Purpose of Decanting Wine

Decanting wine is a simple procedure that involves pouring the wine into a suitable carafe and allowing it to breath for a certain period of time before serving. The two primary reasons for decanting a wine are to remove unappealing and bitter sediment at the bottom of an older bottle of wine that is still suitable for drinking and to allow the wine a chance to breathe.

Wine Decanting: Its Purpose Yesterday

Wines of yester-year were not subject to the clarification procedures that are currently used today by means of natural (egg whites or clay) purification. Red wines, particularly older vintages, generally can benefit from decanting to remove sediment.

The Purpose of Decanting Wines Today

The main purpose to decant a wine in this day and age is to allow the wine to let off sulfur gases that impede the aroma of the wine. These gasses develop naturally not only from the grape itself but from the yeast used to ferment the wine. Almost all wine, young or old, can benefit from the decanting process because it allows the wine a chance to release gases and mellow.

Exceptions to the Rule

Older burgundies may faint with too much air and are generally served immediately after decanting or straight from the bottle.

How to Properly Decant Wine With Sediment

Simply uncork the wine and pour slowly into the carafe making sure that the sediment stays undisturbed at the bottom of the bottle. When complete, you should have about half a glass of wine left in the bottle.

Don't Let the Leftover Wine Go to Waste

After decanting, use the small amount of sediment laden wine at the bottom of the bottle to make a reduction sauce or use it for some other type of cooking involving wine. It will add richness to your favorite dishes.

Resources

• Mawl Wine