Decanting Wine: Easy Wine Decanting Process for Home

The process of decanting wine has been quite popular since the early ages. It is still extremely popular and there are a number of reasons behind it. Decanting is supposed to add to the flavor and taste of wine-both aged and old. Wine that is 10 or more years older is bound to leave some sediment and you need to remove this if you are to place it on the attractive dining table! Younger wine is a different story altogether. It’s more acidic in taste and therefore the right decanting process would improve its taste immeasurably.

If you’re dealing with OLD WINE, this is how you go about it:

• Make sure you keep the bottle standing up for at least a few hours, so that the sediment has settled well. Since fine sediment may take several hours to settle down, you should keep aside a few hours for the process.

• Light a candle and make sure you are holding the bottle at least perpendicular to the candle. Slowly pour the wine into the decanter. You need to be really slow when you are doing this because you will need to notice when the sediment starts showing near the mouth of the bottle. It usually appears when about 1/3 of the wine remains in the bottle. The most important part of decanting wine is to stop when the sediment starts appearing.

It’s easier to deal with YOUNGER WINE:

• Decanting wine that is comparatively young is easier. You just need to splash it right into the decanter. Remember, the more you splash it, the more oxygen you get into the wine. Let it stand for about twenty minutes or so. This adds to its taste and the flavor.

Of course! Some people feel that burgundy wines should not be decanted. I personally feel that it adds to the taste- no matter which wine you are talking about. Even white wine can be decanted for a better taste!

I follow a simple principle - I choose them just like I choose stemware! A clear crystal one is best for decanting wine, simply because it lets you see the wine at its very best. Colorful ones look pretty but they tend to obscure the wine inside.

• Nothing spoils it more than a musty smell from your old cupboard, so take extra care before you pour that wine in.

• Steer clear of detergent when you’re washing it, the smell always stays back, and that can ruin the experience when you’re decanting wine. I prefer crushed ice and coarse salt as a cleansing agent!

A decanter or wine aerator can be a great gift for a wine lover. You can check out more exciting gifts on decanting wines and other unique Father's Day gifts right here!