Zwiesel Glas Iconics

There are three versions, and the difference lies mainly in the base. The 75 cl decanter holds a full bottle of wine, which is exactly why it is that size. The 62.2 cl tumbler is a strikingly large glass, meant for a generous serve over ice or as a jug for water on the table. That same tumbler is also available without the wooden base, for anyone who likes the shape but simply wants to stand it upright. Feel free to compare it with the other decanters and tumbler glasses.

Pour a young red wine with plenty of tannin into the decanter and let it stand for half an hour to an hour before you serve. The tilted position puts a larger part of the wine in contact with air, so those tannins soften faster. With an old wine you do the opposite: decant carefully to leave the sediment behind, then drink it soon after. The large tumbler suits the heavier classics well, such as the drinks under whiskey cocktails or a classic old fashioned.

The glass is Tritan crystal and is dishwasher safe; the wooden base is not. Always take it off first and wipe it clean with a slightly damp cloth. A 75 cl decanter dries poorly because the neck is narrow: rinse it out with lukewarm water, leave it to drain upside down and only put it away once it feels dry inside. If water is left standing, you get a limescale ring on the bowl that no amount of brushing will remove.

The rest of this brand can be found under Zwiesel Glas, which operates separately from Schott Zwiesel. If you only want a serving bottle without a decanting function, take a look at the carafes. And if you regularly finish only half a bottle, wine stoppers do more for tomorrow's taste than any decanter. If you want the same effect without wood on the table, the straight models among the carafes are the sober take on this same idea.