Whether you’re a wine lover yourself, or gift shopping for someone who is, you’ll find this handy gadget the perfect item for holiday sippings.
Called the Vinturi, it’s a clever little “instant decanter” that can liven up your reds straight from the bottle. I discovered this $39.95 gizmo during a recent wine excursion through the Santa Inez Valley, and trust me, it’s worth every penny.
As every vinophile knows, young reds need to “breathe” to release their true aroma and flavor. Traditionally this means decanting them for a few hours.
But what if you simply want to enjoy a glass (or two) of a freshly opened Cabernet or Syrah right away? Thanks to the trusty Vinturi, you can unlock all your selection’s complexities without the wait.
Basically the Vinturi is a classy acrylic funnel with tiny, well-placed air holes. Hold it over your glass and cascade the wine through it. You’ll hear a funny little sucking sound as it perfectly aerates the vino.
Skeptical? So was I — until the tasting room pourer at my favorite winery offered a side-by-side comparison. First she poured a glass straight from a newly uncorked bottle. Next she prepared a second glass from the same bottle using the Vinturi. Even the novices in our group could sniff and taste a vast improvement.
Available at Vinturi.com, the aerator comes with a convenient decorative stand and a nifty velvet pouch so you can carry it in style to picnics or parties, where I promise you’ll amuse and impress your fellow wine fans.
