Wine

Pieces for serving wine: carafes, decanters and jugs from 350 to 2000 ml. 24 of the 25 items are crystal glass; one is a stainless steel wine cooler.

Carafe or decanter

The names get mixed up, but the difference is practical. A decanter has a wide, flat base – the large contact area with air opens a young, tannic red in fifteen minutes or so. A carafe is narrower and mostly for serving: you pour the wine to leave the sediment in the bottle and put something nicer than a label on the table.

Capacities

• 350–750 ml – one bottle or part of it; handy for wine served with dinner.
• 1000–1500 ml – the most popular size: a bottle plus room to breathe.
• 2000 ml – for a party, and just as good for lemon water or lemonade.

The wine cooler

A stainless steel cooler chills a bottle faster than a fridge: iced water draws heat away far more effectively than cold air. White wine chills in about fifteen minutes and holds its temperature at the table through the meal.

Wine glasses are in wine glasses, and all table glassware in glasses and tumblers.

Washing

21 of the 25 items are dishwasher safe. The four exceptions – decorated and gold-rimmed models – need hand washing. A carafe is easiest to rinse right after use; dried red wine residue comes off with warm water and a little baking soda.

Frequently asked questions

How long should wine decant?

A young red, 20–40 minutes. Older vintages are decanted briefly, only to separate the sediment.

Can a carafe be used for water?

Yes, and it is one of the commoner uses. The 1500 and 2000 ml jugs work well for lemon water.

How do I dry the inside of a carafe?

Stand it upside down on a cloth at an angle so air can circulate. Narrow necks take a few hours.