Ordering wine in restaurants

[DrunkIrish05]

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If a restaurant offers carafs, this is your new favorite restaurant.

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I recently was in Calgary for business and ate at alot of nice places that used these. I have absolutely no idea what purpose they serve. Can someone explain to me why they are used and why this is better than normal?

[mrkilla]

it also serves as a decantar and usually cost a little less