So you’ve just bought a bottle of wine that wasn’t under $10 for once, and now someone tells you it needs to “breathe.” ??
Welcome to the wonderful, slightly confusing world of wine decanting. If you’ve ever pretended to know what decanting is while pouring Shiraz into a vase and hoping for the best, this one’s for you babe.
What does decanting wine mean?
At its core, decanting is just fancy wine-speak for “pour it into another container before you drink it.” Why? Two main reasons:
- To aerate the wine. This is when your inner pilates “breathe” comes out. It’s said that this opens up its flavours.
- To separate the sediment. You know that gritty stuff you’ll find in older reds, which tastes like regret and crushed rocks? Yeah we want to separate that
Think of it as giving your wine a glow-up. You’re not changing the wine you’re just helping it live its best life.
When should you decant wine?
Not every bottle needs it, but here’s when you should whip out that decanter (the vase looking thing):
- Big, bold reds (like Shiraz or Cabernet) that need to soften and mellow out.
- Young wines that aroma smells or tastes a bit muted, decanting helps them open up faster, like loosening a tight ponytail.
- Old wines (10+ years) that have sediment and need gentle separation.
Pro tip: Pinot Noir doesn’t usually need decanting, but if it’s feeling shy in the flavour department, give it 20 mins and a really good pep talk.
How to decant wine
It’s not hard. If you’re like me and get imposter syndrome any time you do anything with your wine, then just keep reading. You don’t need a sommelier badge or big ego. Just follow these steps:
- Choose your vessel
A proper decanter is ideal, but a clean jug, carafe, or even a glass pitcher will do. Just make sure you clean it you dirty pig. - Pour slowly and steadily
Especially if the wine is older and might have sediment. Stop pouring when you see gunk near the bottom of the bottle. - Wait a little
Let it sit for 30 mins to an hour. Use this time to set the mood: dim lighting, sad girl playlist, and a camera roll full of killer Insta story drafts. - Taste it before and after
Yes, this is a science experiment. See how the flavour opens up over time. It’s like watching your wine go through character development. #proudmum
What if i dont have time to decant?
Breathe into this paper bag, we will get through this together, there’s still hope.
- Swirl it in the glass like you’re about to deliver a monologue. (this is all confidence btw)
- Pour it back and forth between two jugs,helps aerate it quickly.
- Use an aerator if you’re feeling better than everyone in the room.
Decanting doesn’t need to be intimidating. It’s not about being a wine snob, it’s about making your wine taste even better and making you feel acomplished doing it,
So next time someone says, “You should decant that,” don’t panic. Just nod, pour, and let your wine “breathe”.
You’re welcome x
