Wine decanting is practiced by many wine connoisseurs to improve the characteristics and flavors of wine. However, is wine decanting all it’s cracked up to be? Is it a necessary or superfluous step? If necessary, why, when, and how should you decant wine? This is wine decanting 101– in other words, everything you need to know about decanting wine.
The Practice of Decanting Wine
Decanting wine is the act of slowly pouring wine from it’s original bottle into a different container– often into a designated, glass decanter with an easy-pour neck. The goal is to separate the wine from it’s sediment at the bottom of the bottle and to allow the wine to “open up.”
Why to Decant Wine
There is good reason many wine connoisseurs practice wine decanting with every bottle. The act of decanting provides many benefits for the wine drinker, including:
- Aeration
Pouring wine from the bottle into a new container allows the wine to open up – or, in other words, aerate. Aeration occurs when oxygen makes contact with the wine, enhancing it’s aromas and flavors. You might hear aeration referred to as “allowing the wine to breath.” This process is also known for softening tannins.
- Sediment Separation
Wine sediment is completely normal and expected in every bottle of wine, as it’s a byproduct of the wine making process. It’s typically composed of grape skin, seeds, and precipitates. While it’s safe to consume, it can be unpleasurable to swallow. Decanting the wine helps to separate the wine from it’s sediment, keeping it from spoiling your delicious glass of wine.
For the sake of enjoyability and flavor, decanting wine is a safe and favorable habit, especially for those who enjoy higher quality wines.
When Should You Decant Wine?
Despite common belief, all kinds of wines can benefit from decanting. Reds, whites, old, new, and every wine in between can benefit from the decanting process. However, it’s mostly practiced with big, bold reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Nebbiolo, Malbec, and Bourdeaux.
When it comes to the age of wine, younger wines will typically offer stronger tannins. For this reason, it’s wise to decant younger wines, in effort to soften the tannins. Older wines can also benefit from decanting, but will naturally have softer tannins to begin with.
Simple Steps to Decanting Wine
The practice of decanting wine is quite simple– likely simpler than you’d expect. All you need is a bottle of wine, wine opener, and wine decanter. To decant the wine, follow these simple steps:
- If your wine bottle has been stored horizontally, allow it to sit in a vertical position for at least an hour (to allow the sediment to sink to the bottom of the bottle).
- Open the bottle of wine and slowly pour the wine from the bottle into the decanter. The best practice is to keep the wine bottle below a 45 degree angle to maintain a slow, yet steady pouring pace.
- Watch for any sediment that approaches the neck of the wine bottle and avoid pouring it into the decanter. Remember: one of the primary purposes of decanting is to separate the sediment from the wine. To avoid sediment from entering the decanter, leave about an ounce of wine in the bottle, or utilize a wine strainer.
- Let the wine sit in the decanter for at least 30 minutes, if not longer, before drinking. There is little risk in “over-decanting” the wine (unless it’s old), but a general rule of thumb is to consume the wine within a few hours of opening it.
Ta-da, you can now decant wine like a pro!
The Best Wine Decanters
There is a large variety of wine decanters on the market, most of which are perfectly efficient at doing their job. However, wine decanters come in various shapes, leaving the design up to your preference. Over the years, these are the best wine decanters I’ve found:
- Riedel Decanter– The Riedel decanter is an investment for those who enjoy high quality wines. This hand-blown decanter offers an effortless, seamless pour and is quite beautiful to look at, but comes with a price.
- Sullivan Decanter– Known as the Riedel dupe, the Sullivan decanter is a more affordable option. It comes in a similar design as the Riedel for smooth pouring.
- Swoon Decanter– Made from handmade glass, the Swoon decanter has a flattering design and durable function. This decanter makes for a great wedding shower or birthday gift for any wine lover!
- Menu Winebreather Carafe– This carafe makes for a fun party trick, as it can double-decant the wine. It’s affordable and functional, making it a perfect option for many.
- Waterfall Carafe– The beautiful Waterfall carafe features a gold rim and waterfall colored base. It’s design is unique and definitely makes a statement!
While it can sound complicated and prestigious, decanting wine is a practice for every wine lover. It can elevate any bottle of wine, especially those younger reds. Happy wine decanting!
