Customer Reviews

Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 88-Ounce Decanter

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

It's good. It's a bargain. You have to hold it completely upside down in order to pour the last drop. It's kind of fun and kind of a hassle. Depends on how many glasses you've had. I like the way it looks when I pour a bottle in through my filter/funnel. It sends the wine cascading down the glass and it's very....mesmorizing. Depending on how many glasses you've had.

I work on a delux cruise ship where you get the best of the best in wine accessories. Since I cant afford the $450 decanter we use, I found the closest looking one. Looks great, shipped great, and great price. Bought 2 :)

Sad to say, I already broke my first one, and I've ordered number two. I ordered this along with the Cilio Stainless Decanter Drying Rack, and basically they work well together. However, mine broke when placing it on the drying rack. It slipped a bit and the neck of the decanter hit the stainless steel shaft of the drying rack causing the decanter to crack and break. So be careful...and I will, too!

This is a very nice looking decanter at a good price, which will "dress up" any bottle of wine. Some people complained of splashing because of having to invert the decanter to get the last glass of wine out. I practiced twice in the sink with water to get the hang of it, and it's not a problem at all. Just pour slow and steady and you will not have a problem. Of course, after a couple of glasses of wine, you might get sloppy :-). Enjoy it, and I will try not to break number 2.

Overall, its a nice decanter and I am particularly fond of this style of decanter, especially when combined with an aerator like the WMF Vino Stainless-Steel 4-Way Funnel - makes a really cool red wine show when pouring and is effective for aerating young, tannic wines. Not really sure that the channels on the bottom make a difference in the aeration, but they are harder to clean. I forgot to rinse it out one night after use and ended up with a particularly difficult mildew-like growth in one of the bottom grooves.

No amount of hot water, and finally soap (which I really hate to use in a decanter as the residue can affect the wine taste if not thoroughly rinsed) would do the trick. So I first ordered the Riedel Bottle Cleaner Beads and swirled vigorously, but no luck, even after soaking for a couple of days and trying again! Finally followed it up in combo with a decanter cleaning brush after soaking for a few days and ultimately got rid of the problem with some hard scrubbing. I have not had this problem with other, similar decanters that don't have the bottom groves.

Bottom line is that its a nice decanter at a decent price point and really nice looking (for that it gets a star), but I suspect the grooves at the bottom serve to make it higher maintenance for cleaning purposes without adding a whole lot in terms of aeration.

This Decanter wasn't the quality I thought it would be.. Just a little too light. I would hold out for a better quality one. I was afraid when used it would break. But you get what you paid for and it was pretty cheap.

Except perhaps for really young wines,
most benefit is obtained when the contents will be consumed within an hour.
We use this with the Cilio Stainless Decanter Drying Rack http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006RGLV
and Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UPOJ5W

This Italian made wine decanter is the best. Luigi Bormioli is a well known name in Europe and this finely made glass decanter works marvels. Meant for approximately one bottle of wine (750ml/32 ounces), but able to hold three (88 ounces), the wine slides along the glass until it passes over the concentric circles. These are unique to Bormioli, as this helps to facilitate the wine oxygenation, which improves the taste. I am told that you taste wine, but it is one of those rare treats where your nose is very important. The aeration creates the unique smell or aroma of each wine. The bubble at the bottom helps with any sediment collection.

Besides being a great way to make your wine taste better, it looks great on any table. Although it is said to be dishwasher safe, I simply rinse mine thoroughly with tap water and let it dry naturally. This makes a great gift too.