Review: TRIbella Wine Aerator
by Rob Johnson
Those who enjoy drinking wine, especially those who have saved a special bottle for a special occasion, want the most out of the experience. One contributing factor is letting the wine “breathe” after uncorking it. This simply means exposing the wine to oxygen for a period of time, and allowing the bouquet to develop before drinking it. For those who want to enjoy a bottle right away, how can this breathing process be accelerated? Enter the TRIbella wine aerator developed by Skip Lei in Portland, Oregon.
How does the TRIBella work? Once the bottle’s cork is removed, simply insert the TRIbella into the top of the bottle. After orienting TRIbella with its vent is on top, pour wine into a glass. It’s that simple. As the bottle is tilted, the TRIbella directs the pour into three tiny streams which facilitate more exposure of liquid to air. Additionally, as wine exits the bottle, a slight vacuum is created. Air is pulled through the TRIbella’s side vent with a mild slurping sound. Through this process the wine pour is infused with additional, mildly-forced airflow.
There are other products available which accomplish a similar goal. I’ve owned and used a Venturi wine aerator for several years and it’s a handy device. The Venturi is a tapered egg-shaped receptacle with a hole on top to receive the pour from the wine bottle. A user holds the Venturi over a class or decanter, pours the wine carefully, and the aerated wine comes out the bottom.
After using the TRIbella, though, I prefer it to the Venturi for its extreme ease of use. Unlike the Venturi, which requires the user to aim and carefully meter the pour and avoid overflow, TRIbella’s shape seals the bottle so there’s very little chance of your precious wine missing its target. Plus, the tiny streams create an elegant and fun presentation while pouring wine for a guest.
Each TRIbella comes in a case that looks much like the one used for eyeglasses. A carefully molded insert within the case holds the TRIbella securely and offers an elegant presentation. The TRIbella costs $40, lower than the cost of a nice bottle of wine, and it will help you get the most from all the future bottles you open. Consider the TRIbella a small investment to enhance your wine enjoyment.
Originally published at www.stylishinnovation.com.
