-Fred Brack.

-Fred Brack.

Size: 10-½"H, 11 3/4" w/ stopper, 6 3/4" at widest point, 52 oz. For decanting a standard wine bottle While vacuum pumps that remove air from wine bottles have existed for some time, Metrokane now offers the world’s first wine decanter with a vacuum device. Showing handsome contemporary styling, the handblown, 52-ounce crystal decanter holds and aerates a fine red wine before serving, then stores any leftover wine without fear of oxidation. This eliminates the need to funnel wine back into the bottle. To operate the vacuum, insert the special stopper into the decanter, position the pump unit on top, and pump until the easy-read gauge on the stopper indicates the proper amount of air is removed. What better gift for the wine connoisseur in your life? A word of caution: the vacuum stopper and pump are not suitable for just any decanter. This one is especially designed to handle the pressure of the pumping action. The crystalline glass is also lead-free, which means there are no worries about lead leaching into the stored wine. Metrokane covers the stopper and pump with a five-year warranty. Washing and drying the crystal decanter by hand will help keep it spotless and sparkling. -Ann Bieri From the Manufacturer World's First Vacuum Decanter Wine experts agree that pouring a bottle of red wine into a decanter before serving can aerate the wine, improving its flavor notes and aroma. Until now, wine left in the decanter had to be funneled back into the bottle for recorking to prevent spoilage. Now, with the 52-ounce V1 vacuum decanter, you can decant your favorite red wine without fussing with a funnel. That's because the V1 is topped with a vacuum sealing device and pressure gauge. The V1 was designed by Ed Kilduff of Pollen Design, its shape inspired by the Apollo spaceships. Each decanter is individually handblown of the finest lead-free crystalline quartz and has a handsome shape despite its utilitarian purpose. How to Use the V1 Vacuum Stopper and Pump: 1. Insert the round vacuum stopper assembly into the decanter. 2. Attach the vacuum pump to the top of the round vacuum stopper assembly. 3. Remove air with the manual vacuum pump until you reach the "red zone" on the vacuum gauge. The vacuum stopper will hold the vacuum for days, and your wine will be preserved for the next serving. Important: The V1's stopper assembly is designed only for use with the crystal decanter provided. Other decanters are not designed for vacuum pressure and could crack. Why Decant Your Wine? Some people try to aerate a wine by simply uncorking it an hour or so before serving and leaving it to breathe in the bottle. However, the wine bottle's narrow opening does not allow much room for air to effectively penetrate the surface of the wine in the bottle. To aerate a wine most effectively, you should decant it. This means pouring the wine into a decanter or carafe. As you pour from the bottle, the wine picks up oxygen, which opens up or enhances both the flavor and aroma of most red wines. White wines may also benefit from decanting although the effect is less pronounced. Then, depending on the specific wine, you can either let the wine relax in the decanter or serve immediately.

And, the punt provides a good thumb-hold, making the container easier to grasp, which is why the decanter is nicknamed by designer Maximilian Riedel as the "Thumbs Up. " Riedel's O tumblers neatly sidestep the annoying issue of stem breakage and fit handily into a dishwasher or picnic basket. Unlike the tumblers, which are machine made of lead-free glass, the decanter is hand-blown of leaded crystal. Making a delightful gift for the uninhibited wine drinker, the O decanter pours without dripping, thanks to its gracefully angled lip, and, like the tumblers, feels just plain satisfying to hold in the hand. The decanter stands 8-7/8 inches tall and holds 34-1/2 ounces. To keep it sparkling, wash by hand. -Ann Bieri.