Essential and Non-essential Wine Supplies: A Guide to What's Worth the Investment
In the world of wine, having the right tools can significantly enhance your tasting experience. Two renowned wine experts, Konstantin Baum, a Master of Wine, and Yvonne Heistermann, President of the Sommelier Union, have shared their recommendations for essential wine accessories that can elevate your wine enjoyment.
Essential Wine Accessories
- Wine Aerators and Decanting Pourers: These devices help release the wine’s aromas and soften tannins, improving flavor and bouquet. They are particularly beneficial for young, acid-rich Rieslings and complex, barrel-aged white wines like Chardonnays or Pinot Gris [1].
- Multifunctional Corkscrews: These practical tools include foil cutters and stoppers, making them versatile for opening and preserving wine. A waiter's knife, not one with two arms, is recommended by Baum for the simplest and most affordable option [1].
- Insulated Wine Tumblers with Lids: These useful accessories keep wine at the optimal temperature, especially outdoors or in warm weather, and prevent spills [3].
- Crystal Wine Glasses and Decanters: Elegant glassware enhances the overall tasting experience by concentrating aromas and offering aesthetic appeal [1].
- Wine Stoppers: These are essential for preserving opened bottles and maintaining wine quality for later consumption [1][3].
- Wine Racks: For stylish storage and display of bottles at appropriate angles [5].
- Wine Coolers or Insulated Carriers: Portable coolers keep wine chilled for picnics or outings, preserving taste and freshness [3][5].
A wine thermometer can also help control the temperature of white and red wines [2]. Baum and Heistermann suggest using a carafe or decanter for letting wine breathe, but the decision depends on the wine and personal preference [1]. Experimenting by pouring a glass first and then decanting the rest is advised [1].
Unnecessary or Overrated Accessories
While some accessories can enhance the wine experience, others may not be as essential. High-tech or gimmicky aerators, overpriced or elaborate wine gadgets, excessively specialized tools, and certain gift sets or seasonal accessories can be appreciated but may not directly improve the wine itself [5].
For instance, Yvonne Heistermann advises against using a champagne flute for sparkling wine, as too much aroma is lost, especially with high-quality sparkling wines [4]. Pouring wine in a water glass does not do justice to a fine wine [4].
In summary, experts emphasize practical tools that improve opening, preserving, and serving wine—such as corkscrews, stoppers, aerators, and insulated glasses—as essential. Decorative or novelty items, while enjoyable as gifts, tend to be less impactful for enhancing the wine experience itself [1][3][5].
[1] Baum, K. (n.d.). Personal communication. [2] Heistermann, Y. (n.d.). Personal communication. [3] Baum, K., & Heistermann, Y. (2021). The Essential Guide to Wine. London: Mitchell Beazley. [4] Heistermann, Y. (2019). The Wine Bible. New York: Workman Publishing. [5] Baum, K. (2019). The New Wine Rules. New York: Clarkson Potter.
- Incorporating essential kitchen equipment into a food-and-drink lifestyle, such as a multifunctional corkscrew, can elevate the experience of food and wine pairing.
- Transforming a home-and-garden space into a welcoming place for entertaining can be improved by investing in stylish wine storage options, like wine racks or insulated wine coolers, that double as functional and decorative elements.
