When and How to Decant Wine

Decanting wine is a technique that can enhance both the taste and aroma of wine. But when is it necessary to decant wine, and how do you do it correctly? In this blog post, you'll discover everything you need to know about decanting wine.

When Should You Decant Wine?

Not all wines need to be decanted, but there are a few cases where it is beneficial:

1. Young red wines - Young wines can have closed flavors and benefit from extra oxygen to open up their aromas.

2. Older red wines - Older wines sometimes develop sediment in the bottle. Decanting helps separate the sediment from the wine.

3. Wines with reductive aromas - Some wines have a slightly ‘closed’ or ‘musty’ smell when first opened. Decanting helps these odors dissipate.

How to Decant Wine?

Follow these simple steps to decant wine correctly:

1. Choose a suitable decanter - Use a wide decanter for young wines (to maximize oxygen exposure) and a narrower one for older wines.

2. Let the wine rest - Place an old bottle of wine upright for a few hours before decanting, allowing the sediment to settle at the bottom.

3. Pour carefully - Slowly pour the wine into the decanter without letting the sediment mix in. Using a candle or lamp behind the bottle helps to see the sediment better.

4. Let the wine breathe - Young wines can stand for 30 minutes to 2 hours for optimal effect. Older wines should not be left too long to prevent excessive oxidation.

Extra Tips for Decanting

• Use a fine sieve if you want to ensure no sediment ends up in the glass.

• Pour wine from the decanter into a glass with a wide surface area to further develop its aromas.

• Not sure if your wine needs decanting? Try a small test: pour a bit of wine directly from the bottle and another bit from the decanter, then compare the taste!

With these tips, you can make the most of your wine experience. Whether you're drinking a young or an old wine, decanting can make a world of difference in taste and aroma!