Wine accessory
Template:Mergefrom-multiple A Wine accessory is generally any equipment that may be used in the storing or serving of wine. Wine accessories include many items such as wine glasses, corkscrews, and wine racks.
Wine glasses
- Main article: Wine glass
Wine glasses are a type of glass stemware that are used to drink and taste wine from. Selection of a particular wine glass for a wine style is important, as the glass shape can influence its perception.
Wine bottle openers
Wine bottle openers are required to open wine bottles that are stoppered with a cork. They are slowly becoming obsolete with the increasing popularity of the screwcap closure. There are many different inceptions of the wine bottle opener ranging from the simple corkscrew, the screwpull lever, to complicated carbon dioxide driven openers. The most popular is the wine key or "waiter's friend" which resembles a pocket knife and has a small blade for cutting foil and a screw with a bottle brace.
Wine poppers are also a common means of opening wine. A hollow spike is driven through the cork of a bottle. A cartridge of carbon dioxide is then pressed to release a short burst of air. The sudden increase of air pressure dislodges the cork and the wine can then be served.
Wine coolers
A Wine cooler is any type of equipment used in the chilling or cooling of wine. They may refer to:
- Small table top units that rapidly chill a single bottle. These are useful for obtaining the correct wine serving temperature particularly in warmer climates. This style of wine cooler are more appropriate for white, rosé or sparkling wines which are usually served chilled.
- Larger refrigerator style units that store dozens of bottles at selected temperatures. These are useful for those who do not have access to a wine cellar, as temperature and humidity conditions can be replicated. Some units are controlled by a thermostat.
Wine decanters
- Main article: Decanter
Wine decanters are a glass serving vessel into which an entire bottle of wine is poured. Their use promotes the aeration of wine by maximising the wine-air interface, thereby introducing more oxygen which improves the wine's bouquet and taste. They also can make wine pouring easier by preventing dribbling. Decanters are important when serving older vintages which are more likely to accumulate potassium bitartrate crystal sediment in the process of aging.
Different types of decanters should be used for different varieties of wine. Port, in particular, should be decanted in a vessel with a wide, flat bottom.
Wine racks
Wine racks are storage devices that hold wine bottles in an orientation facilitating long term wine aging. Most wine racks are designed for a bottle to be stored on its side, with a slight slant downward towards the bottle's neck. This ensures that wine is always in contact with the cork, preventing the cork from drying out and the subsequent ingress of oxygen, which would ultimately spoil the wine. Wine racks can be made of many materials such as wood, steel, and stone, holding just several bottles to thousands.
Wine Journal
It is a journal for record keeping purpose of wine drank. It provides a catalogue for wine enthusiast to record down bottles of wine, champagnes and liquors for future reviewing.
