The Art of Decanting
Serving, Tasting & Preserving Wine
How to taste wine - The basics » Wine Preservation » How to taste wine like a professional » Why does glass shape matter? » Caring for your glassware » Wine Faults »Have you ever visited Dunell's and viewed our large range of different decanters and wondered, “Is one of those really necessary?” Don’t worry. You’re not alone.
Many wine-lovers have heard of a wine decanter but aren’t quite clear on its purpose. Afterall, why would you want to add another step that further delays the wine-drinking process? We get asked on a regular basis about the benefits of decanting so this handy guide has been put together to help you understand the huge differences decanting can make to your wine enjoyment.
The Art of Decanting
Wine connoisseurs, whether professionals or wine lovers, are divided over the process of decanting. When should you decant wine and which wines benefit from it – or is this simply a matter of taste? We believe that wines are still decanted too rarely, and shouldn’t be restricted to red wines.
Traditionally, only mature red wines were decanted in order to separate the wine from sediment and to gently aerate the wine after years spent in the bottle. A wine 10 years or older is typically considered as matured.
However young red wines also benefit from decanting, as the aeration makes them smoother and rounder, speeding up the ageing process.
We should decant younger wines (younger than 10 years) to open up aromas and flavours, revealing more complexity. Carbon dioxide is the main preservation element in wine, which is integrated during the first (alcoholic) fermentation. Exposure to oxygen burns off carbon dioxide, effectively maturing the wine and allowing the bouquet to develop faster.
Decanting is not just for red wines
Its typically thought that only red wines benefit from decanting, but the rules are based less on colour and more on age and structure. Simply put, any wine that would benefit from ageing can be decanted. That includes red wines, white wines and even champagne. Decanted wine shows more expression on the palate and, in the case of reds, better integrates and smooths out tannins.
How to decant
Mature wines should be decanted gently with caution. Depending on the age of the wine and how it has been stored, excessive oxidation can strip a mature wine of its remaining character. To decant a mature wine, slowly pour the wine into the decanter without allowing any sediment to leave the bottle. Let the wine to flow smoothly down the walls of the decanter to gradually aerate.
In a younger wine, we recommend the complete opposite, as you want to burn off as much carbon dioxide in the wine as possible. Turn the bottle upside down and let it vigorously splash into the decanter, ideally producing a thick frothy head.
How long do I leave it in the decanter before drinking?
Unfortunately asking how long you should let your wine breathe is a bit like asking how long a piece of string is. There are a number of varying factors like the style and structure of the wine, but generally speaking, the older the wine, the less time it needs open. You also don’t want to decant wine that you don’t intend to drink, just as you wouldn’t leave a bottle of wine open overnight as it would oxidise.
If possible, decant your mature wines at least an hour before you drink it. Just like decanting an older wine too vigorously can burn off its lighter characters (typically fruit and floral), decanting it too early can do the same. A young wine however will benefit from decanting at least a few hours prior to consumption.
Choosing the right decanter for you?
Depending on your budget, make sure you choose a decanter that fits your home and lifestyle and doesn’t intimidate you.
It should be easy to use, easy to wash, and easy to take care of. If you use it regularly, it won’t get dusty and dirty; there’s nothing worse than having to clean your decanter every time you get it out because it has dust in it from lack of use.
The style of decanter you select primarily depends on what you intend to use it for: young wines, old wines, or both? A decanter with a simple design will be suitable for both young and old wines, but an elaborate piece designed to invigorate young wines is sure to impress your guests when set upon the table.
We have decanters available at Dunell's to fit ALL budgets starting at less than £20 up to over £1200!
We look forward to helping you find our perfect decanter!
(Article in association with Riedel)