Several months ago, I was contacted about a new wine device called the Ravi and given the opportunity to test the Ravi. The Ravi was launched in Quebec, Canada and has a patent pending. This product is inserted into an open wine bottle with the intention of cooling the wine down to an appropriate temperature.

While we initially assumed that the target was white wine, instead, the focus for the Ravi was to ensure that red wines were served at the proper temperature. With the admonition that many people serve red wines too warm (room temperature refers to rooms prior to the advent of central heating), the Ravi seeks to lower the wine temperature to the perfect 55-60F. (Fuller-bodied reds can be served as high as 62F, but warmer than this becomes too hot.)

I intended to use the product soon after its receipt, but due to not reading all of the instructions ahead of time, I made an error, which caused a delay. The Ravi has two parts, which snap together. One piece is stored in the freezer for at least an hour prior to use to permit it to produce its cooling effect. The internal mechanism is a stainless steel tube, through which the wine passes, cooling the wine on contact.

One is advised to clean the Ravi prior to its first use and here is where I made my error. I wasn’t careful about not getting water inside the device, which the next instruction cautioned not to freeze the part with water inside. Accordingly, I had to wait until the water evaporated, which, due to the seasonal humidity, required waiting a few weeks. Once this problem had been rectified, the Ravi went into the freezer, but the sustained heat prevented me from having any interest in red wine.

I finally had occasion to use the Ravi at an event for a private client last week. We were presenting wines paired with the delicious dinner prepared by the hosts, which included a St.-Emilion and an Australian Shiraz, to accompany the main course of seared steak. We took the opportunity to bring the Ravi with us and used it to cool down these wines as we poured them for the event guests. Starting first with our own glasses, we were pleasantly surprised to note the success at which the device accomplished its goal. Feeling the bottle itself, the wine was much warmer than it was once it was poured into the glass. Accordingly, the serving temperature was more appropriate and the wine could be better enjoyed.

The only drawback was that the device itself is a bit cumbersome to use given that you are adding about 5 inches to the top of the wine bottle. In addition, we found that the wine seemed to get a bit stuck after a few pours, which required some effort to get it flowing again. However, overall, it did work for its intended use and can thus be recommended. The Ravi retails for ~$50.00, but as there are no replacement costs, it is a one-time investment if one is interested in having such a product.