Sommeliers Share Expert Tips on Mastering the Art ofWine Decanting

Decanting wine can play a vital role in enhancing the overall drinking experience, according to expert sommeliers from top restaurants across the country. The process involves slowly pouring wine from its bottle into another vessel, allowing it to rest in contact with fresh air. This can help bring out certain features like tannins or acidity with more clarity.

However, not all wines require decanting. Sommeliers recommend decanting in two main occasions: when the wine is too cold and when entertaining guests. Danya Degen, general manager and sommelier at Méli in Washington, D.C., explains, "Decanting can help bring the wine to its ideal serving temperature. Other than loving the theater of it all and the beauty of the vessel, the larger surface area of a decanter speeds along the process so we can enjoy the wine more quickly, and it will be more delicious when we do."

The duration of decanting varies depending on the type of wine. For young and bold wines, experts suggest decanting for 15 minutes to one hour. However, for older wines, the goal is to remove sediment while minimizing oxygen exposure. In these cases, sommeliers recommend decanting the wine and serving it within 15 minutes to prevent the wine from losing its vibrancy.

If a decanter is not readily available, alternative methods exist for aerating wine and removing sediment. Degen suggests the "double decant" technique: pour the wine into a clean glass measuring cup, rinse the original bottle, and pour the wine back into the bottle. "Voila, you've just aerated the wine, removed sediment, and now you can enjoy a more delicious wine out of its original bottle," she explains. Simply pouring the wine into a wine glass is another option, allowing it to open up slowly and giving drinkers the opportunity to experience its evolution over time.

In the end, it boils down to experimentation and personal preference when it comes to decanting. "Experimenting is how we learn,"says Degen. Whether using a traditional decanter or exploring alternative methods, taking the time to aerate wine can enhance the drinking experience and help appreciate the nuances of favorite bottles. With these expert tips in mind, wine enthusiasts can confidently explore the world of decanting and savor every sip to the fullest.

Key Takeaways

• Decanting wine enhances the drinking experience by bringing out tannins and acidity.
• Decant when wine is too cold or when entertaining guests.
• Decanting duration varies: 15min-1hr for young wines, 15min for older wines.
• Alternative methods: "double decant" or pouring into a wine glass.
• Experiment with decanting to appreciate wine nuances and enhance the experience.