In its smaller version with a bulbous body and long, wide neck, the "Wine Breather" resembles a laboratory vessel at first glance. This is obviously intentional: The function is in the foreground. At the latest at second glance, however, the beautiful, mouth-blown glass catches the eye. With its combination of smoked glass and copper stopper, the decanter, which costs between 80 and 110 euros depending on the model, fits into any hip household. For traditionalists and nerds who can't bear to pour a wine into a smoked glass vessel, there are also clear glass versions.
The small version we tested has a diameter of 16 centimetres and is 22 centimetres high. There is also a slight depression in the base. If you have at least medium-sized hands, the decanter is very handy. When filled, it can be held securely with one hand. This makes it appealing from the first time you touch it. In addition, the vessel is light, but the glass is not too thin. So you don't have to constantly think that the good piece might be too delicate for the wine round.
Decanting is pleasant and easy. The opening in the neck of the bottle is large enough to pour the wine from the bottle. You don't need a funnel.
As it passes through, the wine is swirled under the opening in such a way that it runs down the inside wall of the "Wine Breather" over the entire surface - and in a surprisingly aesthetic way. No complicated sieve/mixing/centrifuge system in the neck of the decanter is needed here for the effect. The spout is simply relatively narrow and long. This gives the wine the right drive, but without any frills. It's also a pleasure to pass around when pouring at the table. The feel is good, the design works excellently.
Up to this point, the "Wine Breather" would be a normal decanter if the designers of the internationally renowned design studio "Norm Architects" in Copenhagen had not come up with a good, practical idea. The design studio has designed products ranging from teacups to yachts, always with the aim of combining function and design. The hour of the "Wine Breather", which was commissioned by the Danish design provider Menu, strikes at the beginning or end of the evening. Because the opening is also a tight, secure holder for the neck of the bottle. To fill the bottle, the decanter is placed on the open bottle from above and turned 180 degrees. The wine now tumbles into the carafe without having to hold either. In the process, not a drop lands on the table. If you prefer to serve the aerated wine from the original bottle, simply turn the decanter 180 degrees again with the empty bottle inserted. Now the "Wine Breather" is upside down again and the aerated wine flows back into the safely standing bottle without dripping.
This function is also useful later in the evening: If the carafe is not completely empty, the question arises of what to do with the rest. A decanter offers too much surface area for the air to attack in order to store wine in it. Insert the bottle, turn it upside down and close it. This works uncomplicatedly and reliably. The first time you try it, you have to be a little careful and juggle, but after that, refilling is very easy and safe.
The decanter is dishwasher-safe, but for us it seems a bit too good for the machine. The removable bottle guide consists of four parts that can be intuitively put back together again and which are not affected by the dishwasher. Thanks to the design of the "Wine Breather" with its wide neck, washing by hand can also be done very quickly.
If you are looking for a way to aerate your wines without fuss, the "Wine Breather" is the right choice. The decanter is elegantly designed, uncomplicated to use and fits comfortably in the hand. The idea of simply inserting an opened bottle at the top and later being able to fill the wine back upside down and safely is thoughtfully designed. Due to the intelligent design and the fine material, Norm Architects has created a small style icon.
+ Successful design
+ Well thought-out filling and refilling of the bottle
+ Good size, excellent feel
+ Easy to clean
- Short practice period needed when filling and decanting.
Good
80 to 110 euros (depending on model and design).