Riedel Decanter Ultra
Riedel Decanter Ultra
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Riedel Ultra Decanter
The Riedel Ultra Decanter is a strikingly sculptural piece that demonstrates how beautiful design and practical function can work in perfect harmony. This mouth-blown decanter combines an extra-wide funnel mouth with a wide, flattened base to create optimum conditions for wine aeration, whilst its compact 1230ml capacity and 225mm height make it perfectly suited to both everyday use and small but special occasions.
Made from lead-free crystal and mouth-blown in Tyrol, Austria, the Ultra represents Riedel's commitment to accessible excellence. The distinctive flattened base provides a large, shallow surface area that maximises wine-to-air contact, allowing wines to breathe efficiently. The extra-wide mouth functions as a natural funnel, making decanting straightforward even for those new to wine service - you can pour confidently without worrying about splashing or missing the opening.
Key features of the Riedel Ultra Decanter:
- Sculptural elegance: Striking contemporary design that looks beautiful on any table whilst delivering practical performance
- Extra-wide funnel mouth: Makes pouring wine into the decanter effortless and splash-free, even for beginners
- Flattened base design: Wide, shallow surface maximises wine-to-air contact for optimum aeration
- Everyday capacity: 1230ml capacity perfectly accommodates a standard 750ml bottle with room for aeration.
- Compact height: At 225mm, the Ultra fits comfortably in most cupboards and on tables without dominating the space
- Tyrol craftsmanship: Mouth-blown in Austria using traditional techniques, ensuring quality and durability
- Lead-free crystal: Clear, brilliant crystal that's safe for everyday use
- User-friendly design: Easy to fill, easy to pour, easy to clean - practical for regular use rather than special occasions only
This decanter suits wine enthusiasts who want the benefits of proper aeration without the formality or fragility of more elaborate designs. The Ultra's compact size and straightforward design make it ideal for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or anyone building their first wine accessory collection. It's a decanter you'll actually use rather than keep stored away.
What Customers Ask About Riedel Ultra Decanter
Which wines work best with the Ultra decanter?
The Ultra works well with all wine types. Young red wines benefit most from the wide, flattened base which provides maximum surface area for aeration, softening tannins and opening up aromatics. White wines can be decanted briefly to enhance their expression. Older wines with sediment can be decanted carefully, though the wide base means sediment may spread more than in tall, narrow decanters - watch carefully as you pour. The compact size and easy-pour design make it particularly suited to everyday wines where you want quick, practical aeration.
Is the wide mouth really easier for pouring?
Yes, significantly. The extra-wide funnel mouth is one of the Ultra's key practical benefits - you can pour wine from the bottle without careful aim or worry about splashing. This makes the Ultra particularly suitable for beginners or for everyday use when you don't want to fuss with precise pouring. The wide opening also makes cleaning much easier than narrow-necked decanters, as you can reach inside with a cloth or sponge if needed.
How does the flattened base affect aeration?
The wide, flattened base creates a large, shallow wine surface that maximises contact with air. When you pour a standard 750ml bottle into the Ultra, the wine spreads across the broad base rather than sitting deep in a narrow vessel. This geometry accelerates aeration - wines that might need an hour in a traditional decanter may open up in 30-40 minutes in the Ultra. The shallow depth also means you can observe the wine's colour and clarity easily.
Is 1230ml capacity enough for entertaining?
The 1230ml capacity works well for most situations. It comfortably holds one 750ml bottle with proper room for aeration. For intimate dinners or couples, it's perfect. For larger dinner parties, you might consider having two decanters or choosing a larger capacity design. The compact size is actually an advantage for everyday use - it doesn't dominate your table or cupboard space.
Is the Ultra dishwasher safe?
Whilst mouth-blown crystal is generally not recommended for dishwashers, many customers handwash their Ultra with excellent results. The wide mouth makes handwashing straightforward - you can easily reach inside with a cloth or sponge, unlike narrow-necked decanters that require special brushes. Rinse immediately after use with warm water, wash gently with mild detergent, and dry thoroughly. The simple shape means no hard-to-reach crevices where wine residue can hide.
Why the Ultra Works for Everyday Use
Many wine decanters are beautiful but impractical for regular use - too fragile, too difficult to clean, too formal for casual dinners. The Ultra addresses these concerns directly. Its compact 225mm height means it fits easily in standard kitchen cupboards rather than requiring special storage. The wide mouth eliminates the nervousness of pouring wine into a narrow opening. The flattened base provides stability on tables without requiring excessive care.
The Ultra's sculptural design means it looks intentional and elegant on your table, but it doesn't feel overly formal or precious. You can use it for a Tuesday night pasta dinner as easily as a special weekend meal. This everyday usability means you'll actually benefit from proper wine aeration regularly, rather than reserving decanting only for special occasions when you're willing to deal with a more demanding piece.
The mouth-blown Tyrol craftsmanship ensures durability despite the lead-free crystal construction. This is a working decanter built to handle regular use, not a display piece that requires excessive caution. The combination of practical design and quality construction makes the Ultra particularly suitable for those new to wine decanting or anyone who wants the benefits without the fuss.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Immediate Rinsing: Rinse the Ultra with warm water immediately after use to prevent wine residue from drying. The wide mouth and simple shape make this straightforward - no special tools required.
Handwashing: Use warm (not hot) water with a small amount of mild detergent. The extra-wide mouth means you can reach inside with a soft cloth or sponge to clean the interior surfaces easily. For the flattened base, gentle swirling with soapy water usually removes any residue. Rinse thoroughly multiple times to remove all soap, as detergent residue can affect wine flavour in future use.
Deep Cleaning: For stubborn stains or cloudiness, use decanter cleaning beads or a specialist decanter cleaning solution. The wide opening means you don't need long-handled brushes - most cleaning tools fit through easily. Fill with warm water and white vinegar in equal parts, let sit for several hours, then rinse thoroughly for persistent cloudiness from hard water deposits.
Drying: After rinsing, drain as much water as possible, then place upside down on a decanter drying stand or prop at an angle to allow complete air drying. The wide mouth promotes faster drying than narrow-necked decanters. You can also dry the exterior with a lint-free cloth whilst leaving the interior to air dry. Allow several hours for complete drying before storing.
Pouring Technique: When serving wine from the Ultra, use the flattened side as your pouring edge for controlled flow. The wide base provides stability, but always use two hands when the decanter is full. Pour slowly to avoid splashing, particularly with the shallow base design.
Storage: Store in a safe location where it won't be knocked. The compact 225mm height means the Ultra fits in standard kitchen cupboards. Ensure the decanter is completely dry before storing to prevent musty odours. Store upright or at a stable angle.
Aeration Time: For young red wines, 30-60 minutes in the Ultra typically provides excellent aeration. The wide, shallow base accelerates the process compared to traditional tall decanters. For older wines, shorter decanting times of 15-30 minutes may be sufficient. Taste as the wine develops to find your preferred aeration level.
Why Buy From The Riedel Shop?
Since establishing The Riedel Shop, we've specialised in Riedel's innovative glassware and decanters, helping customers find pieces that enhance their wine enjoyment without unnecessary complexity. The Ultra represents practical excellence - beautiful design that you'll actually use regularly.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Breakage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
We believe you shouldn't have to take a risk when purchasing glassware. Our Half-Price Replacement policy covers accidental breakage for 2 years from purchase with proof of purchase, giving you confidence to use your Ultra regularly rather than keeping it stored away for special occasions only.
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses typically takes 3-5 working days. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and our stock levels. We pack all decanters carefully with protective packaging to ensure safe arrival.
Can I return the decanter if I don't like it after using it?
We offer a no quibble return guarantee that allows you to return goods even after use. The items must be in a resaleable condition and in their original packaging. Please wrap or box items appropriately for transit to avoid damage.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
If you accidentally break your decanter within 2 years of purchase, we'll replace it at half the current retail price. You'll need proof of purchase (receipt, bank statement, or order confirmation if purchased online) and evidence of the breakage (a photo is fine). We log your purchase at point of sale, or online orders are automatically recorded in our system.
Are Riedel decanters marked with the brand name?
Authentic Riedel decanters typically feature subtle branding. The Ultra carries the Riedel mark, confirming authenticity. All decanters purchased from The Riedel Shop are genuine Riedel products sourced directly from the manufacturer.
Do you offer gift packaging?
The Riedel Ultra Decanter comes in Riedel's standard packaging, which is suitable for gifting and provides appropriate protection for the mouth-blown crystal. This makes an excellent gift for wine enthusiasts at any level of experience.
Is the Ultra stable when filled?
Yes, the wide, flattened base provides excellent stability on flat surfaces. The low centre of gravity (225mm height with wide base) makes the Ultra more stable than tall, narrow decanters. However, always place on a level, stable surface away from table edges and use two hands when carrying a filled decanter.
How does the Ultra compare to other Riedel decanters?
The Ultra prioritises practical everyday use over elaborate design. It's more compact and user-friendly than decanters like the Amadeo, with easier pouring and cleaning. The flattened base provides faster aeration than tall, narrow decanters. If you want a decanter you'll use regularly without fuss, the Ultra excels. For showpiece centrepieces or maximum capacity, consider decanters like the Amadeo or Cornetto Magnum.
Can I use the Ultra for white wines?
Yes, white wines can benefit from brief decanting in the Ultra. Fuller-bodied whites like oaked Chardonnay or Viognier often improve with 15-30 minutes of aeration. Even crisp whites can show enhanced aromatics after a few minutes in the decanter. The wide base provides quick aeration, so monitor white wines carefully to avoid over-exposure to air.
Is this suitable as a first decanter?
Absolutely. The Ultra is an excellent choice for anyone new to wine decanting. The extra-wide funnel mouth eliminates pouring anxiety, the simple shape makes cleaning straightforward, the compact size doesn't require special storage, and the practical design encourages regular use. You'll learn the benefits of decanting without struggling with a demanding piece. Many customers who start with the Ultra find it remains their go-to decanter even after acquiring more elaborate designs.
Understanding Decanter Shapes and Aeration
Decanter design directly affects how quickly and thoroughly wine aerates. Tall, narrow decanters provide slower, gentler aeration - suitable for older, delicate wines. Wide, shallow decanters like the Ultra accelerate aeration through maximum surface area contact - ideal for young, robust wines that need significant breathing time reduced to practical levels.
The Ultra's flattened base creates what's essentially a large, shallow wine pool. When you pour a 750ml bottle, the wine spreads across the wide base rather than sitting deep in a vessel. This geometry means a young Cabernet Sauvignon that might traditionally need 90 minutes to open up can show beautifully in 30-40 minutes. The accelerated aeration makes the Ultra particularly practical for weeknight dinners when you don't have hours to wait before serving.
The sculptural shape isn't purely aesthetic - it's functional design that happens to look striking. The wide funnel mouth serves as your pouring target whilst also allowing maximum oxygen exchange. The compact 225mm height keeps the centre of gravity low for stability whilst fitting comfortably in storage. Every aspect of the Ultra's design serves both practical and visual purposes.
