How to Decant Wine
Which wines benefit, how long to decant and how to do it without fancy gear.
Quick answer
Pour the wine slowly into a decanter or carafe and let it breathe: about 30-60 minutes for young, bold reds, and only a few minutes for old wines, which you decant mainly to remove sediment.
Why decant wine?
- Aeration: air softens tannins and opens up aromas in young, tight reds.
- Sediment: older reds and vintage Port can throw a gritty deposit you'll want to leave in the bottle.
Which wines should you decant?
- Yes: young Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Nebbiolo and Bordeaux blends.
- Sometimes: full-bodied whites like oaked Chardonnay can open up with a short decant.
- Rarely: light reds like Pinot Noir and most whites, rosés and sparkling wines.
How to decant, step by step
- For older wines, stand the bottle upright for a day so sediment settles.
- Open the bottle and wipe the neck.
- Pour slowly and steadily into the decanter, holding a light under the bottle's neck.
- Stop pouring when you see sediment reach the neck.
- Let young wines rest 30-60 minutes, then taste and serve.
No decanter? No problem
Any clean glass pitcher or carafe works. You can also pour the wine back and forth between two containers, or swirl it well in a large glass.
Aerate and chill in one step
The Cobalance electric wine chiller and aerator combines both jobs.
Decanting FAQ
Can you decant wine too long?
Yes. Delicate or older wines can fade after an hour or two. Taste as you go.
Should you decant white wine?
Usually not, but rich, oaked whites can benefit from 15-20 minutes.
Is an aerator the same as a decanter?
An aerator speeds up oxygen exposure as you pour; a decanter also lets you separate sediment and serve in style.