How to Decant Wine Like a Sommelier ? – Before even thinking about decanting, the first crucial step is the selection of the wine. Choose a wine that has been aged in the bottle, typically an older red wine. These wines often develop sediments over time, making them perfect for decanting. You’re probably here for that, so let’s dive in !
Let’s begin with the questions related to decanting ! Let’s go !
What does “decanting wine” mean ? Decanting a wine is very simple. It’s the process of separating the sediment, tannins, or any particles that have fallen to the bottom of the bottle of red wine over time. Red wines especially, as white wines typically don’t contain tannins. Young wines generally don’t need decanting since no sediment has had time to form.
Decant or Aerate ? A very simple question, if you want to remove any closed-off aromas, such as egg-like or slightly animal notes, from your wine, then you need to aerate it. Decanting is primarily for separating tannins and sediments that may have formed and fallen to the bottom of your wine bottle. You can also aerate the wine in a decanter, which provides a more controlled oxygenation due to the decanter’s narrower design compared to an aerating carafe.
When to decant an old vintage ? First, if you know you’re opening an older vintage (at least ten years old to notice potential sediment), let your bottle stand upright for at least 24 hours. The larger sediments will begin to fall, making it easier to either serve directly from the bottle or transfer to the decanter. So, when should you decant an old vintage ? Simply check the bottle with a light—if you see sediment at the bottom, it’s time.
How long should you decant wine ? Decanting is usually done with older vintages, wines that are now sensitive to oxidation. So, we rarely leave the wine in contact with oxygen for long. You can either leave it standing in the bottle for 24 hours to avoid sediment, or you can decant it directly before drinking and serving it during the meal.
How to clean a decanter ? Yes, you’ve enjoyed your wine, but now the most tedious part remains : cleaning your decanter with its odd shape (and without breaking it !). Rinse it with warm water and try to scrub inside. To help, you can buy stainless steel cleaning beads, like these : Stainless Steel Decanter Cleaning Beads, which will help dislodge particles from the walls of your decanter. Then, dry it with a clean towel to prevent water from drying on the walls and leaving marks. If you’re afraid of breaking it, consider purchasing a stand like this : Decanter Drip Stand, which will allow it to dry in the proper position, but again, be cautious of water evaporation marks.
What is the sediment at the bottom of my wine bottle ? For red wines, it is usually tannins—natural compounds found in the skin of the grapes that are extracted during pressing. The drying sensation of red wine comes from this compound, and it’s an integral part of its structure. It could also be tartar, a natural substance that, depending on temperatures, can form crystals and fall to the bottom of the bottle. Lastly, organic matter such as yeast or bacteria can also fall to the bottom.
So, yes, it’s possible to decant white wine. White wines also contain many of these natural compounds, such as tartar, yeast, or organic matter, although it is much rarer in white wines.
The required equipment for proper decanting and a good decantation !
- The Decanter
How to decant your wine ? We start with the decanter, which is the centerpiece of your equipment. Choose one that is both elegant and practical, allowing for optimal aeration of the wine. And if you don’t have a decanter, don’t worry, I recommend a few options in this guide: My Decanters !
A good decanter should have a narrow body and a long neck or spout.
You can purchase a kitchen funnel to filter out the larger sediments. This isn’t necessary, and I don’t specifically recommend one, but I know it can help prevent spilling !
As for materials, the best option is crystal for a decanter. Crystal is a more noble material, less porous than glass, which allows it to be cleaned more easily when dealing with tannic wines.
- The Quality Corkscrew
A corkscrew in good condition is essential to open the bottle without hassle or risk of contamination by cork pieces. In fact, a double-lever corkscrew would be recommended for this kind of bottle. It will allow you to extract the damaged cork more easily ! You can find one in this guide: Corkscrew, even a two-pronged one ! - A Soft Light
Here, I don’t have a comparison to make between different lamps, as you can imagine, your smartphone should do the trick ! A candle or LED lamp can serve as a light guide. Place it behind the bottle to help detect the sediments as you pour the wine into the decanter. Stop as soon as they begin to appear.
The Step-by-Step Process - How to Decant Your Wine ?
- Prepare the Bottle
Before starting the decanting process, make sure the old wine, your wine bottle, has been stored vertically for a few hours, 24 hours being an ideal time frame. This allows the sediments to naturally settle at the bottom of the bottle, making your task easier.
- Open the Bottle Gently
Use your corkscrew with care. The goal is to remove the cork without damaging it or letting it fall into the bottle. It’s likely that the wine you’re decanting is an older vintage, and with old vintages comes an old cork. It may be damaged by time, so be cautious !
- Create a Lighting Ambience
Position the light behind the bottle so it shines through the liquid. This will make it easier to observe any sediments and allow you to pour the divine drink into your wine glass or decanter.
- Have a Steady Hand
First, “wine” your decanter by letting a small amount of wine flow into it. Then swirl it around the sides of the decanter; this will capture any odors or dust that could alter your tasting experience. Discard this small amount of wine. Next, place the wine decanter under the neck of the bottle and pour the wine slowly and carefully. Watch the sediments closely and stop as soon as you see them reach the neck of the bottle.
- Let the Wine Breathe
Once the wine is in the decanter, let it breathe for a few minutes. This oxygenation allows the aromas to fully develop and opens up the bouquet of the wine if you find it lacking in aroma or somewhat closed. It’s up to you whether you want to let it sit in the air for a little longer. However, be cautious, as older vintages are more sensitive to air than younger ones and may lose their fragrance more quickly.
- Tasting : Serving the Wine
After this meticulous preparation, serve the decanted wine in suitable wine glasses and savor each sip. Observe the difference in texture and the aromas that gradually open up.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Wine Experience – How to Decant Your Wine ?
How to decant your wine? By mastering the art of decanting! You add a new and elegant dimension to your wine tasting. It’s a process that goes beyond simply pouring the liquid from a bottle into a decanter. It’s a ritual, a moment where the wine reveals its subtleties and where the enthusiast becomes a connoisseur.
As you’ve understood, it’s not just about decanting grand cru wines or high-end wines; almost all wines can be decanted and thus benefit from a passage in a decanter. These small steps—airing the wine, passing it into a decanter, uncorking with curiosity—are always rewarding, especially in the simple pleasures we can find around us !
In conclusion, whether you’re a novice or a wine enthusiast, decanting is a practice that can be adopted by everyone. So, the next time you decide to open a special bottle, don’t hesitate to follow these steps. The wine will thank you, and your palate will too. Cheers !
And if you want to know more about How to Decant, just follow this videos ! : How to Decant (Video)