Proper Decanter Use?

Question

Can someone explain the use of a decanter for red wine? Is it good for Merlot or Cabernet? What is the benefit of using one?

Answer 1

Decanters were originally used to remove sediment from wines. Sediment forms during fermentation, and the wine can be poured off leaving the sediment behind. The biggest benefit of decanting a red wine is the oxygenation of the wine.

NEVER EVER store your wine in a decanter, particularly a lead crystal one. You will etch the glass beyond repair.

Answer 2

The decanter is used to hide the label of a cheap wine. Also red wine needs to breathe, particularly after it has been all shook up. Pouring from the bottle into a decanter gives the aeration a kickstart. Let it rest for at least 1/2 hr.

Answer 3

To 'decant' the wine is to let it breath and settle. Pour your wine into your decanter and let it sit for a few minutes. Ten minutes is plenty (let the people drink already!). In proffesional kitchens, it is not uncommon to use a regular pitcher. If you have a delicate or expensive wine, try and use a glass pitcher. Then pour it back into the bottle and serve. Or, open the bottle, let rest a few miutes, pour the glass, rest another minute.

Swirl, Smell, Sip, Sigh, Smile

Answer 4

All those ideas are true. It really does help red wine when you let it breathe. I took a trip to Napa last year. At one of the wineries they let us sample wine from the decantor and then the same wine from a newly opened bottle. For a novice it was amazing to taste the difference. I always thought wine drinkers were snobby, but after that trip and learning a little about what sort of wines I liked I started to understand what people were talking about.