Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter

by Luigi Bormioli

Product Features

• 88-ounce decanter measuring 7-8/9 by 7-8/9 by 10 inches
• Blown from pure, lead-free crystalline glass
• Concentric ripple design increases wine's oxygenation
• Safe for use in the dishwasher; made in Italy
• Smooth, beadless rim; tint- and tarnish-free

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7 x 10.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B000P52OYK
• Item model number: 08739/01
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,361 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)
  • #7 in Kitchen & Dining > Bar Tools & Glasses > Decanters
  • #93 in Kitchen & Dining > Tabletop > Serveware

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A stunning way to display and serve a variety of wines and party beverages, this fluid, shapely decanter brings dazzling style to any table or bar. The 88-ounce decanter, conceived by designer Federico de Mayo, features a pattern of concentric ripples that both increase wine's oxygenation and intensify its reflection for a truly memorable experience. Individually blown from pure crystalline glass, the transparent vessel sports a tint- and tarnish-free surface unmarred by harmful lead or imperfections. Plus, its uncommonly smooth, beadless rim--created through an innovative cold-crack procedure followed by careful fire polishing--lends it a sense of originality and elegance fitting of any special occasion. Made in Italy, the dishwasher-safe decanter measures approximately 7-8/9 by 7-8/9 by 10 inches.

Product Description

Luigi Bormioli used only the finest sands and raw materials to produce crystalline glass that is purely transparent, completely free from tarnishes, tints, and imperfections. Through an innovative cold-crack procedure and careful fire-polishing, the rims of Luigi Bormioli stems and tumblers retain the beadless edge found on the world's finest crystal. Designed with Italian precision and manufactured with Italian craftmanship, Luigi Bormioli's blown crystal glass provides you with the elegance and practicality that you deserve. Dishwasher safe yet beautiful enough for all of your entertainment needs, our stemware, tumblers and serveware allow you to experience fine Italian glassware while meeting the demands of your everyday life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great value for superb wine aeration and a fun bit of table theater., January 18, 2008

By 

Joshua G. Feldman "Technophile" (New York) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter (Kitchen)

Luigi's Bormioli's Esperienze wine decanter is the classic ship's decanter shape, but with an especially aggressive central punt (dimple in the middle of the bottom) and a series of concentric rings around the bottom. The rings and ridges are supposed to increase the rate of aeration. I don't know if that's true but everything about this decanter is designed to maximize aeration - from it's extremely generous 88oz size, very aggressive flair, and huge arcing punt. The big size really maximizes surface area at the bottom - a 750ml bottle fills the bottom less than an inch and a half and the surface area is huge. This decanter is very attractive, thin and light weight, and does the aeration job superbly. Filling is a blast - the wine spreads out and comes down over the entire interior surface in a shimmering scarlet film. Very dramatic and pretty. This red curtain show is a great visual to share with friends - it really whets the appetite. Aerating really helps robust reds, particularly Tuscan and Riolla reds, Shiraz, Bordeaux and Cabernets. Old Cabs benefit from decanting to remove sediment too. Big reds are often too tart at first, and aeration makes them bloom into sun drenched sweetness. Be careful about over aerating timid wines, however. If the initial flavor profile is thin you don't want to let it aerate too much (I'm visualizing Beaujolais here). Most Merlots, Zins, and Grenaches will benefit from aeration too - but you have to use your judgment. Once you get the hang of it you can tell by sniffing the wine in the bottle whether you'll want to decant or not. I find I decant about 90% of the red wine I drink (but I generally prefer big reds).

Only complaints? It's very light weight and thin - I don't think it would handle a fall or rough treatment (that's a standard issue with glassware of course). It's glass, not fancy crystal (what do you expect at this price?) Pouring the last glass is a challenge. You must almost completely invert the decanter - risking a splash. It's a challenging final pour. A bit of practice helps. This shape is maximized for letting the wine breath, rather than making pouring easy. I think it's worth the trouble. You should rinse it clean with hot water before it dries out because it's tough to clean without a long brush. I always rinse it out with the sprayer on my kitchen sink and then just let it dry upright in my liquor cabinet. I don't use a special brush or drying device and it's always fine by morning.

Given the huge size, low price, and functional design this thing is a winner. It's a great value for aggressively aerating bold reds - a fun and festive thing to have on the table. Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looks cheap, works well, June 7, 2009

By 

Maxwell Johnson "Cook, musician and teacher" (Orlando,, FL, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter (Kitchen)

The Esperienze decanter is inexpensive and looks it. The glass is thin and the shape is rather mechanical in the sense that it lacks the artisanal appearance of a fine mouth-blown piece of crystal. The bottom is deeply punted and includes a number of odd concentric rings ostensibly intended to increase surface area. The punt, of course, does just the opposite. In short, it lacks the elegance of design and perfection of materials and execution that make a fine captain's decanter a beautiful thing-in-itself. This is actually a bit of an advantage in that you won't hesitate to take it out onto the deck or patio to use when you're having-more-than-one by the pool.

The great majority of red wines benefit from aeration and this big, wide decanter is perfectly functional for that purpose. It holds one bottle effortlessly and two bottles without discomfort. Just be careful pouring the last glass or two. As with all captain's decanters, it is easy to slop a little onto the table.

Buy this for exactly what it is, a highly functional, inexpensive way to improve the drinkability of table wines. Save your nice one for the fine vintage port.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT decanter!!!, July 16, 2009

By 

Michael Shane Bridges (Eatonton, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter (Kitchen)

You just can't beat this decanter for the money. I ordered it as a birthday gift for my girlfriend and she loved it!! It's both elegant and highly functional.