For those who’re new to wine, buying a decanter may seem like a not-so-important indulgence. Some of you may even ask yourself, what does pouring wine in a different container actually do? But let us tell you, you’ll only realize the difference once you use it. Many people still think that wine decanters are meant to be used only by wine snobs, but that’s not really true. If you want to immerse yourself in the floral and fruity aromas of your wine, you definitely need one! Here’s everything you need to know about how to choose a wine decanter so that you get to enjoy the taste of your wine.
So… What Exactly Is A Wine Decanter?
A wine decanter is a container made of glass or crystal from which you can pour your wine before consuming it. The purpose of using a decanter is allowing the wine to breathe so that the flavors and aromas of the wine are enhanced. Usually, wine lovers use a decanter for pouring red wines. After all, they have high tannin levels compared to most other wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine expert or an amateur wine drinker, decanting can certainly help elevate your drinking experience.
There are two main reasons for decanting wine:
Aeration
When you use a wine decanter, it paves the way for the oxygen to come in contact with the wine while pouring. As a result, the aromas and taste notes of the wine are enhanced due to the aeration process. Along with that, the bitterness of the wine is reduced and it tastes more smoother because of decanting it.
Removing The Sediment
Older wines may have some amount of sediment inside them. It may affect the taste and aromas of the wine and because of that, you may not be able to enjoy its true flavors. So, in order to help you make the most of your wine, decanting the wine leaves the sediment inside the bottle for a debris-free drinking experience.
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How To Choose A Wine Decanter?
When it comes to the different kinds of wine decanters in the market, some may be eye-catching, while others may seem very simple and straightforward to you. So, which one should you choose? There are a lot of things you need to consider when choosing a wine decanter. Here are a few tips about how to choose a wine decanter:
Size
There are several wine decanters that have a size to decant one specific kind of wine bottle. Some may be large, some small enough for a single glass at a time, while others can be medium-sized, which can decant a single wine bottle of standard size.
Most people make a practical choice by buying decanters that can suit a single bottle of wine. Smaller decanters work well for those who don’t drink much and feel that they may not be able to finish an entire bottle. After all, it’s a known fact that decanting the wine for a long time may change its chemical composition and ruin it.
If you are hosting a party at home and want to keep the wine flowing, a large decanter could work for you. But you still need to be mindful of one thing – using one decanter for a large amount of wine may limit the surface area of the wine exposed. This may affect the effectiveness and rate of the aeration process of the wine.
Here’s a quick rundown of the different sized wine decanters for different types of wine:
Small: Small decanters can be used for light-bodied red wines, rosé wines, and white wines. For example, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Medium: Medium sized decanters are great for medium-bodied red wines. For example, Grenache, Sangiovese, Merlot, and Nebbiolo.
Large: Large decanters are meant for full-bodied wines. For example, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
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Shape
There are several different shaped wine decanters in the market. Having said that, one of your top priorities when buying one should be how much surface area is provided by the decanter. Most of the wine decanters are shaped in such a way that a majority of the wine is exposed to the air for aeration. Along with that, another thing to be mindful of is understanding whether the decanter you choose makes it easy for you to pour the wine, without dripping. You don’t want to create a mess and waste that delicious wine you want to savor!
Here are a few things you need to know about the different shapes of wine decanters:
- Wide Neck Decanter: It’s an ideal choice if you want the aeration process to take place faster and effectively. This type of wine decanter can bring out all the aromas and taste of your wine and let you savor and enjoy its rich flavors. It’s also quite easy to clean compared to other decanters.
- Thin Neck Decanter: If you have a collection of aged wines at home, a thin neck decanter can be just the thing you need! Although it may not be able to fasten the aeration process as much as a wide neck one can, it’s much better at reducing the sediment in the wine.
- Wide Mouth Decanter: For all those whose main concern is not spilling the wine in front of the guests, a wide mouth decanter can actually save your day! A decanter that has a wide mouth instead of a wide neck can make it easy for you to pour the wine without worrying about spilling it.
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Material
Wine decanters are generally made from glass. That’s because using any other material has the risk of adding any unpleasant taste to the wine. There are many decanters on the expensive end, like for example one made from delicate crystal glass. It’s known to be more durable than standard glass. Decanters made from crystal glass are more elegant and can add aesthetic value to your home.
If you’re looking for an affordable wine decanter, one made from standard glass is your best option. Such a decanter may have a simple and classic shape but has thicker walls, so it’s more resistant compared to one made from crystal. Apart from that, a standard glass decanter is also dishwasher safe, so it can be hand-washed.
Regardless what type of material you choose to opt for, we recommend that you use a stopper. Don’t forget that your wine will lose its aromas and rich flavors if it’s left out in the open for a long period. Using a stopper will help preserve its tastes, especially if you’re drinking an aged wine. Keep in mind that every wine decanter will not come with a stopper. So, make sure you purchase one while buying.
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Style And Design
So, you’ve gone to a shop and an aesthetically pleasing wine decanter has caught your eye. It goes without saying that a decanter made from crystal glass, which is decorated, may woo your guests at your next party. But, you’re forgetting that not all fancy decanters, like ones made from crystal glass, are dishwasher safe. You don’t really have to break your bank for a decanter that serves its purpose but still looks good. Opt for a decanter with a simple design which will complement the deep red colors of your red wines.
Speaking of the design of a decanter, you’ll find many that have a frosted or a stainless glass design. While their looks are certainly stunning, it’s difficult to understand whether the sediment from your wine is entirely removed. If you still prefer a decanter with a fancy design, you can opt for a hand-blown one instead.
If you need a decanter for special occasions, you can splurge a little and buy a fancy looking decanter. But if you’re a person who throws parties every now and then or one who loves to savor wine occasionally, you can choose one that’s comfortable and easy-to-handle.
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How To Use A Wine Decanter?
In order to decant the wine, the only thing you need to do is pour the wine into your decanter. As simple as it sounds, your decanted wine will taste better only if you’ve poured it correctly.
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to use a wine decanter:
Step 1: Pour the wine slowly into the decanter at a 45 degree angle. See to it that it touches the side of its glass. Make sure that you allow it to contact a maximum of the surface area as possible.
Step 2: To make the aeration process more effective, you can give the wine a gentle swirl.
Step 3: Stop pouring the wine until you notice any kind of sediment at the neck of your decanter. You need to spot any kind of dust or cloudiness at the neck of your decanter.
Step 4: Once you’re done pouring the wine, give the wine another gentle swirl to further the aeration and then you can keep it aside.
Step 5: The ideal time for letting the wine decant in your container will differ depending on the type of wine. It’ll take around 1-2 hours for full-bodied wines, 20 minutes for cheap ones, and around 2 hours for aged wines. But, you can wait for around 20-30 minutes before you pour it from the decanter into your wine glass.
Summing Up
That was everything you needed to know about how to choose a wine decanter. Not only wine connoisseurs but all those who want to enjoy the true flavors of their wine should use it. You can get one to use as a tool for pouring wine or to use it as an aesthetic piece to astound your guests. Whatever the reason is, there’s nothing better than savoring a good glass of wine. So, it’s time you invest in a good wine decanter for yourself!
FAQs
Does The Shape Of A Decanter Matter?
The shape of a decanter can have an impact on how your wine tastes, so yes, it matters. Depending on the type of wine you have, you can choose a shape that will not just make it easy to pour but will also help with the aeration process.
Are Glass Or Crystal Decanters Better?
A crystal decanter is more durable than one made from glass. But, if you need a budget-friendly option, you can go for one made from glass as it has thick walls and is dishwasher safe.
What Kind Of Wine Can You Put In A Decanter?
Right from red, white, rosé , young, to old, all kinds of wines can be put in a decanter. But keep in mind that full-bodied red wines in particular need to be decanted because they are high in tannin.
Does Wine Last Longer In A Decanter?
Decanted wine tastes better. But it may not be able to stay in a decanter for a long time, especially red wine. But, you can keep the wine in a decanter for 1-2 days only if you’re using a stopper to cover its mouth.
What Is A Good Size For A Wine Decanter?
A wine decanter’s main purpose is to let the wine breathe. So, the ideal size for each type of wine will differ. However, most of them are 750 ml bottles, so you can get one that suits that amount. Many people prefer buying a decanter that suits one type of specific bottle as that’s a practical option.
Do You Pour The Whole Bottle Into A Decanter?
It’s advisable to not pour the entire bottle into a decanter. That’s because you’ll end up adding the sediment into it. So, make sure that you leave a little wine inside the bottle. An important thing to note is that the decanting time for each type of wine is different.
Is It Worth Buying A Decanter?
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, someone who drinks the spirit occasionally, it’s definitely worth buying a decanter. It’ll help soften the tannin levels of your wine and let you enjoy its true taste.
Do You Shake The Wine In A Decanter?
No, you don’t really have to shake the wine in a decanter, a gentle swirl is enough to help aerate the wine.
