The Venturi effect is the
reduction in fluid pressure that results when a fluid flows through a
constricted section of pipe. The Venturi effect is named after Giovanni Battista
Venturi (1746–1822), an Italian physicist.
Its rare
that I look at wine gimmicks and usually stay old school with a traditional
waiter’s friend, decanter/funnel, and occasionally the inert gas
preservation system for practicality, or
Port tongs or the sabre (for showmanship of course). The past couple of years I have seen and used in various restaurants and clients home’s “venturi” aerators. In
a nutshell, they work, some better than others. One of the biggest selling
aerators on the market drives me batty with its room gurgling death sounds as you decant the wine so I shy away from its use and its knock-offs. Until last week I had given these aerators a miss; then
I discovered the Menu Blade Aerating Pourer. |
| Menu Blade Aerating Pourer |
This
plastic and rubber aerator appealed to my design esthetic as a one piece unit
that attached quickly to all bottles and closures. Designed by UK brothers Adrian and
Jeremy Wright of the design house DesignWright www.designwright.co.uk it was a clear winner on form and function
alone. According to the packaging the Blade out performed the "Vinturi" by 4% from 429% to 425% oxygen aeration according to Eurofin - who I only heard about after an internet search.
The Menu
Blade was used in three blind tastings with wine trade friends and performed as I expected. Two young reds (2010 Bordeaux and 2011 Australian Shiraz) had softer tannins and enhanced secondonary fruit aromas and flavours after the blade use; although when used on a seven year old
Spanish red (2006 Carinena DOC) the tertiary flavours became dominate (not my favourite). Still old school by nature; I’ll use the blade when a client does not have a decanter, in some
restaurant situations; but for sure with wine mates and somms as it will adds an element of fun and discussion to our tasting events.
The Blade is well designed, affordable, and works well. It retails between $19.99 and $22.99 as well as available on-line at Menu - Scandinavian Design
USE IT FOR: young reds and youthful old world Chardonnay (Burgundy)
NOT FOR: aged reds and whites, sweet wines, and natural/biodynamic reds with sediment
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