Decanting a wine

A decanter is a vessel that is used to hold the decantation of a liquid (such as wine) which may contain sediment. Decanters are normally used as serving vessels for wine. Decanters vary in shape and design. They are usually made of an inert material (such as glass) and will hold at least one standard bottle of wine. A similar kind of vessel, the carafe, is used for serving wine as well as other drinks, but is not supplied with a stopper.

Decanters serve two basic purposes, besides looking great on the bar or buffet. When you pour wine into the decanter from the bottle properly, it allows the sediment to separate from the wine. This is especially important for older wines, because they have a tendency to have more sediment which may impart a bitter flavor. Having bits of something floating around in your glass can be less than appetizing as well.

The other reason wine is better after it is decanted is that during the pouring process, the liquid mixes with oxygen, enabling the flavors and aromas to develop fully. Wine should be splashed into the decanter, allowing the most contact with oxygen possible.

Finally, decanted wine is pretty. The clear glass shows off the color of the wine. Decanters are not meant to be used for storage, however. Wine will turn very quickly after it has been decanted.

Young wines need a longer decanting time because their flavors have not fully developed in the bottle. These are the wines that you want to get as much oxygen as possible into by the splashing technique. This is merely allowing the wine to rush out of the bottle as quickly as possible. Just hold it upside down over the mouth of your decanter and let the wine flow into it. Once decanted, leave the stopper off; the wine should be allowed to breathe for an hour before enjoying.

Old wines also benefit from decanting but they should not be splashed. Rather, because of the possible sediment in the wine, they should be tilted over the decanter and poured slowly into the decanter, making a special effort to keep the sediment at the bottom of the wine bottle. Decant fine, old wines for 15 to 30 minutes before enjoying them.