Carafes and decanters for wine and water (9)

Water and wine carafes in professional catering

A carafe allows a drink to be served in a more aesthetically pleasing way than in its original packaging. It can be placed directly on the table, served on a tray or used by waiting staff.

Carafes are ideal for:

• serving still and sparkling water,
• serving wine by the glass or with a meal,
• hotel breakfasts and buffets,
• conferences and business meetings,
• banquets and special occasions,
• catering services.

When choosing a carafe, it is worth considering its capacity, the shape of the neck, ease of pouring and the amount of storage space required.

How does a carafe differ from a decanter?

A carafe is primarily used for storing and presenting a drink in an aesthetically pleasing manner. It may have a simple, slender shape, and a lid or stopper to help secure the contents.

A wine decanter usually has a wide base and a larger surface area for the wine to come into contact with the air. Its shape is designed to aid the aeration of the wine and facilitate the separation of any sediment.

The most important difference therefore lies in their function:

• carafe – for the convenient and aesthetically pleasing serving of water, wine or other drinks,
• decanter – primarily for decanting and aerating wine before serving.

What does wine decanting involve?

Decanting involves carefully pouring wine from the bottle into a separate vessel. The process can serve to separate sediment from the wine or to increase its contact with the air.

Aeration can help the aromas of certain wines to develop gradually. The decanter’s wide base increases the surface area of the liquid in contact with the air, which is why the process differs from that in a sealed bottle.

Not every wine requires decanting. The method and duration of preparation should be tailored to the type, age and condition of the specific wine.

Red wine decanter

The decanter is most commonly associated with serving red wines. Models with a wide base provide a large surface area for the wine to come into contact with the air, whilst the tapered neck facilitates controlled pouring.

Before use, it is worth paying attention to:

• the volume of the bottle and the capacity of the decanter,
• the width of the base,
• the shape and length of the neck,
• how comfortable it is to hold when full,
• its stability on the table,
• the ability to clean the interior thoroughly.

The decanter should provide sufficient space for the wine to spread across its inner surface without the risk of overflowing.

Water carafes for the dining table and conference rooms

A water carafe helps to create a neat and consistent presentation. It can replace a bottle placed on the table, particularly in restaurants, hotels, conference rooms and at receptions.

When serving water, it is worth choosing a model that:

• has a capacity suited to the number of guests,
• is stable and easy to carry,
• has a spout that facilitates controlled pouring,
• can hold ice cubes or other ingredients used on the premises,
• matches the glasses and other tableware,
• can be easily refilled by staff.

Carafes can also be used to serve water with citrus fruits, herbs or other fruits, provided that their design allows for the ingredients to be added easily and the vessel to be washed afterwards.

Carafes with a lid and stopper

A lid or stopper helps to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the vessel. This is particularly practical when the carafe remains on the table or in a buffet for an extended period.

Before purchasing, it is worth checking:

• how the lid or stopper is secured,
• how easy it is to open and close,
• whether it remains stable whilst pouring,
• whether it can be easily taken apart and cleaned,
• what material it is made of,
• whether it is suitable for contact with the drink being served.

A lid does not always guarantee an airtight seal. Its main function may be to secure the contents whilst serving, rather than to transport a filled vessel.

What capacity of carafe should you choose?

The capacity should be tailored to the type of drink, the size of the table, the number of guests and how often it needs to be refilled. Smaller models are suitable for individual service, whilst larger ones can serve several people.

Examples of use:

• small carafes – for serving a single portion of wine, water or drink mixers,
• medium carafes – for a table for two or more people,
• large carafes – for a whole bottle of wine or water for a larger table, buffet or conference.

Before purchasing, it is worth considering more than just the nominal capacity. Glassware should not usually be filled to the very brim, as space is needed to allow for comfortable pouring.

Glass and crystal decanters

The material affects the clarity, weight, shine and character of the vessel. Clear glass effectively showcases the colour of the wine, the clarity of the water and any additions to the drink.

Glass carafes

Glass models are a versatile solution for everyday use in restaurants, hotels, bars and catering companies. They are available in simple, modern designs and in versions with a lid or stopper.

Crystal glass decanters

Crystal glass is characterised by its high transparency and elegant lustre. It showcases the colour of the wine beautifully and can emphasise the more prestigious nature of the service.

Crystal glass decanters are ideal for use in à la carte restaurants, wine bars and hotels, as well as during wine tastings and formal dinners.

Borosilicate glass decanters

Borosilicate glass is used in selected decanter models. The properties and intended use of a specific vessel should always be checked on its product page, particularly before it comes into contact with a hot drink or is subjected to a sudden change in temperature.

How to pour correctly from a carafe?

Before serving, it is worth checking that the outside of the vessel is dry and that the neck and rim are clean. Hold the carafe in a position that allows you to control its weight and the flow of the drink.

When serving, it is advisable to:

• not fill the vessel to the very brim,
• pour slowly and in a steady stream,
• avoid the rim of the carafe coming into contact with a glass or tumbler,
• after pouring, gently swirl the vessel to minimise dripping,
• place the carafe on a stable, flat surface,
• regularly check that the neck is clean whilst serving.

Carafes and decanters for restaurants, hotels and catering

Carafes and decanters can be used, amongst other places, in:

• à la carte restaurants,
• wine bars and hotel bars,
• hotels and hotel restaurants,
• conference rooms,
• catering companies,
• banquet halls,
• during wine tastings, weddings and corporate events.

For everyday service, it is worth choosing glassware that sits comfortably in the hand, is stable and easy to refill. When serving wine tastings, the shape of the glass – which allows for the proper preparation and presentation of the wine – may be of greater importance.

Washing carafes and decanters

A narrow neck and wide base can make it difficult to clean the inside thoroughly. The washing method should always be adapted to the material and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

When caring for these items, it is advisable to:

• empty and rinse the vessel as soon as possible after use,
• avoid leaving wine residues in the vessel for long periods,
• use accessories designed for cleaning carafes,
• rinse out the cleaning agent thoroughly,
• allow the vessel to dry completely,
• avoid sudden changes in temperature.

If the product is dishwasher-safe, check that its height and shape are suitable for the dishwasher rack you are using and that the vessel can be positioned stably.

Storing glass carafes

Carafes and decanters should be stored in a place that minimises the risk of knocks and tipping over. Models with a wide base, a long neck or an additional stopper require particular care.

Before purchasing a larger quantity, it is worth checking:

• the height of the available shelves,
• the diameter of the widest part of the vessel,
• the amount of space between individual carafes,
• how lids and stoppers are stored,
• whether they can be transported safely to the dining room,
• access to the interior during washing and drying.

What should you look out for before buying?

When choosing a carafe or decanter for your establishment, it is worth checking:

• the intended use of the vessel – for water, wine or decanting,
• capacity and overall dimensions,
• type of material,
• shape of the neck and rim,
• how comfortable it is to hold when full,
• stability of the base,
• whether it has a lid or stopper,
• recommended method of washing and drying.

It is a good idea to test the carafe with the actual quantity of drink that will be used when serving. This allows you to assess the weight, ease of pouring, stability and appearance of the vessel on the table.

Why choose professional carafes and decanters?

• they enable water and wine to be served aesthetically,
• they complement the table setting and the glassware used in the establishment,
• they are available in various capacities and shapes,
• selected models feature lids or stoppers,
• decanters aid the aeration of wine,
• they are ideal for restaurants, hotels, wine bars and catering.

Discover carafes and decanters for the professional catering industry and choose glassware suited to serving water and wine, as well as the character of your establishment.