Decanting Wine: Basics for the Everyday Wine Lover
Wine lovers, rejoice! Thanks to the art of decanting , you can enjoy the full flavors and aromas of your favorite wines in the comfort of your own home. Decanting is pouring a wine into a special container, where it can aerate and open to its fullest potential.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the basics of decanting, from the most common methods to how to properly clean your decanter. We’ll also discuss the benefits of decanting, some tips for storing and serving wine, and how to get the most out of your decanter. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll be an expert on decanting and ready to start your own journey.
What Is Decanting?
Decanting is the term used to describe the process of pouring wine from its bottle into another container before serving. This technique is employed mainly to separate the wine from any sediment that may have settled at the bottom of the bottle and allow for oxygenation or aeration. In other words, decanting allows oxygen into the wine, improving its flavor.
Decanting Methods
When it comes to decanting, there are two main methods: swivel decanting and pouring decanting. Swivel decanting requires a specialized tool called a swivel, which is used to swirl or rotate the wine in a decanter or container until all sediment has been removed. Pouring decanting simply involves pouring the wine from its bottle into a container such as a carafe or a wine decanter until all sediment has been left behind. Both methods are effective and widely used by experienced wine lovers.
Advantages of Decanting
Decanting has many advantages, including improved flavor, reduced sediment, and oxidation. The improved flavor is achieved by allowing additional oxygen to interact with the tannins in the wine, which can result in smoother and more complex flavors. When sediment is present in the bottle, this can give an unpleasant flavor to the wine, which is why removing this sediment can improve its overall taste. Lastly, oxidation helps open up wines and contribute to their full-bodied flavor.
Preparing to Decant Wine
There are a couple of preparation steps you should follow before decanting a bottle of wine. First, ensure your bottle of wine has been stored correctly for optimal results, ideally in a cool, dark place. Additionally, it is important to check that your containers for decanting are clean and free from any residue that could introduce unwanted flavors to your wines.
Steps for Decanting
When it’s time to start decanting your bottle of wine, you should take several steps. First, choose an appropriate container for decanting, such as a carafe or a specialized wine decanter, that will hold the entire bottle without spilling over. Once you have chosen your container and set it up, carefully pour the contents of your bottle into it using a slow and steady stream until all sediment has been left behind.
Decanting Times
The time required for decanting depends on whether you work with young or aged wines. For young wines (i.e., less than five years old), it is recommended that you allow them to decant for 15-20 minutes for optimal results. For aged wines (i.e., over 10 years old), allow them to decant for 30 minutes or more for adequate oxidation and flavors to develop before serving or drinking is best.
Cleaning Your Decanter
After you’ve finished decanting (and enjoying) your wine, you’ll have to clean your decanter so it’s ready to use again. First, rinse any sediment collected at the bottom of your containers using warm water. Second, store empty containers away from direct sunlight and open air where possible; ideally, they should be placed in a cool and dark place to help preserve their clarity and beauty over time. Additionally, hand washing your decanter with mild soap is always recommended over dishwashing to ensure their integrity over time. With these simple steps, you can enjoy your wine decanter for years with minimal maintenance required!
Conclusion
Decanting is an art form that can take the flavor of your favorite wines to the next level. By selecting the right decanter, pouring a bottle of wine into the container, and allowing it to sit for the recommended amount of time, you can enhance the flavor and aroma of your wines. Additionally, with the proper care and maintenance, your chosen decanter can be a staple in your wine collection for years. So take the time to enjoy the art of decanting and open up the full flavor profiles of your wines!