If you are a wine enthusiast, it’s likely that a wine decanter is present in your home. However, you may have been using it merely as a display piece without fully utilizing its potential. The following information may inspire you to make the decanter an integral part of your regular wine enjoyment.

Decanter usage guidelines

Describing the significance of decanting requires mentioning two primary reasons, though their order of importance is subject to debate:

Decanting works to separate the wine from the sediment. The natural sedimentation process that occurs during wine fermentation and aging may result in residue in the wine. Although harmless, this sediment can produce an unpleasant bitter taste in the wine. Hence, it’s vital to pour the wine cautiously into the decanter to prevent the sediment from being transferred as well.

Decanting amplifies the attributes of wine. Aeration not only gets rid of undesirable smells but also mellows the tannins and merges the varied tastes and faint fragrances that contribute to equilibrium and intricacy. These traits may not have been activated unless the wine was decanted. The period of decanting a wine does not have a set rule. However, older red wines, around 15 to 20 years aged, should typically be decanted for a duration between 30 minutes to an hour. On the other hand, young, tannic full-bodied reds need about two to three hours. Light reds like Gamay and Pinot Noir, along with light-bodied white wines, may enhance within 20 to 30 minutes. For wines that demand more than 30 minutes, sampling every half an hour is advised to prevent over oxidization.

The dimension of the decanter has significance. They are available in assorted forms and sizes. Separate decanters should be employed for different types of grapes. For instance, full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Petite Sirah are best suited with larger decanters since it provides greater exposure to oxygen.

Weighing convenience against durability, decanters are generally manufactured from two kinds of glass – crystal and standard. Conventional glass decanters usually have plain designs and thicker glass, while crystal ones are normally larger with modern styles. Although simple glass decanters are easier to clean, the ones made from crystal are more durable. However, both cannot survive a fall.

Advice on Decanting

If you have a special bottle of wine to decant, planning ahead is especially crucial if the wine has been laid flat. Leaving the bottle to stand upright for a period of one to two days will let all the sediment settle at the bottom before decanting.

When pouring the wine into the decanter, sustain a steady flow and angle the bottle at 45 degrees. Pay attention to any sediment that may approach the neck of the bottle. If this occurs, straighten the bottle and resume decanting slower than before. A helpful technique to detect sediment movement is using a backlit candle or any light source behind the bottle.

It’s advisable to stop pouring once a half to three-quarters of an inch of sediment remains in the bottle to ensure the best taste.

For anyone in need of a decanter, there’s a wide range of designs available.

Mallard Duck

This duck-shaped decanter features a top handle that keeps the surfaces fingerprint free. The wine also won’t warm from your hands, separated by the handle from the vessel while pouring. Truebrands, $44, amazon.com.

Veloce

A new design with casual dining in mind from Riedel, the Veloce can be used for a variety of red and white wines. $55, riedel.com.

Le Chateau

Conceived for the aeration of red wine, this crystal decanter’s uncomplicated design ensures it fits in seamlessly at both casual and sophisticated gatherings. Find it at Le Chateau for $45.

Mosel

Viewed as one of Riedel’s more customary shapes, this easy-to-operate decanter is suitable for both youthful and mature wines, can accommodate up to a magnum of wine, and is designed to withstand dishwasher cleaning. Check it out on Riedel for $99.

Eve

Named after Eva Riedel, every decanter is handblown, designed to aerate young, robust wines. $725, riedel.com.

Decanting the decanter

Recently, I had the chance to converse with Georg Josef Riedel, the tenth-generation proprietor of Riedel Glass Company, about how decanters enhance the flavor of wine.

First, when and why did Riedel decide to make wine decanters?

Riedel pioneered and has been making decanters in Austria since 1957. The main reason was simple; decanters are an essential part of the wine service, and we saw them as an extension of our concept of wine-friendly glassware. We have continued to innovate our decanter offerings every year.

Does Riedel follow a protocol in making new decanters?

Riedel’s glassmakers are the ones who develop our decanters through a rigorous process of trial and error. The most skilled artisans in our company are tasked with bringing to life the inspirations of my son Maximilian or myself – representatives of the 11th generation of our family-run business. These recent years have brought more unique and complex designs forward, emphasizing fun, practicality, and creativity. We create decanters that break from the traditional, expected designs on the market. Our commitment to high standards, originality, innovative thinking, and a freehand approach is what truly sets us apart in the industry.

What are things people may not know about using a decanter?

Some people might be intimidated to use a decanter because they fear it is difficult to wash or because they simply do not know how to clean it. It is actually very simple. The process includes an initial rinse and overnight soak in warm, distilled water, followed by a gentle hand wash with soap on the outside of the decanter only. It is important to always use distilled water, which helps to avoid water stains. Following the handwash, the outside of the decanter can be gently dried and polished using microfiber cloths. For an additional tip to avoid water stains, you can simply run your hair dryer over the vessel to complete the drying process. We provide clear instructions on how to clean decanters on our website.

There is not a single wine which would not improve with decanting. Decanting makes wine softer and rounder. If a softer perception is something the consumer would like to achieve with their wine, decanting should always be a key step in their wine service.

Overall, what is your favorite Riedel decanter and why?

My favorite Riedel decanter is our Eve decanter because it is truly unique. It is a more advanced decanter and requires the user to thoroughly understand the art of decanting. The Eve’s functionality allows it to ‘double decant’ the wine, making it perfect for young and fuller-bodied wines. This decanter is a true show piece, and it turns serving wine into a theatrical performance.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.

Your input doesn’t include any narrative to rewrite or HTML elements to strip. Could you please provide an appropriate HTML content?