The Art of Decanting

Atechnique of slowly removing a wine from its sediment, while allowing the wine to breathe is decanting. Decanting is often performed on older wines and ports, which contain sediments that can make the wine taste bitter. Surprisingly, even young wines also benefit from decanting.

Techniques of Decanting Wine

A simple glass carafe can be used as a decanter, as long as it is clear so that the wine´s color and clarity are visible. Some people choose to use carafes that are exquisite examples of fine cut crystal and others may select one that is simply a clear glass decanter. Again, this is a matter of choice and does not impair the decanting process.

Older wines usually have a considerable amount of sediment on the bottom of the wine bottle. It is therefore advisable to stand a bottle upright for at least 24 hours prior to decanting. This gives the wine ample time for all of the sediment to settle. For wines that are fifteen or more years old, you may want to consider letting it stand for a number of days. For very old wines, say those that are forty years old or older, it is very important not to decant immediately after moving the bottle. Let it stand upright for a lengthy period before decanting.

After uncorking your wine, pour it in the decanter using a slow but continuous stream. Some people prefer to use cheesecloth when they decant their wine, or a wire mesh placed in a funnel.

Place a candle or flashlight beside the decanter as you pour the wine. Stand so you can see the light shining through the neck of the bottle. Keep pouring until you see sediments in the neck of the decanter. Through this process you will lose a little of the wine, but only a very little.

Choosing a Decanter

When choosing a decanter, you may want to choose a clear crystal variety that allows you to see the wine at its best. Overly decorated or colored decanters obscure the wine. Be sure that your decanter is spotless and free from any musty cupboard aromas. Rinse your decanter with water to remove any residual order and never clean your decanter with overly strong detergent. The shape of a decanter makes it very difficult to remove the soapy residue. The best way to clean your decanter is to use a mixture of crushed ice and coarse salt, which will remove any residual wine without leaving behind any aroma of its own.

Contributor: WineDefinitions Staff Writer

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