Ever wished you could make every second count like an hour when savouring a fine wine? The Kairos Aerator promises just that with its unique technology. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this gadget is a game-changer for wine enthusiasts. We’ve put it to the test, and here’s what we discovered.
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What is Wine Aeration and Why Do We Need It?
Aerating wine means exposing it to air, a process that encourages oxidation. Also known as letting the wine breathe or open up, this can be achieved by swirling it in a glass, using a decanter, or employing an aerator gadget like the Kairos. The interaction between oxygen and wine releases aromas and flavours, enhancing your drinking experience. However, there’s a fine line to tread: too much oxidation, and your wine could turn vinegary.
When to Aerate Your Wine
Not all wines need aeration, yet if a wine tastes overly tannic or lacks aroma, this is usually a tell-tale that it can use some air exposure. Generally, younger, bolder (more tannic and full bodied) wines need more aeration time. But remember, aeration isn’t just for premium wine — it can take affordable wines to a new level!
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The Taste Test:
Implicit Tinto from Alentejo, Portugal (£38 – On-Premise price)
We decided to put the Kairos Aerator to the ultimate test with a Portuguese wine, a blend Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Touriga Nacional that’s oak barrel aged and known for being full bodied and structured.
- Wine Without Aeration
Initially, the wine presented a woody, funky, leathery aroma with noticeable alcohol on the nose and palate. The tannins were dry and gripping, leaving a linear aftertaste dominated by oak. It felt rustic and warm, with a pungent alcohol presence.
- Wine After 15 Seconds (Equivalent to 15 Minutes of Decantation)
The wine became more aromatic, with a nose dominated by fruit rather than herbs. We detected red and dark fruits and spices from the oak ageing. The alcohol seemed less intense, as if the wine had been cooled down. On the palate, it felt wider and plusher, tannins have become more velvety.
- Wine After 30 Seconds (Equivalent to 30 Minutes of Decantation)
Floral aromas emerged, and the nose became more delicate with hints of sandalwood and dark fruit. The palate was smoother, with velvety, almost silky tannins.
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Our Findings
I’m not usually a fan of Portuguese wines due to their high, gripping tannins, which made this a perfect test case. The tannins softened, and the alcohol was less noticeable. The Kairos Aerator made the wine feel smoother and more fruitful, and allowed the wine to showcase its full complexity, with characteristics you’d find in pricier bottles. The wine revealed fruit, flowers, herbs, spices, and sandalwood, transforming an initially rustic wine into a sophisticated one.
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The Science Behind the Magic
Though it might seem like witchcraft, as to the naked eye it doesn’t seem like anything is happening—the Kairos Aerator’s magic lies in its unique chip, which sends out waves that make a real impact on the wine, accelerating the aeration process. This sophisticated technology benefits both expert wine drinkers and novices alike, providing an accessible and effective way to enhance your wine experience.
During its development, the Kairos was rigorously tested against natural oxidation to ensure accuracy. This testing allowed the developers to map out how the aeration time with the Kairos corresponds to traditional aeration times, with seconds on the Kairos equating to minutes of traditional decanting. This precision means you can fine-tune the aeration to suit your preferences, offering a customised wine experience for everyone at the table. Each person can enjoy their glass at its peak, as the Kairos lets you push the boundaries and discover the wine’s peak aeration point.
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The Kairos Experience
Tasting the wine’s evolution in the glass was exhilarating. The Kairos Aerator allows you to experiment with minimal risk, making it perfect for spontaneous wine adventures. Unlike traditional decanting, which can’t be undone, the Kairos offers flexibility and control, with the potential of risking just 1 glass and not a full bottle, which is ideal for those who enjoy immediate and versatile wine experiences.
Using the Kairos Aerator feels like a fun experiment, merging the joy of wine tasting with the thrill of discovery. You might even find yourself betting on the best aeration point for each bottle!
To guide your aeration experiments, here’s a handy decanting times guide from Wine Folly, When using Kairos, think of those minutes as seconds!
So, next time you uncork a bottle, make every second count with the Kairos Aerator. It’s not just about drinking wine; it’s about experiencing it in a whole new way. Raise your glass and savour the journey!
KAIROS WINE AERATOR
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