Tonight we're hosting a small dinner party for German friends who are leaving Paris for a post in Budapest. As part of the ritual of decanting red wine, my husband will use light from a ratte candleholder (pictured). The modern pewter ratte (at right) was purchased last year at a Burgundy vineyard. The other two rattes are 19th-century, also originating from Burgundy vineyards.
As red wines age, they change chemically, resulting in residue or sediment often observed in an older bottle. Removing the liquid from the now solid portion of an older wine is a typical reason for pouring it into a decanter to "breathe." Traditionally candles as above are used as a light source when decanting wine, although a flashlight works just as well. But where's the romance in that?
As a wine lover, I am surprised I didn't know that about decanting and letting the wine breathe. Nice tidbit to know.
Posted by: krista | 27 May 2006 at 12:58
How did the party go? Did you enjoy the wine? Did the conversation flow? I am sure it was a perfect evening, What did you serve?
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 27 May 2006 at 08:42
I am allergic to wine, especially red ones--boo hiss. Every winter, I do partake in my fav (if it's a good year) of beaujolais nouveau--it doesn't seem to bother me as badly.
I have recently been seeing the rattes in catalogs here. I love the idea or raising the candle as it shortens. What a wonderful tradition of viewing by candlelight. I love it! Cheers!
Posted by: Rosa | 27 May 2006 at 05:28
I learned something...not to mention, I enjoy reading about wine and good friends any day. :)
Posted by: Jessie | 27 May 2006 at 05:26
Very interesting. I've never seen these before. and I learned something: that decanting is done by candlelight.
Hope you had a great dinner!
Posted by: Colette | 27 May 2006 at 03:09
Mmmmmm. Wine and good friends... And how romantic, indeed. I hope you had fun with your friends. What kind of 'post' is it?
:)
Posted by: amber | 27 May 2006 at 02:11
I enjoy visiting your site so much; there's always something delightful to look at - I love this tableau!
Posted by: tinker | 26 May 2006 at 21:51
Wow, I never knew a thing about decanting wine.
I've learned something today!!
Hope you have a wonderful time with your friends.
Posted by: Josephine | 26 May 2006 at 20:37
hmm. so does the word "decanting" refer to the airing-out or to the ritual?
love the bloody feather pic, so bold and poet-y.
Posted by: susie | 26 May 2006 at 20:07
love rituals like this, though using a flashlight on a camping trip could have it's very own charm ;)
Posted by: jennifer | 26 May 2006 at 19:26
What I don't know about wine could fill pages...what I do know--this is a lovely practice...so traditonal and appealing on just an instinctive "life appreciation" level. I always learn something new each time I visit your site...
Posted by: C. Delia | 26 May 2006 at 16:39
Good morning/afernoon Tara. I must be a total pumpkin. I had no idea candles were part of the decanting process. Very ritualistic like a tea ceremony but also very romantic and I imagine designed to extend the anticipation of the pleasure to come.
Posted by: Annie | 26 May 2006 at 15:57