Ahhh, decanting and aerating…two terms often brought up in conversations about enhancing the wine experience. As a winemaker and oenologist, I’ve spent a fair amount of time experimenting with both methods to understand their nuances. Here, I’ll walk you through what decanting and aerating mean, how they differ, and which wines benefit most from each process.

The Magic of Decanting and Aerating

I always say wine is more an experience or lifestyle rather than a drink. Every bottle carries a history, story, and intricate flavors waiting to be discovered. But, have you ever poured a glass of wine only to find it tastes flat or overly tannic? Yeah, not cute! That’s where decanting and aerating come in. These techniques can transform a simple bottle of wine into a memorable experience, enhancing the aromas, flavors, and overall enjoyment. But, it’s important to know which process to use, when to use it, and how to use it.

What is Decanting Wine? What is Aerating Wine?

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s define what decanting and aerating actually mean.

Decanting is the process of pouring wine from its bottle into another container, typically a decanter, to separate the liquid from any sediment that has formed and to allow the wine to breathe. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the wine.

Aerating, on the other hand, involves exposing the wine to air to enhance its flavors and aromas more quickly than decanting. This can be done using various gadgets that mix air into the wine, usually taking just a few minutes.

Decanting Wine: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Decanting is often considered the more traditional and methodical approach. The main goals are to remove sediment and to let the wine breathe. Sediment is common in older red wines and vintage ports, and while it’s not harmful, it can give the wine a gritty texture.

How to Decant Wine

1. Ideally, stand the bottle up for at least a day before decanting to let the sediment settle at the bottom.
2. Slowly pour the wine into a decanter. A candle or flashlight under the neck of the bottle can help you see when the sediment reaches the bottle’s neck, so you can stop pouring before it mixes in.
3. Allow the wine to sit in the decanter for a period, which can vary based on the wine’s age and type.

“People who always decant make fewer mistakes than people who never decant.”

Steven Spurrier

Best Wines for Decanting

Older red wines and vintage ports often have sediment and benefit greatly from decanting. Young wines with high tannins can also benefit. The decanting process will help soften the tannins and open up the wine’s flavors.

Aerating Wine: Quick and Efficient

Aerating, meanwhile, is the faster, more modern approach. It’s all about exposing the wine to oxygen quickly to unlock its aromas and flavors.

How to Aerate Wine

1. There are numerous types of aerators, from handheld models to those that fit into the bottle neck. These gadgets mix air into the wine as you pour.
2. Pour the wine through the aerator into your glass or a decanter. Swirling the wine in your glass also helps to aerate it.

Best Wines for Aerating

Full-bodied reds are great candidates for aerating. Think Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, and possibly Shiraz. Similarly, aerating inexpensive wines can often improve the perceived quality by smoothing out any harsh edges (usually in the form of tannins and acidity). Some white wines may also benefit from aerating but tread carefully.

The Best Tools and Gadgets for Decanting and Aerating

When it comes to decanting, you’ll need a good quality decanter. These come in various shapes and sizes, but the key is to find one with a wide base to maximize the wine’s surface area exposed to air.

For aerating, there’s a range of gadgets to choose from:

1. Handheld Aerators: These are simple to use and portable.
2. Electric Aerators: These gadgets automate the process and are great for those who want a hassle-free experience.
3. Bottle-Top Aerators: These fit directly onto the bottle and aerate the wine as you pour.

Which Technique Works Best?

The choice between decanting and aerating often comes down to the wine you’re drinking and how much time you have. If you’re enjoying an older red wine or a young, tannic one, and you have the time, decanting is the way to go. It’s a bit of a ritual that enhances the anticipation and enjoyment of the wine.

On the other hand, if you’re pouring a young red wine and want to enjoy it right away, an aerator can do wonders in just a few minutes. It’s also incredibly convenient for everyday drinking and can significantly improve the taste of budget-friendly wines.

The Best of Both Worlds

Ultimately, both decanting and aerating have their place in the wine lover’s toolkit. Decanting is ideal for those moments when you have the time to savor the process and enjoy the wine’s evolution. Aerating is perfect for those times when you want to enjoy your wine without the wait.

As with many things in the world of wine, it often comes down to personal preference. I recommend experimenting with both methods to see what works best for you and the wines you love. Cheers to enhancing every glass, whether you’re decanting or aerating!