Wine Based Holiday Gifts

Happy New Year everyone!

If your friends and family know you enjoy wine, hopefully you received a wine "themed" gift this year. I was the fortunate recipient of six bottles from an advertiser (not related to this blog). Many thanks to NovusVinum.com I particularly enjoyed the Gayot Vineyard sparkling wine!

The second item I received was a wine aerator, which purportedly accelerates the speed in which the wine "opens" up. Instead of waiting 30-60 minutes, simply pour the wine through Vinturi into a glass or decanter, and enjoy. The device introduces oxygen into the wine through a slender tube and creates a gargling sound. I've used it several times and to be honest, I haven't noticed much difference. I would argue that I can introduce as much oxygen into the wine by elevating the bottle and pouring; gravity causes the wine to churn and creates a similar effect. Vinturi retails for around $40 so make your own decision.

Cheers!