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The decanter stopper is just one of the main crystal decanter accessories available on the
market today. Decanting wine is an interesting process that not only splits the clear wine from the sediments but
also allows it through the process of wine aeration to mix with the oxygen for proper breathing.
There are various cookware and tableware that are great decanter accessories. From the decanter
cleaning kit such as the Riedel bottle cleaner beads and cleaning brushes, to the crystal wine goblets, the wine
aerator, decanter funnel, decanter drying stand or the wine racks,
and finally the decanter stopper, they all work together in bringing out the best taste, smell and aroma in your
wine.
The decanter stopper has various functions in
relation to your wine. First of all, it stops wine from spilling from the decanter. Also it makes it easier to
store the leftover wine for the next day, just as if you stored it in a wine bottle. This way it allows you to
seal the decanter and store the wine until later on. Check out the wine decanter glass stopper by Wine Enthusiast by clicking on the image on the right.
Last but not least, when you are decanting wine, this process needs some time, after which the
air flow has to be cut off from the wine to not spoil the taste and aroma. Once the wine has fully matured in the
decanter, by adding the stopper on it, there is no longer any interaction between the wine and the oxygen, so the
red wine is now safe from extra damaging oxygenation and contains that would otherwise enter the decanter.
There are many types of decanter stoppers available today,
and one of the most popular one is the ball stopper, such as the Ravenscroft piece on the image to the left. The decanter ball is made of solid glass that has
a flattened base. All you need is place it on top of your decanter to cut off the air flow to your wine.
It is interesting to note that some decanters are coming with their own stoppers, while for
others you need to buy them separately. Luckily they are not all that expensive and you can easily buy 2-3 in one
go to have enough should anything happen to them.
Afterall they're made of crystal or glass mostly. While you can also get stoppers made
of plastic or cork with a metal top, the glass and crystal ones are the most durable, and most sought after by
all wine connoisseurs. Cork is not durable at all and people find the plastic one tacky. If you are looking
for glass stoppers, the most common one is made of the well known
Murano glass .
Of course you can also find antique stoppers and handmade ones in various shapes for a great and
unique design, such as an iron cross or the shape of a bird. The price is a bit higher, however it is well
worth it if you are a collector.
One of the problems people seem to have from time to time is how to remove a stuck decanter
stopper. While it is a rather seldom occurrence, it does happen from time to time to a few unlucky ones. The main
reason for this is the fact that when you wash your crystal decanter, it tends to expand a bit so it creates a
vacuum inside the bottle that is not easily removed. So here is the most commonly used procedure on removing a
decanter stopper that has been stuck to a crystal decanter, or a
glass one, and doesn't want to come off.
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Avoid forcing the stopper out of the decanter as this might have dire consequences to your vessel.
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Add just a few drops of regular oil (cooking oil) to the edge of your stopper
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Make sure that the decanter is in a rather warm place like in a kitchen during cooking, or even on the
balcony when the sun is shining directly on it.
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Use a wooden spoon to slowly and gently tap the sides of the decanter close to the decanter stopper
area. Give it a few taps, then turn the decanter and then give it a few more taps and you will see that
the stopper is coming loose with ease.
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Remove the oil by following these steps on how to clean a crystal decanter.
Another way to do it is by following the principle saying that the decanter shrinks and expands
due to heat and cold. So you can simply take your decanter and place it under some warm water for a few minutes.
This process allows it to expand enough for the stopper to come off easily.
Maybe the most important tip you should take away from this is to not put crystal decanter
stoppers on the decanter right after washing. Wait until the vessel has cooled down a bit and only then close it
with a decanter stopper.
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Bormioli Rocco Selecta 33-3/4-Ounce Decanter with Stopper
List Price: $0.00
Sale Price: $3.99
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The fine tradition of the Bormioli Rocco Group coincides with the very history of glass: the first glassworks was established in Parma in 1825. The company has always demonstrated a great drive to pioneer innovation: in machinery, materials and design...
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Bormioli Rocco Dedalo 26-1/3-Ounce Decanter with Stopper
List Price: $0.00
Sale Price: $4.55
Used From: $25.29
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The fine tradition of the Bormioli Rocco Group coincides with the very history of glass: the first glassworks was established in Parma in 1825. The company has always demonstrated a great drive to pioneer innovation: in machinery, materials and design...
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Ravenscroft Crystal Vintner's Choice Decanter
List Price: $85.00
Sale Price: $75.89
Used From: $39.67
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The design of the Ravenscroft Vintner's Choice Decanter is both elegant and intelligent in every aspect. The neck widens for easy wine decanting and pouring, the wide bottomed shape prevents spillage while allowing maximum aeration of tight red wines...
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Wine Enthusiast Wine Decanter Glass Stopper
List Price: $16.95
Sale Price: $16.44
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Discover the art of the seal. You'll find these brilliant spheres of glass only at The Wine Enthusiast. While their true purpose is to top off decanters and provide an airtight seal for wines and spirits we see them also as spectacular paperweights and objects d'arts...
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Ravenscroft Crystal Decanter Ball Stopper - Large
List Price: $25.50
Sale Price: $22.95
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This decorative glass Ball Stopper is made from the most brilliant European 100-Percent lead-free crystal. It adds the finishing touch to any wine or liquor decanter. Height and Width: 2 5/8-inch
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Decanter Ball Stopper
Sale Price: $7.49
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Made of solid glass with a flattened base. Also makes a distinctive paperweight.
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Sagaform 5010116 Wine Carafe with Oak Stopper
List Price: $34.95
Sale Price: $26.95
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Sagaform is all about joyful and innovative gifts for the kitchen and beautifully dressed table, both indoors and out. Hand-blown glass wine carafe with oak stopper. Wishing you a very warm welcome to the wonderful world of Sagaform.
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Bormioli Rocco Loto Wine Decanter
List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $15.75
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The fine tradition of the Bormioli Rocco Group coincides with the very history of glass: the first glassworks was established in Parma in 1825. The company has always demonstrated a great drive to pioneer innovation: in machinery, materials and design...
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Luigi Bormioli Esperienze Crystal-Glass 68-Ounce Decanter
List Price: $40.00
Sale Price: $30.08
Used From: $21.65
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Luigi Bormioli used only the finest sands and raw materials to produce crystalline glass that is purely transparent, completely free from tarnishes, tints, and imperfections. Through an innovative cold-crack procedure and careful fire-polishing, the rims of Luigi Bormioli stems and tumblers retain the beadless edge found on the world's finest crystal...
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Franmara Decanter Ball Stopper 2.5" diameter
Sale Price: $10.45
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The decanter ball is made of solid glass with a flattened base. Place on top of decanter to seal your decanter. Also makes a distinctive paperweight. 2-1/2; dia. Imprint area: 1; x 1; Laser.
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