Decanting wine sounds like a mysterious, exotic procedure, but it is actually quite simple. Once you learn the proper technique, decanting will be quick and easy. To learn how to decant wine the right way, just look over the steps in this guide.
Introduction
Why decant? There are actually two reasons. The first is to remove sediment from the liquid. Wines have solids such as yeast and grape skins mixed in, and over time these solids settle out of the wine and end up on the bottom of the bottle.
The second reason is that red wines (and even some whites) must breathe in order to maximize flavor. While many people simply pop the cork and leave it be, the truth is that the small opening of the bottle is just not large enough to allow for sufficient air exposure. http://www.wineintro.com/basics/decanting.html
Step 1: Choose a Decanter
Decanters should be made of clear, plain glass or crystal, so that it is easy to view the wine inside. Choose a shape that appeals to you, but make sure that it is possible to clean thoroughly after each use. If the shape is too ornate to allow for proper cleaning, your decanter is destined to retain the smell of every wine that has ever been poured into it, tainting the flavors of all but the very first bottle you decant. http://www.winetourguide101.com/wine/how-to-choose-a-wine-bottles-decanters-6/
Step 2: Pour
Here is where the technique comes in. Uncork your wine bottle, and pick it up gently. Be careful not to jostle it, lest the sediment at the bottom gets mixed in. Now, pour the wine slowly into the decanter, so that you avoid allowing any sediment to slide down into it.
- Some people like to decant over a lit candle, so that it is easier to see the sediment in the bottle's neck. This an especially good idea if you are decanting an older bottle, which is likely to have a fair amount of sediment.
Step 3: Let Breathe
Now that the wine has been decanted, you will need to exert some willpower before pouring yourself a glass. Let the wine breathe for half an hour to an hour. This will cause the aromas to rise up from the liquid, allowing drinkers to get the full range of smells and flavors. Wine may be left to breathe for up to 8 hours before developing an undesirable vinegar flavor.
