something to Pour over: the best Wine Decanters

Wine was one of man's first ever inventions (it's been traced back to 6,000 BC) –which means we've had thousands of years of drinking to perfect it. And whether you're more partial to a glass of white, red or rosé, one thing we all seem to agree on is that wine just tastes better when it's poured from a decanter.

It's even been proven by science that transferring wine from the bottle into a decanter can have a tremendous impact on the overall quality of it – and make even the cheaper wines taste palatable.

Even the shape of the decanter can have varying effects on the flavour of the wine. But we feel this is something that needs to be put to the test – in the name of research, of course.

These are the wine decanters that are making quite the… erm… splash.

Ripple Carafe, £31,Ferm Living At Utility

Ripple Carafe, £31,Ferm Living At Utility

Mouth blown into the mould, theRipple Carafe from Ferm Livinghas a beautiful rippled surface for a contemporary, dynamic expression. Strong in form as well as function, it enhances both the look and taste of wine by removing sediment, aerating the wine, facilitating pouring and providing elegant presentation.

Cobra Carafe, £48, Georg Jensen At John Lewis

Cobra Carafe, £48, Georg Jensen At John Lewis

With its liquid elegance and sinuously sculptural form, the Cobra carafe has become a best-selling classic. Its striking lines and shapes will add a hint of artistic chic to your table.

Prism Decanter,£396, Linley

Prism Decanter,£396, Linley

Created exclusively for David Linley by Moser, this aquamarine crystal decanter is a show-stopper.

Prism Decanter,£396, Linley

Prism Decanter,£396, Linley

Created exclusively for David Linley by Moser, this aquamarine crystal decanter is a show-stopper.

'O' Crystal Decanter, £175,Riedel At Selfridges

'O' Crystal Decanter, £175,Riedel At Selfridges

Whether you're serving a young or older wine, decanting will ensure clarity and brilliance by allowing any sediment to settle. With its elegant curved shape and clean lines, Riedel's O crystal decanter is an ideal addition to any wine connoisseurs collection.

Judson Decanter,£30, Habitat

Judson Decanter,£30, Habitat

The Judson clear glass decanter is a simple design distinguished by its over-sized cork.

Elegance Decanter, £150Waterford Crystal At Harrods

Elegance Decanter, £150Waterford Crystal At Harrods

The refined yet modern design of Waterford Crystal'sElegance Tall Decanterwill make a welcome addition to a dinner party table setting.

Beau Han Xu Decanter In Crystal glass with Beau Cut Swarovski Gemstones, £900, William & Son

Beau Han Xu Decanter In Crystal glass with Beau Cut Swarovski Gemstones, £900, William & Son

Living Etc's favourite, in this statement decanter, artist Beau Han Xu incorporates his signatureBeau Cut Swarovski crystals and liquid droplet that appears to be floating up from the bottom of the glass.

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.