Decanting Wine 101

What is Decanting Wine?

Decanting wine is the process of slowly pouring your wine from its original bottle into a glass vessel. Not just for aesthetics, the art of decanting has a valuable and tasty purpose. Careful decanting allows the wine to separate from its sediment that may otherwise linger and provide a bitter flavor. Plus, the introduction of oxygen allows the aromas to breathe and develop for even more indulgence.

Wines of all kinds benefit from decanting, not only Reds, but also Whites and Champagnes. And just like your wine choices, there are a variety of decanter selections, each shaped to enhance the varietal in a specific way.

Decanting Youthful Red Wine

A Youthful Red wine with assertive tannins benefits from a rough decant to express the full flavors of the wine. A wider base design allows for maximum air exposure, resulting in a softer taste. Allot about an hour between decanting and enjoying to give the wine time to fully aerate and settle.

Tom recommends the Elegance Carafe for decanting your favorite Youthful Red.

Vanessa suggests you try a 2015 Azienda Celestino Pecci Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany

Decanting Vintage Red Wine

The older the bottle of Red the more sediment is present, so Vintage Reds are best decanted to separate them prior to serving. Opt for a long neck decanter with a smaller surface area, decanting gently 30 minutes before your first sip. This will introduce only a moderate amount of oxygen, helping the tertiary aromatics of mature Reds to shine.

Tom recommends the Elegance Accent Decanter for decanting your favorite Vintage Red.

Vanessa suggests you try a 2011 Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Gran Reserva Rioja

Decanting White Wine

For White wine lovers, a smaller crystal decanter is preferable to avoid losing more delicate aromatics. You’ll notice a subtle increase in complexity of the flavor, the decanting process allowing the wine to fully open up. Decant your wine 15 minutes prior to your first pour.

Tom recommends the Elegance Optic Carafe for decanting your favorite White

Vanessa suggests you try a 2016 Philippe Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Sec Loire Valley

Decanting Champagne

A sparkling wine like Champagne is enhanced by decanting - so don’t fear it will go flat. For most styles of Champagne the exposure to oxygen during decanting is very beneficial. Oxygen wakes up the complex aromatics and expresses their full potential. A smaller decanter works best for Champagne, preserving the vibrancy of the flavor. Decant your bottle 15 minutes before enjoying, careful to pour slowly to retain the bubbles.

Tom recommends the Lismore Nouveau Decanting Carafe for decanting your favorite White.

Vanessa suggests you try a NV Barons de Rothschild Brut Champagne