Decanting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your wine experience. While some may see it as a purely ceremonial step, proper decanting can transform a wine, unlocking its full depth of aromas and flavors. But why does it matter, and how do you know when to decant? In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of decanting, the types of wines that benefit most, and a step-by-step approach to decanting at home.
Why Decant Wine? The Benefits Explained
Decanting serves two primary purposes:
- Aeration – Exposing wine to oxygen helps soften tannins, mellow harsh notes, and bring out hidden aromas and flavors. This is especially useful for young, tightly wound wines.
- Sediment Removal – Older red wines, particularly those aged for a decade or more, can develop sediment over time. Decanting allows you to separate the clear wine from any gritty particles that may have formed in the bottle.
By incorporating decanting into your wine routine, you can ensure that every bottle reaches its full potential.
Which Wines Benefit Most from Decanting?
Not all wines require decanting, but many can improve with proper aeration. Here are two examples of wines that benefit from decanting:
2021 Lund Cabernet Sauvignon
A structured and robust red wine
- This bold, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in French oak, which imparts notes of Cedar, Dark Fruit, and Tobacco.
- Decanting for 30–60 minutes helps soften the tannins and enhances the wine’s complexity.
- Best enjoyed with rich dishes like grilled ribeye, short ribs, or mushroom risotto.
2021 Reserve Petite Sirah
A youthful yet expressive red wine
- This bold red is rich with flavors of Blackberry Preserves, Rosemary, and Refined Tannins.
- Decanting for 20–30 minutes allows the fruit-forward profile to open up and the oak influence to integrate more smoothly.
- A perfect pairing for roasted pork, herb-crusted lamb, or aged cheeses.
How to Decant Wine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Decanting doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a steady hand and a bit of patience. Here’s how to do it properly:
Step 1: Choose the Right Decanter
- For full-bodied reds, use a wide-bottomed decanter to maximize aeration.
- For lighter reds or older wines, a smaller, narrow-necked decanter will suffice.
Step 2: Prepare the Wine
- Stand the bottle upright for at least an hour (or ideally overnight) if it’s an older wine to let sediment settle at the bottom.
- Open the bottle carefully, avoiding unnecessary agitation.
Step 3: Pour Slowly
- Gently pour the wine into the decanter, keeping an eye on the neck of the bottle.
- Stop pouring once you see sediment reaching the bottle’s opening.
Step 4: Let It Breathe
- Let young, tannic wines sit in the decanter for 30–60 minutes before serving.
- For older wines, 15–30 minutes is usually enough—prolonged exposure to air may dull delicate flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Pour the wine into glasses and savor the enhanced aromas and flavors.
- If needed, use a wine aerator for additional oxygenation while pouring.
When NOT to Decant…
While decanting benefits many wines, some are best enjoyed straight from the bottle. Crisp whites, delicate Pinot Noir, and aged wines over 20 years old may lose their vibrancy if exposed to too much air. When in doubt, taste-test before decanting to see if the wine would benefit from aeration.
Discover Wines That Benefit from Decanting
Now that you know the art of decanting, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Whether you’re looking for a bold red to enhance through aeration or a youthful vintage that needs a little time to open up, we have the perfect selection for you.