How to Decant an Older Wine
Choose a decanter., Open the bottle and pour the wine slowly down the sides of the decanter., Leave the wine out for a period of time.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose a decanter.
There are many different decanters, at various prices.
The important thing to remember is that the purpose of decanting a wine is to expose as much of the wine as possible to oxygen.
The wider the decanter, the better.
Some decanters are also created at a 45 degree angle or so.
This exposes even more of the wine's surface area to air. -
Step 2: Open the bottle and pour the wine slowly down the sides of the decanter.
There are two philosophies on the intensity of the pour.
Some people believe a vigorous, quick pour better aerates the wine, some believe this can shock the wine and prefer a slower, more gentle pour.
Especially with older wines, an easy, gentle pour is the way to go. , How long depends on what kind of wine you have.
A tannic, robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon, French Cahors or Australian Shiraz can be left for a few hours, settling the wine and opening up the fruit flavours.
More delicate reds like Pinot Noir and Amarone need less time. -
Step 3: Leave the wine out for a period of time.
Detailed Guide
There are many different decanters, at various prices.
The important thing to remember is that the purpose of decanting a wine is to expose as much of the wine as possible to oxygen.
The wider the decanter, the better.
Some decanters are also created at a 45 degree angle or so.
This exposes even more of the wine's surface area to air.
There are two philosophies on the intensity of the pour.
Some people believe a vigorous, quick pour better aerates the wine, some believe this can shock the wine and prefer a slower, more gentle pour.
Especially with older wines, an easy, gentle pour is the way to go. , How long depends on what kind of wine you have.
A tannic, robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon, French Cahors or Australian Shiraz can be left for a few hours, settling the wine and opening up the fruit flavours.
More delicate reds like Pinot Noir and Amarone need less time.
About the Author
Gloria Kennedy
Experienced content creator specializing in lifestyle guides and tutorials.
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