With the exception of most sparkling wines, almost all wines can benefit from decanting. However, it’s important to understand how to decant wines properly to gain the maximum benefits from this process.
Definition of Decant
Decanting is the process of slowly pouring a liquid from one container to another to introduce air into the liquid and remove solids. This is a popular strategy for allowing wine to breathe while removing any sediment that’s accumulated in the wine.
The Science of Decanting Wine
Scientifically speaking, decanting separates two immiscible liquids with the help of gravitational and centrifugal force. The heavier matter — either liquid or solid — settles down as a precipitate whereas the lighter liquid rises to the top. This liquid that is free from the particulates is called the decant.
What Is Hyperdecanting?
Hyperdecanting is the process of aerating wine by running it through a blender on a high-power setting. The method was developed by Nathan Myhrvold of Modernist Cuisine. This is thought to provide the benefits of wine aeration with more expediency, as the rapid mixing quickly introduces air to the liquid.
However, the concept is controversial and there’s debate as to whether this strategy is as effective as more traditional decanting methods. Many feel that this alternative to traditional decanting is simply a fad and has little evidence to support its quality.
What Is a Decanter?
A decanter is a container that’s specifically designed to help aerate liquid during the decanting process. They’re traditionally made of glass or crystal. While they can come in multifarious sizes, designs, and shapes, they usually feature a wide base and a long, thin neck, as this maximizes the surface area of the liquid that’s exposed to the air.
The structure also allows the sediment to stay in the base of the decanter when the wine is poured. The precipitate of the wine is usually the crystals of potassium bitartrate. These are also sometimes called “wine diamonds” and are considered a visual and textural defect.
Decanter vs. Carafe
Carafes are also glass containers often used to hold and serve liquid. However, rather than having a functional purpose, carafes are largely meant to be aesthetic. They’re typically elegant or otherwise aesthetically pleasing vessels that are often laid out as part of a spread. Carafes can be any shape, but traditionally are thin and tall, without the dramatic changes in shape typical of decanters.
Why Should You Decant Wine?
Decantation helps to separate sediment from wine and helps to refine the taste of the wine by allowing it to “breathe.” The introduction of oxygen keeps the wine fresh and encourages the wine to release aromas. These benefits are especially notable for older wines, which usually collect more sediment over time.
Further, storing wine in a decanter elevates it by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the wine and encouraging oxygenation. This also allows the wine to develop flavors faster. Usually, old wines need to be decanted as they have been matured in the bottle and the resulting sediment can leave an unpleasant taste and texture. However, younger wines can also benefit from being decanted.
Enthusiasts can benefit from sampling different wines and comparing the quality of decanted wines with that of undecanted wines. Beyond this, there are many options for sampling different types of wines, such as attending wine tasting events and subscribing to a wine of the month service.
How To Decant Wine
There are some variations in how you can decant wines. However, the standard steps include:
Find a very well-lit area. It may even help to use a lamp or flashlight for additional lighting.
Allow the wine to settle in a vertically-positioned bottle for a minimum of 24 hours.
Ensure your chosen decanter is clean.
Open the bottle and tip it toward the decanter.
Slowly but steadily pour the wine from the bottle into the decanter.
Stop pouring when you see sediment entering the decanter. The additional light will help you observe this.
Discard the bottle and the liquid remaining in it.
Serve the wine.
It’s important not to pause this process once you have started, as the sediment has been disrupted once you start. If you pause, you’ll have to allow the sediment to settle again.
How Long To Decant Wine
In general, red wines should be allowed to breathe in the decanter for approximately two hours before serving. White wines typically don’t need to breathe, but full-bodied wines like Bordeaux and Burgundy can benefit from aeration. Wine of any type shouldn’t be left in a decanter for longer than two to three days, as it will begin to lose its flavor.
How To Decant Wine Without a Decanter
You don’t need an actual decanter to decant wine. Any spacious, clear container will work. The most important thing is that you gradually pour the wine from one container into another and stop when you begin to see sediment.
Why Should You Invest in a Decanter?
The main motive of people buying a decanter is to enhance the experience of drinking by presenting wine in a beautiful way. Besides the presentation, people use decanters to retain the quality of wine as it helps to aerate the liquid and keep it fresh.
Decanters can also make your dining table more eye-catching. They come in many different beautiful shapes and designs. Many beautiful decanters are crafted and handmade. They can even be used as a home décor item beyond their functional purpose. A beautiful decanter filled with wine or liquor that’s placed on the dining table can create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
A decanter is also a perfect gift for people who enjoy a high-quality drink. Nice decanters are a great gift for birthdays or holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. It will never leave the receiver disappointed.
