Decanting wine
Decanting wine is an age-old technique used to aerate and separate the wine from any sediment. The decanting process not only brings out the aromas and flavors of the wine, but it can also help make young wines softer and more accessible. In this blog post we will take a closer look at what decanting exactly is, which wines you can best decant, how you can use a decanting carafe in different ways and what alternatives there are if you don't have a decanting carafe.
What is decanting?
Which wines do you decant?
Not all wines benefit from decanting. In general, there are three main categories of wines that can benefit from decanting:
Red wines
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Young red wines
Old red wines
Old wines may contain sediment that has developed over time. By carefully decanting the wine, you can separate the sediment and prevent it from ending up in your glass.
Powerful red wines
Wines with intense structure and complexity can benefit from decanting. Aerating these wines helps develop the aromas and makes them more accessible.
White wines
In general, white wines are decanted less often than red wines, as white wines tend to contain less tannins and sediment. Still, there are some exceptions where decanting certain white wines can be beneficial. Here are some examples of white wines that can sometimes benefit from decanting:
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Oxidized white wines
Some white wines, such as certain aged Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc wines, can develop an oxidative character over time and exposure to oxygen. Decanting can help enliven these wines and enhance their aromas.
Aromatic white wines
Aromatic white wines such as Gewürztraminer, Riesling or Viognier can have complex aromas that develop better after exposure to oxygen. Gently decanting these wines allows the aromas to open up and intensify.
Thick, full-bodied white wines
Some white wines, such as oak-aged Chardonnay or white Rhône blends, can have a rich and full character. Decanting can help to better balance the flavors and aromas, especially if the wine is still young and needs some time to develop.
How can I decant wine without a decanter carafe?
If you don't have a special decanter available, there are several alternative methods you can use to decant your wine. Here are some suggestions:
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Decanter or decanter with wide bottom
If you have a regular carafe or a wide-bottomed carafe, you can use it as an alternative to a decanter carafe. Make sure the decanter is clean and dry before pouring the wine. The wide surface of the soil helps to expose the wine to oxygen and enhance its aromatic properties.
Large glass jug
A large glass pitcher can also serve as an alternative to a decanter. Choose a pitcher with a wide mouth so that the wine can breathe easily. Make sure the jug is clean and preferably does not hold strong odors that could affect the taste of the wine.
A clean and dry wine bottle
If you don't have a suitable carafe, you can also decant the wine by carefully pouring it into a clean and dry wine bottle. Be sure to pour the wine gently so that the sediment remains in the original bottle.
Swivel in the glass
Another simple method of decanting the wine is by swirling it in the glass. Pour a small amount of wine into the glass and gently swirl it in circular motions. This helps to expose the wine to oxygen and release the aromas.
Remember it's important to be careful when decanting the wine, especially if you're working with old wines where the sediment needs to be kept separate. The goal is to expose the wine to oxygen and enjoy an enhanced taste experience, even if you don't have a dedicated decanter.
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