The Clef du Vin is an intriguing wine gadget that promises that it can replicate the key elements of the wine aging process at an accelerated rate of one year per second. The gadget only works in wines with aging potential but it can help young vintages become softer and more subtle. To use it you dip the Clef du Vin into the wine glass at 1-2 second intervals. The Clef du Vin deluxe version with the bottle, glass and pocket versions in a leather gift box with instructions and cloth. The set sells for $249.95.
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12-10-2007 @ 1:16PM
Jered said...
This sounds like complete snake oil to me. Replicates the oxidation of wine in seconds? Unscientific nonsense.
1) The aging of wine is more than just the oxidation of the volatile components. If this were the case, there's no reason to age wine, just let it breathe a bit longer after you open the bottle. Breathing and decanting both encourage oxidation, which does help mellow the wine, but nobody would claim it to be identical to aging.
2) Air, or substantial amounts of chemical or catalyst will oxidize. A quick dip with an overpriced piece of metal won't.
This is in the same vein of deceptive (self- or otherwise) claptrap as $200 ionic bracelets, Hamony Chips, and $500 wooden knobs.
I expect better from Luxist!
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