How to Decant Wine: A Complete Guide

Decanting wine might seem like a practice reserved for sommeliers or high-end dining, but it’s something every wine lover can benefit from. Whether you’re enjoying a bold red with dinner or opening an aged bottle for a special occasion, knowing how to decant wine properly can enhance both the taste and overall experience. But why do we decant wine in the first place? And how do you do it correctly? Let’s break it down.

Why do we decant wine?

Decanting wine serves two primary purposes: aeration and sediment separation.

1. AERATION (LETTING THE WINE BREATHE)
When wine is poured into a decanter, it is exposed to oxygen, which helps soften tannins, enhance aromas, and bring out flavours that might otherwise be muted. Young, tannic red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec, particularly benefit from aeration, as it helps smooth out their structure.

2. SEDIMENT SEPARATION
Older wines, particularly those aged for over a decade, can develop sediment at the bottom of the bottle. While harmless, sediment can give wine an unpleasant gritty texture if poured straight into a glass. Decanting allows you to separate the liquid from the sediment, ensuring a smoother pour.

What wines should be decanted?

While red wines are the most commonly decanted, other wines can also benefit:

Young, bold reds (e.g. Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends, Nebbiolo) – These wines can be tightly structured and benefit from aeration to soften tannins and enhance flavours.

Aged reds (e.g. older vintages of Bordeaux, Rioja, or Barolo) – These wines often have sediment and require careful decanting.

Certain whites (e.g. full-bodied whites like White Burgundy, Viognier, or aged Chardonnay) – Though not commonly decanted, some whites benefit from aeration, allowing complex aromas to develop.

Vintage Port – This style of fortified wine produces sediment over time and should be carefully decanted.

How to decant wine: Step-by-step

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT DECANTER
Decanters come in various shapes and sizes, but for most wines, a simple wide-bottomed glass decanter works well. Wines that require more aeration (such as young reds) benefit from a wider surface area, while aged wines needing sediment removal are better suited to a standard, more upright decanter.

2. LET THE BOTTLE STAND UPRIGHT
If you’re decanting an older wine with sediment, stand the bottle upright for at least a few hours before opening. This allows the sediment to settle at the bottom, making it easier to separate.

3. OPEN THE WINE AND INSPECT THE CORK
Carefully remove the cork and check for any signs of damage or crumbling. If the cork is fragile, use a two-pronged cork puller (also known as an Ah-So) instead of a regular corkscrew to avoid breakage.

4. POUR THE WINE SLOWLY
Gently pour the wine into the decanter in a slow, steady motion. If the wine has sediment, stop pouring as soon as you see any starting to reach the neck of the bottle. A light source, such as a candle or a torch, can help illuminate the bottle’s neck, making it easier to spot sediment.

5. LET THE WINE BREATHE
• Young reds – Benefit from 30 minutes to 2 hours of aeration, depending on how structured the wine is.
• Aged reds – Only need 15-30 minutes of exposure to oxygen; too much air can diminish delicate aromas.
• Whites and rosés – If decanting, around 15-30 minutes is sufficient.

6. TASTE AND ENJOY
Once the wine has had time to breathe, pour a small taste into a glass. If it still feels too tight or tannic, allow more time in the decanter.

Can you decant wine too long?

Yes, particularly with older wines. While young wines can benefit from extended aeration, delicate aged wines can lose their aromas and freshness if left in a decanter for too long. If in doubt, taste the wine in intervals to find its sweet spot.

What if you don’t have a decanter?

No decanter? No problem! You can use:
• A large glass jug or pitcher – Works well as a substitute.
• Swirling in a glass – Pour the wine into a glass and swirl it to introduce oxygen.
• Double decanting – Pour the wine into a clean jug and then back into the bottle.

Decanting wine isn’t just a fancy ritual – it’s a simple yet effective way to enhance the drinking experience. Whether you’re softening a bold young red or removing sediment from an aged classic, the process allows the wine to open up and reveal its best qualities. And with a little patience, the right technique, and a good glass in hand, you’ll enjoy your wine at its full potential.

Cheers to better wine, one decant at a time!