City & Shore Magazine |

To air, divine: Wine decanters can make your favorite wines taste even better

If you enjoy wine, you probably have at least one wine decanter around the house. If you’ve been using it more for display than anything else, here’s some information that might inspire you to incorporate it into your regular wine routine.

Guidelines for using your decanters

While there’s debate which is most important, there are two main reasons to decant:

Decanting separates the wine from the sediment. Sediment naturally forms in wines during the fermentation process and as a wine ages. While it’s harmless, it adds an unpleasant bitter taste to the wine. The goal is to keep the sediment in the bottle so it’s important to pour the wine slowly to prevent it from flowing into the decanter.

Decanting enhances a wine’s characteristics. Aerating a wine not only helps to eliminate unsavory odors, it softens the tannins and integrates the flavors and subtle aromas that add balance and complexity. (Both characteristics which may have remained dormant without decanting it).  There are no hard and fast rules on how long to decant a wine. In general, red wines 15 to 20 years old or older should be decanted 30 minutes to an hour; a younger, tannic full-bodied red benefits from two to three hours. Lighter red wines such as Gamay and Pinot Noir, as well as light-bodied whites, can improve with 20 to 30 minutes. For wines needing longer than 30 minutes, taste them every half hour to ensure they don’t end up becoming over oxidized.

Size matters. Decanters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Different size decanters should be used for different grape varietals. For example, a large decanter with a wide base works best with full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo and Petite Sirah because there is more oxygen exposure in it.

Durability vs. low maintenance. Decanters are typically made from one of two types of glass, crystal or standard. Standard glass decanters normally come in simple designs with thicker glass while crystal ones tend to be larger and more contemporary styles. While the standard glass decanters are easier to clean, crystal ones are more durable. All bets are off if either of them hits the floor though.

Decanting tips

If you are going to decant a special bottle of wine, plan ahead, especially if you have been storing it horizontally. Make sure the bottle stands upright for one -two days to ensure all the sediment is settled in the bottom before you decant it.

Pour the wine in a slow and steady stream into the neck of the decanter, keeping it at a 45-degree angle. Watch for sediment that may be coming close to the neck of the bottle. If this happens, move the bottle to an upright position, and then begin slowly pouring again. Having a lighted candle or light behind the bottle can assist seeing the sediment moving.

Stop pouring the wine when there is about a half to three quarters of an inch with the sediment left in the bottle.

If you are looking for decanters, there’s a variety of designs.

Mallard Duck 

This duck-shaped decanter features a top handle that keeps the surfaces fingerprint free. The wine also won’t warm from your hands, separated by the handle from the vessel while pouring. Truebrands, $44, amazon.com.

Veloce

A new design with casual dining in mind from Riedel, the Veloce can be used for a variety of red and white wines. $55, riedel.com.

Le Chateau

Created for red wine aeration, the simple lines of this crystal decanter make it versatile for casual and elegant events. Le Chateau, $45, amazon.com.

Mosel

Considered one of Riedel’s more traditional shapes, this easy-to-use decanter works well for young and old wines, holds up to a magnum of wine and is dishwasher safe. $99, riedel.com.

Eve

Named for matriarch Eva Riedel, each decanter is free blown and created to aerate younger, full-bodied wines. $725, riedel.com.

Decanting the decanter

I recently had an opportunity to interview Georg Josef Riedel, the 10th-generation head of Riedel Glass Company, on how decanters can improve the taste of wine.

First, when and why did Riedel decide to make wine decanters?

Riedel pioneered and has been making decanters in Austria since 1957. We began making them simply because they are a crucial aspect of proper wine service, and wine decanters are part of the concept of wine-friendly glassware. We have continued to innovate our decanter offerings year after year.

Does Riedel follow a protocol in making new decanters?

Our glassmakers develop Riedel’s decanters themselves through a workshop of trial and error. Riedel’s most talented glassmakers turn the inspiration that I or my son, Maximilian (11th generation), have into reality. In recent years, with our more unique and intricate designs, the development process has been about fun, functionality, and creativity. We make decanters that are different from the more traditional styles you will find on the market. Our high standards, creativity, innovation and freehand approach set us apart in the industry.

What are things people may not know about using a decanter?

Some people might be intimidated to use a decanter because they fear it is difficult to wash or because they simply do not know how to clean it. It is actually very simple. The process includes an initial rinse and overnight soak in warm, distilled water, followed by a gentle hand wash with soap on the outside of the decanter only. It is important to always use distilled water, which helps to avoid water stains. Following the handwash, the outside of the decanter can be gently dried and polished using microfiber cloths. For an additional tip to avoid water stains, you can simply run your hair dryer over the vessel to complete the drying process. We provide clear instructions on how to clean decanters on our website.

There is not a single wine which would not improve with decanting. Decanting makes wine softer and rounder. If a softer perception is something the consumer would like to achieve with their wine, decanting should always be a key step in their wine service.

Overall, what is your favorite Riedel decanter and why?

My favorite Riedel decanter is our Eve decanter because it is truly unique. It is a more advanced decanter and requires the user to thoroughly understand the art of decanting. The Eve’s functionality allows it to ‘double decant’ the wine, making it perfect for young and fuller-bodied wines. This decanter is a true show piece, and it turns serving wine into a theatrical performance.

Peg San Felippo is a certified sommelier who served as a judge at the recent Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirit Challenge, the annual American Fine Wine Competition, South Florida’s home-grown national wine event; and THE Rosé Competition.