The very first thing you discover when pulling Üllo’s (“oo-low”) Particular Version decanter from its glossy, glyph-heavy packaging containing all the purifying system? The gorgeous design. Little doubt impressed by mid-Twentieth-century Scandinavian designers, it’s value taking a couple of moments to observe how the curved strains overlap and carry out optical illusions on its neck and base. Whereas the unique decanter (priced at $99) can be simply as worthy of admiration, the eye to element on show right here supplies equal performance: its supposed function (to decant and retailer wine) and as a piece of ornamental artwork when not in use. The location’s description remarks that “each bit is uniquely handcrafted in lead-free crystal glass by artisan glassblowers”. Whereas I take no umbrage with the assertion, it might be attention-grabbing to see the glassblowers in motion, making these decanters someplace on their website through an embedded video. Whether or not one opts for the particular version or conventional product line, they’re getting a decanter with fastidiously thought of, traditional design selections.
Away from the aesthetics and kind, let’s transfer on to the performance of the purifying system, which is designed to strip sulfites out of your wine. A cursory search on any engine will yield extra argumentative essays each for and in opposition to the method and doubtless a couple of would ever doubtless have to learn, and I do know that Christopher has supplied his skepticism on the efficacy of each sulfite removers and aerators up to now. My intention with this assessment is to not re-litigate, supply a counterargument, or begin an elongated web brawl involving a litany of offended of us within the feedback part. Moderately, I’m taking this as a chance to do some modest product testing, and report outcomes as immediately and trustworthy as potential.
My testing course of was (considerably) easy: Decanting three completely different bottles with which I’ve greater than a passing familiarity – a Malbec, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Pinot Noir – that are “on a regular basis” wines round our home. I decanted all in our common decanters (small for pinot noir, medium for the malbec, and huge for the Cabernet) and did a separate decant within the Üllo for 45 to 60 minutes, all in a climate-controlled room free from odors as a lot as potential, and the suitable wine glasses. All glassware was cleaned by hand utilizing purified water. The completed, decanted wines have been tasted facet by facet.
Üllo’s system is sort of user-friendly and the instructions are easy. Setup time was subsequent to nothing and simple to conduct, and a nod of the cap ought to go in the direction of Üllo’s manufacturing and design groups for making issues really easy. The one notice of warning I’d supply and put beneath cautious contemplation for these contemplating a purchase order pertains to the sulfite-capturing filters. Üllo gives their Selective Sulfite filters in numerous potencies – each for full-bottle and single glass – and this will incur prices of wherever from $25 to $50, relying on filter choice and whether or not the person selects a single buy or a recurring subscription. It’s an expense, however one value contemplating if you happen to’re electing to make use of a sulfite extraction course of.
Wine #1: 2020 La Posta Pizzella Malbec – All three of you who comply with my wine evaluations know that I really like this Malbec and rated it as a best-value purchase. It’s my common standby to buy as a present for other people, and I often recommend it as an entry level for exploration. Üllo stripped this Uco of some main traits: gone have been the large oak and spice notes on the nostril. This can be a bonus for some preferring their Malbec on the fruit-forward facet, as Üllo did convey to the forefront that taste profile. And whereas there was much less acidity, the end lasted barely longer.
Wine #2: 2018 Josh Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast – I used to be not too long ago alerted to this high-quality Pinot Noir by a fellow Robert who writes for this website (who has far more than three readers), and we’ve been having fun with this at residence because the winter transitions to spring. Üllo’s course of stored the flavour profile virtually the identical right here: plenty of massive darkish fruit notes, some spice on the palate with a contact of vanilla. Nevertheless, as soon as once more, there was much less acidity and the end was not so long as with a standard decanter. It additionally amplified the black cherry affect, giving the palate a jammy feeling.
Wine #3: 2018 Angela Vineyards Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton – One other latest favourite reviewed this spring. By itself, this a wine that could be very fruit ahead all through, but in addition has pleasing complexity and stability supplied by secondary notes of cocoa powder, clove, and tobacco leaf. Put via the Üllo, these all remained current however have been taken down within the combine whereas the cherry and cranberry notes have been amplified fairly considerably. Not as a lot oak to be discovered, and as soon as once more the end is diminished.
General, brighter flavors, much less acidity, and shorter finishes when in comparison with an easy pour right into a decanter. I additionally utilized the Üllo system with one other bottle of Cabernet Franc which, for some purpose, at all times tends to provide me a light next-day headache. I’m unsure if this was a placebo impact, however no matter it was, this facet impact wasn’t current, and I’m grateful one thing clicked.
Ultimately, to decant and purify or pour straight from the bottle is a alternative based mostly in your private preferences. But when utilizing a system is one thing you go for, particularly if eradicating sulfites or allergens is your major purpose for doing so, Üllo’s choices test all the correct containers. Particularly with such a pleasant design.
A- / $169 / ullowine.com [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]
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