"Proper" port decanters?

[novillero]

In another thread, the subject of decanters came up. I have used my wine decanters for port... basically whatever decanters I have picked up over the years as various gifts.

What are the characteristics of a proper "port decanter"? (maybe a link to pics so I can see it in relation to other decanters.) I assume there is such a thing...

and does it matter?

thanks.

[Alex Bridgeman]

My opinion - it doesn't matter at all!

I have duck decanters, flat bottomed ships decanters, claret jugs, water jugs, tear drop and just about any other shape you can think of (apart from a Hogget).

Most of my decanters have been bought on eBay or in charity shops (and I wash them all with hot water and a steradent tablet before washing them in the dishwasher before first use).

I use whichever decanter is my current favourite. Right now this is a tear drop.

My advice is to use any decanter you want provided it is big enough to hold the bottle and looks good.

[DRT]

it doesn't matter at all!provided it is big enough to hold the bottle

+1

[Glenn E.]

it doesn't matter at all!provided it is big enough to hold the bottle

+1

+1

I have 3 decanters. A hand-blown ship's decanter that I rarely use because while it is very impressive for display purposes it is extremely difficult to pour from it, a Riedel Dominus Magnum decanter, and a cheap glass decanter + stainless steel funnel/mesh strainer combo that gets used all the time.

I also have, and have used, a glass water pitcher, a large thermos, and a large stainless steel mixing bowl. The glass water pitcher works very well essentially giving me 4 decanters; the other two are best saved for emergencies.

[John M]

it doesn't matter at all!provided it is big enough to hold the bottle

I disagree somewhat. Too many decanters are terrible for the last pour or two--mainly I find the ones with long straight necks are the worst--the wine just flys out. Teardrop shape/ships decanter usually the best IMHO..

[g-man]

i have a ships decanter
8 glass decanters
2 magnum decanters
1 duck decanter.

the ships decanter is nice when i wanted to just roll it around,
the glass decanters are easiest to throw a funnel on top

and my duck decanter makes for a nice table piece