wine to imbue it with more flavour. Riedel’s ‘Mamba’ decanter will enhance both the taste and theatre of any pour. And, what’s more, they’re all incredible designs.
Don’t screw up bottle opening
There are many ways to open a bottle of wine. The more showy among you may use a sharp kitchen knife. Others may be of the school of pushing the cork back into the bottle. But nothing can beat a classic corkscrew. Proven and practical, invest in the best and you’ll never foul up another uncorking.
Leading the charge of the silver-plated corkscrews are Soho Home, whose ‘Collins’ set includes a meticulously-designed example of the gadget. Asprey‘s corkscrew is finished in their signature barley pattern, and Linley has hallmarked its sterling silver set — reliable luxury from the storied British brand.
With accessories, pull out all the stoppers
Of course, the pomp and production around uncorking a corking new bottle wouldn’t be complete without a few choice accessories. And, with a great bottle of wine, much of the enjoyment comes from the ceremony on which its decanting stands. So make sure you have the most excellent equipment to put on the greatest show.
A wine coaster is a great place to start, and this grouse-adorned option from Patrick Mavros is one of the best we’ve seen. And finally, what tasting is complete without a set? Turn to L’Atelier Du Vin for a charmingly pared-back offering, boxed up in walnut.
Don’t bottle your collection up
And, finally, we come to the carriers, the bottle bags and coolers in which you store your wine. Like the cabinets and racks in which you slide your bottles, the cooler can provide an alternative centrepiece if you choose not to decant your wine before drinking. It’s an acceptable alternative — and one made all the more appealing by these designs.
Ralph Lauren Home, Linley and Tom Dixon have, once again, pulled out all the stops with their offerings in the cooler department, giving us ice-cool ice buckets with buckets of character.
Nicolas Glumineau, a leading figure in the vineyards of Bordeaux, tells us what it takes to make ‘magic’…
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