A Full Guide to Decanting Wine for a More Enjoyable Experience!

Decanting is the process of transferring a wine from its original bottle to a different container, called a decanter. There are many types of decanters, but the most praised ones are crystal glass decanters. It is done for various reasons, such as allowing the wine to interact with oxygen and allowing for certain chemical reactions, removing wine sediment, and improving the wine’s aroma and flavour.

Why should you decant wine?

Decanting exposes the wine to oxygen. This causes a simple chemical reaction which helps to open up and develop its aroma and flavour. This is especially beneficial for young red wines with a high tannin content. Oxygen interaction softens the harsh tannins and allows the wine’s flavour and aroma profile (called bouquet) to become more pronounced, leading to a much more enjoyable wine-tasting experience.

Older wines, particularly red wines, can often develop sediment over time. Decanting helps to separate the clear liquid from any sediment that may have formed and settled in the bottle. This prevents gritty textures and undesirable bitter tannin flavours from being present in your glass. It also allows the wine’s aromas and flavours to fully express and develop, making it easier to appreciate the complexity and nuances of the wine.

How to decant wine?

Despite how complicated it may sound, decanting is a really simple process! Simply gather all the stuff – the wine bottle, the decanter (preferably a crystal glass decanter), a light source and your wine glasses. Stand the wine bottle upright for a few hours before decanting. This helps any sediment settle at the bottom of the bottle. Make sure the decanter is clean and free from any lingering odours.

Hold the decanter at a slight angle and start pouring the wine slowly and steadily into the decanter. This angle helps the wine slide down the side of the decanter, minimising the risk of splashing and disturbing sediment. As you pour, observe the wine’s colour and clarity. If you notice sediment approaching the neck of the bottle, you may want to slow down or stop pouring to prevent sediment from entering the decanter. Once the wine is decanted, you can allow it to sit for a short while (20-30 minutes) to allow it to aerate further and develop its aroma and flavour. That’s it, time to enjoy the wine! As you taste the wine, take note of how the wine’s bouquet has evolved due to the decanting process.