The Art of Decanting Wine: When and Why You Should Do It
Decanting wine is a time-honored practice with two primary purposes: removing sediment and allowing the wine to breathe. Understanding these reasons can enhance your wine-drinking experience and bring out the best in your bottle.
Removing Sediment: The Key to Clear Wine
Traditionally, older wines are decanted to remove sediment that accumulates as they age gracefully in the bottle. Occasionally, pieces of crumbling cork may also be present, making decanting an essential step. When decanting mature wines, it's important to be gentle and as excessive oxidation can strip a mature wine of its remaining character, so proceed with caution based on the wine's age and storage conditions.
Allowing the Wine to Breathe: Unlocking Complexity
Decanting also serves to aerate the wine, allowing complex flavors and aromas to emerge. Exposure to oxygen burns off carbon dioxide, effectively maturing the wine and enabling the bouquet to develop faster. While nearly all wines change when decanted, the impact varies depending on the wine and personal taste.
Which Wines Benefit Most from Decanting?
Aged and tannic wines are the best candidates for decanting. As renowned wine expert Hugh Johnson notes, "the better the wine, taking both the origin and the vintage into account, the more it benefits from prolonged contact with air." For these wines, decant at least one hour before serving. Conversely, young wines should be decanted just before serving to maximise their potential.
How to Decant Wine Properly
To decant a mature wine, follow these steps:
Pour Slowly: Gently pour the wine into the decanter without disturbing the sediment.
Smooth Flow: Allow the wine to flow smoothly down the walls of the decanter to aerate it gradually.
By mastering the art of decanting, you can develop your own wine experience, bringing out the nuanced flavours and aromas that make each bottle unique.
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