Decanting 101: A Practical Introduction to Decanting
Traditionally, decanting was used as a tool for aged wines, typically red wines of quality, to “open up” and soften some of their harder qualities prior to drinking. More recently it has been found that younger wines, both reds and whites – and even champagnes – can benefit from decanting, assisting in allowing the wines to open and release their aromatic characters, and fruitful flavours. Decanting works as a fast-forward button for wine, using oxygen to aerate and effectively age the bottle. In this guide, we will explore the benefits and proper procedure for decanting, and help you level up your next dinner party.
Aged vs. Younger Wines
Against popular beliefs younger wines can still benefit from decanting, and if you’re looking to impress your friends, we recommend it. In the case of younger wines, decanting is used with a focus on releasing aroma and softening the sharper flavours of the bottle. For younger wines it is a much less time consuming, less methodical process than for aged wines, simply transferring from the bottle to the decanter can do the trick.
For aged wines, decanting becomes a much more involved process. With a focus on not only aerating and opening the wine, decanting an aged wine focuses more so on removing any unwanted sediment, for a smooth, consistent finish. Decanting aged wines is improved using proper tools and patience, and the result makes it more worth it.
Properly Decanting Wines
Knowing where to start with wine in general can be overwhelming, let alone bringing decanting into the equation. While there is a lot on the market, any decent quality decanter will get the job done, without having to go for anything too high-end or specialty, especially if you are not decanting wines regularly.
Put simply, the process of decanting wine is simply transferring a bottle of wine into a decanter for aeration prior to drinking.
For decanting younger wines, grab your favourite trustworthy decanter, your wine, and get to work. From a sealed bottle, open and carefully pour the wine into the decanter, allow this to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour before drinking. It is not crucial, however, good practice to stand even younger wines for at least an hour, allowing any sediment to fall to the bottom of the bottle before pouring.
When decanting aged wines, the process involves a little more finesse. Starting again with your sealed bottle and favourite decanter, we follow a similar process. Prior to decanting allow the bottle to stand upright for at least 24 hours, to allow any sediment to sink to the bottom. When it is time to pour, be mindful to stop pouring when the sediment appears to avoid transferring it into the decanter.
Once poured, your decanted wine is ready to enjoy!
Traveling with decanted wines?
Whether you are headed to a picnic, a friend’s place, or out for dinner at a BYO restaurant, you can try “double decanting” your bottles to make the most out of them. Simply follow the decanting process as usual, with the extra step of returning the wine to the original bottle and reseal. Be sure to rinse the bottle before re-pouring into it to avoid any settlement you removed!
A Special Decanter Offer
While you can make do with one decent quality decanter, there is a touch of ceremony when decanting and finding the perfect decanter for your lifestyle is a great way to elevate the experience. We’re sharing our favourite decanter with you in a special box package deal for Autumn!
Autumn White Wine Box
Enjoy a selection of our favourite Autumn white wines plus a Plumm ‘La Trobe’ Decanter for $255 (Save $55 RRP)
Left to Right: Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2023, Nocturne Single Vineyard Margaret River 2022, Corymbia Swan Valley Chenin Blanc 2024, Domaine Pichot ‘Clos Coutard’ Loire Valley Vouvray 2022, Ocean Eight Mornington Peninsula Pinot Gris 2024* & Suavia Soave Classico Italy 2022
Autumn Red Wine Box
Enjoy a selection of our favourite Autumn white wines plus a Plumm ‘La Trobe’ Decanter for $275 (Save $65 RRP)
Left to Right: Other Wine Co. McLarenVale Grenache 2022, MMAD McLaren Vale Grenache 2022, Vinoque Terra Sancta Heathcote Sangiovese 2022, Tenuta San Guido Tuscany Le Difese IGT 2022, Domenica Beechworth Gamay 2022 & Daniel Bouland Brouilly Cuvee Melanie 2023
Autumn Premium Wine Box
Enjoy a mix of our favourite Autumn red and white wines (3 of each!) plus a Plumm ‘La Trobe’ Decanter for $325 (Save $65 RRP)
Left to Right: Nocturne Single Vineyard Margaret River 2022, Domaine Pichot ‘Clos Coutard’ Loire Valley Vouvray 2023, Suavia Soave Classico Italy 2022, MMAD McLaren Vale Grenache 2022, Tenuta San Guido Tuscany Le Difese IGT 2022, Daniel Bouland Brouilly Cuvee Melanie 2023
Still not sure? Visit us at The Vincent Wine Shop and learn more about our range of decanters, our hot tips, and or check out latest happening at the Wine Shop and Bistro.