DECANTING CRADLE

A DECANTING CRADLE IS THE ONLY COMPLETELY

CONTROLLED METHOD TO DECANT FINE WINES



By Graham Lincoln L&L Originals

November 2005



The fine wine market is growing at an unprecedented rate throughout the developed world, and in emerging markets such as Russia, India, China and Brazil.(The Asian tradition of drinking cognac with food is declining rapidly, being replaced by wine).



The fastest rate of growth is in the UK, which is also the market which is due to become the biggest by value as well as by volume within the next couple of years.



Fine wines are those which retail for £10 a bottle or more – the reality is that the values are often much, much more. The buyers are younger than those of ten years ago, they are more demanding, often more knowledgeable and demand first class service from the wine dealers with whom they entrust budgets up to £1/2 M per annum.



The growers are also under pressure to maintain the highest standards of viticulture and volume of product but within the constraints of their acreage and the vagaries of the climate. Taking into account the classic European growers and the New World producers, it is becoming increasingly difficult to produce the volumes required at the required quality, hence the super premiums being commanded by premier cru.



The buyers of fine wines fall into three categories: individual collectors, corporate buyers and those who put down for investment. It is the high value individuals who are driving the market, they are buying to drink now and for the future. As part of their connoisseurship the preparation, decanting and serving of the wines are almost as important as the enjoyment of the wine itself.



Naturally, these consumers also collect the finest accessories to go with the finest wines. The single most important aspect of preparation is the decanting process, and the only way to have full control of the flow of the wine is with a decanting cradle. The most accomplished sommeliers will argue that a steady hand and a keen eye is all that is necessary, but how many of us have that 'steadiness' of hand?



With a decanting cradle, not only is the 'steadiness' guaranteed, but also the 'fullness of flow' – you can control exactly how quickly or slowly the wine is decanted as you wind the angle of the bottle downwards.







There are differing views on the 'fullness of flow' issue, some argue that really slow decanting ensures that the sediment is under maximum control, the opposing view is that the sediment can be under control with a less ponderous pour which also helps the 'aeration'of the wine by promoting the oxygenation of the wine whilst decanting with a fuller flow, it is all down to personal preference – either way the sediment is controlled.



It may be interesting to note that L&L do have a polished pewter 'Aerateur' decanting funnel which swirls the wine through to oxygenate it – but it does require a steady hand and the sediment has to be watched very, very carefully – possibly a better device for younger wines.



In fact on the L&L website you will find everything for the wine connoisseur from decanters and carafes to cellar books, cellar hygrometers, port slides and port tongs.

Everything except antique pieces and stemware – there are other experts for those.



What they are unlikely to have are decanting cradles, the L&L version comes with solid wooden bases with crank and handles in brass or silver – the only completely controlled method to decant the finest of wines.



Please visiting our Decanting Cradle website for more information