The controversy regarding whether or not to decant a wine is ages old. Of course, we’re in favor of it, but there are several good reasons to take the time to pour a beautiful wine from bottle to decanter.
One main reason to decant would be to introduce oxygen into the wine allowing it to open up. As oxygen gives life to us humans, so it gives life to the wine, helping it release hidden aromas and flavors.
Another reason to decant wine is to remove the sediment that naturally occurs during the aging process. Though not harmful, it’s certainly not romantic nor atmospheric, as the bitter gritty bits lend a whole new meaning to chewing your wine.
Some very old wines, 15 years or so, are considered to be delicate or fragile and should only be decanted for 30 minutes. Whereas, younger, sturdier wines can be decanted up to an hour before serving. Even higher-end white wines can benefit from decanting.
Have you ever considered decanting a Champagne or sparkling wine? This can enhance the aromas and flavors of a vintage bottle. If you find there are too many tiny bubbles for your taste, as is the case for me, decanting can dissipate some of their effervescence.
Of course, for some people, it’s all about the bubbles. For them, Champagne would be dull and boring without it’s bubbles. And besides, for those saber-ers out there, it would be a pretty flat spectacle if there were no fountain of golden bubbles following their precise slice.
We all want to get to the good part. The tasting. But slow down. Much of the experience of wine, is the popf, as the cork is removed and the bottle takes its first breath. That certain comforting voice of the first pour, low and confident, rising in harmonious pitch as the wine swirls like a rich red waterfall flowing down into a decanter.
Intimate and sensual, the process of decanting engages us, encourages us to breathe, slow down to appreciate the mystery of the process, the company we’re with, and the beauty of our location.
The experience is a mysterious adventure of discovery as changes in aroma and texture are noted. Like a genie released after being cooped up too long in her bottle, a wine when decanted, is free to stretch, swirl, and dance, ready to grant long unspoken wishes.
Decant Everywhere! The IsVinea Caravino Travel Wine Decanter.
For more information on the mechanics of decanting wine, here’s a good article from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: https://www.winemag.com/2018/07/03/decant-wine/
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