Decanting wine is a common practice used to improve the flavor, aroma and appearance of wine. It involves pouring wine from its original bottle into a decanter, a container specifically designed for this purpose.
Decanting can be tricky for those who have never done it before, as it requires precision and careful handling of the wine. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps required to properly decant your favorite bottle of wine, ensuring that you get the most out of every glass.
From selecting the right decanter to handling the wine with care, we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a decanting pro. So let’s dive right in and start enhancing your wine experience!
What is decanting wine?
Decanting wine is the process of slowly transferring wine from its original bottle into a separate container, without disturbing any sediment at the bottom. The aim of this process is two-fold. Firstly, decanting allows you to separate the sediment from the liquid, thus ensuring a clearer and more visually appealing wine. Secondly, it helps to aerate the wine by exposing it to more oxygen, which can help to open up the wine and enhance its flavor and aroma.
It’s important to note that not all wines need to be decanted, and the process can be particularly beneficial for older, more complex wines or full-bodied red wines that benefit from some extra breathing time before serving.
Why is decanting important?
Decanting wine is important for a couple of reasons. Firstly, decanting allows you to separate the wine from any sediment at the bottom of the bottle. This sediment can create a bitter taste and unpleasant texture. Secondly, decanting can help aerate the wine and open up its flavors. This is especially true for full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
By allowing the wine to mingle with the air, the flavors and aromas can become more pronounced and enjoyable. Decanting is an important step in getting the most out of your wine, and it’s a simple process that anyone can try.
How to prepare your wine bottle before decanting?
Before decanting, proper preparation of the wine bottle is essential for the best results. It is advised to stand the wine bottle upright for at least 24 hours before opening it.
This helps the sediment settle at the bottom, making it easier to separate and leaving the wine clear. The temperature of the wine is also important, and it is recommended to decant room temperature red wines. As for white wines, those that are old or of a more complex nature may also benefit from decanting.
However, if the wine is too cold or too hot, it may not achieve its full potential when decanted. Therefore, it’s important to take note of the ideal serving temperature for both red and white wines. By preparing the wine bottle properly, the decanting process will be more successful in bringing out the fullest flavors and aromas of the wine.
What type of container to use for decanting?
When it comes to decanting wine, choosing the right container is essential to achieving the desired results. A decanter is the most common container used for decanting wine, and it should be large enough to hold the contents of a standard bottle with a little extra room for breathing.
If the bottle of wine has been stored horizontally, it’s important to stand it up for at least a day before decanting to allow any sediment to settle to the bottom.
For full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, a decanter with a wide base is preferable, while older wines that require minimal oxygen exposure can be decanted for only 20-30 minutes. Overall, the type of container used in decanting wine should enable the wine to breathe and separate any sediment while preserving its taste and aroma.
Proper technique for pouring wine into a decanter
Proper technique is crucial when it comes to decanting wine. To achieve the best results, use one hand to pour the wine into the decanter while holding a light source to the neck of the bottle. This method ensures that only the wine, separated from any impurities, reaches the decanter. Stop pouring once you notice the sediment at the bottom of the bottle. A helpful tip is to place the decanter beside the light source so you can see when the sediment is about to pour into the decanter. Additionally, pouring wine vigorously into the decanter by sommeliers is known as a “rough decant”. This technique is only used for young and tannic wines and could speed up the process of aeration. Understanding proper pouring techniques is an important aspect of decanting wine accurately.
How long to decant wine?
Decanting wine is an essential process in the wine-serving ritual. It brings out the hidden flavors and aromas from the wine by allowing it to breathe. But how long should one decant the wine? It depends on the wine variety and age.
For younger wines, which are less than five years old, decant for at least 30 minutes before drinking. For slightly mature wines of six to ten years old, leave them to breathe for one to two hours. However, wines that are more than 20 years old should be decanted for less than 30 minutes or not at all, if possible.
It is important to note that these are just guidelines, and the wine’s condition and personal preference should also be taken into consideration. It’s best to taste the wine after a few minutes in the decanter, up to about 15-20 minutes, and reassess its qualities. Longer than that isn’t usually necessary. By following these simple steps, one can enjoy the full potential of their wine flavors and aromas.
How to properly serve wine from a decanter?
Once the wine has been decanted, it’s time to serve it. Serving wine from a decanter requires a little bit of knowledge and care to ensure that it’s done correctly. Firstly, you need to make sure that you pour the wine slowly and gradually, as you don’t want to pour too much at once. Secondly, you have to hold the decanter gently to avoid shaking the sediment that has settled at the bottom of the bottle.
When you pour, try to stop pouring when the sediment reaches the neck of the decanter. Lastly, make sure you hold the decanter securely and with a steady hand to ensure that no spills occur. A common mistake is to tilt the decanter too much, making the wine pour out too fast. One more thing to keep in mind, presentation can matter too. So make sure to use a clean and presentable decanter to enhance the wine’s look and add to the overall drinking experience.
Does decanting wine change its taste?
Decanting wine can definitely change its taste, depending on the type of wine and how long it’s been decanted. Decanting allows the wine to breathe, which can soften harsh tannins and bring out more complex flavors and aromas. However, if a wine is already well-balanced and doesn’t have any harsh flavors or aromas, decanting may not be necessary and could even make the wine seem flatter or less lively.
It’s important to note that decanting does not necessarily make a wine better, just different. It’s up to personal preference and the characteristics of the wine to determine if decanting will enhance the overall experience.
Can all types of wine be decanted?
Not all types of wine need to be decanted. Younger wines may not require as much air as older wines, which typically benefit more from decanting. Light-bodied wines, such as Pinot Noir, may not need to be decanted at all. On the other hand, full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, can benefit greatly from decanting. White wines may also be decanted, but for a shorter period, typically around 15 minutes before serving.
It’s important to note that while decanting can enhance the flavors and aromas of certain wines, it may not necessarily improve all wines. It’s always a good idea to do a taste test before and after decanting to determine if the difference is noticeable.
How to store leftover decanted wine.
After enjoying a bottle of wine that has been decanted, it’s not uncommon to have some leftover. The best way to store leftover wine is by pouring it back into the original bottle and corking it.
However, if you have a lot of leftover wine, consider using smaller bottles to avoid excessive air exposure. Ensure that the bottles are clean and dry before pouring in the leftover wine, and tightly cork or seal them to prevent oxidation. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat.
It’s important to note that leftover wine will not last indefinitely, so it’s best to consume it within a day or two. Enjoying wine that has been properly decanted and stored will enhance your overall wine experience.
