Elevate Your Wine Experience with Michael McNeil’s Wine Tools: Decanters and Decanting

Michael McNeil, Georgia’s only Master Sommelier and Georgia Crown’s Director of Fine Wine, brings his expertise and passion for wine to create a collection of exceptional wine tools. With over 18 years of experience, McNeil shares the importance of decanters and decanting, showcasing how these tools enhance the enjoyment and presentation of wine. He explores the benefits for trade professionals, restaurants, and wine enthusiasts alike.

Trade: Unlocking the Full Potential of Wine

For trade professionals, such as sommeliers and wine buyers, understanding the art of decanting is crucial. Double decanting, the process of pouring wine from one vessel to another, exposes the wine to oxygen and allows it to open up. This practice is recommended before serving, especially for wines that benefit from aeration. 

Restaurants: Aesthetics and Enhanced Service

In restaurants, the visual appeal of decanters adds to the overall experience. McNeil suggests decanters come in aesthetically pleasing shapes and sizes, elevating the presentation and service of wine. By swiftly decanting the wine from the bottle into the decanter, the wine is exposed to oxygen, which enhances its flavors. Moreover, decanting is particularly crucial for older wines as it helps separate the sediment deposit from the clear liquid, ensuring a seamless drinking experience. These decanters also facilitate club service and portion control, making them an invaluable addition to any restaurant’s wine service.

Consumers: The Perfect Gift and Wine Display

For wine enthusiasts and consumers, Michael McNeil shares that decanters are a perfect gift item and a wonderful addition to a wine cellar. Whether it’s a basic and efficient carafe for everyday use or an exotic and larger vessel that showcases unique service techniques, these decanters provide an elevated wine experience. They not only enhance the flavors of the wine but also serve as stunning displays for wine collections. One notable decanter from McNeil’s collection is the Riedel Fatto A Mano Mamba Decanter, which exudes elegance and sophistication.