Decanters

• How to choose crystal
• The different styles of crystal
• Shapes and sizes
• Decanters

* As a general rule, most wines will benefit from decanting to allow it to breathe – bringing it into contact with air in order to bring out its flavours. Similar rules apply to decanters as for stemware; clear, thin glass will let you see the wine and a narrow, tapered rim will lock in the aroma.

Buying second hand crystal
There are some lovely vintage crystal glasses out there, but you need to heed some basic rules when buying second-hand pieces to get the real deal. Hold the glass against a white background. Good crystal has no colour, while inferior pieces have a cloudy bluish, greenish or pink tinge. Edges should be smooth and even, and cut designs should be sharp and accurate, with clearly defined details. Crystal should have a good ring, and a clear musical tone indicates a high lead content.

Care and storage
• Don’t put crystal in the dishwasher as glasses can knock together and detergents can be quite abrasive. Instead, wash by hand in warm, not hot, soapy water, rinse and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Always hold the glass by the bowl when cleaning, rather than by the stem.
• Remove stains from the inside of a decanter with vinegar and uncooked rice. Let the solution soak, then agitate to allow the rice to remove the stain. Alternatively, denture-cleaning tablets work well!
• Stand glasses upright, never on the rims – the rim is the most fragile part of the glass.

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