Decanters

In most cases, eliminating the middle man is in your best interests, but not when it comes to wine. That is, at least when it comes to pouring it. Transferring wine to a glass serving container, known as decanting, is the best way to let wine reach its full potential, which leads to optimum enjoyment.

Why should you take this extra step`

Decanting wine exposes wine to the air, allowing it to breathe. As oxygen mingles with the wine, it draws out the subtle essences, which create a fully blossomed bouquet and richer, more distinct flavors. A wide decanter will cause more wine to come in contact with the air, maximizing the effect. This is ideal for younger wines, since these are better served by long periods of decanting than older wines.

Younger wines need more exposure to the air to develop. Empty bottles of young wine into the decanter quickly. Don't be afraid to turn the bottle entirely upside down, as this will cause more wine to mingle with the air. Allowing young wines to breathe for a few hours before serving may seem like a long time, but this will allow the wine to mature quickly to bring out the full flavor, a process that would take years in the bottle. Pouring young wines straight from the bottle will leave them with a duller, more subdued flavor.

Older wines benefit from decanting in different ways. These need to breathe as well, but not for nearly as long as younger wines. The enhancing effect of decanting younger wines for hours has already occurred in the bottle with mature wines. As wine ages, fine sediment accrues in the bottle. By pouring slowly into a decanter, the clear wine will separate from the sediment. Be sure to leave an inch or so at the bottom of the bottle to keep the sediment away from the wine. It will look and taste much better if properly decanted. Do not decant older wines for much more than an hour, as they will begin to deteriorate.

Aside from the physical effects of decanting wine, there is a visual appeal that should not be overlooked. As light comes into contact with the wine, it accentuates the beauty of its body and color. This titillating appearance will create a sense of anticipation, which makes the first taste that much more satisfying. Watching the wine being poured from bottle to decanter and then from decanter to glass makes for unbeatable presentation.

Liquor decanters have this effect as well. Decanting liquor is not nearly as critical for drawing out the flavor and aroma as it is with wine, but it can be beneficial with brandies and some liqueurs. For the most part, liquor decanters are for visual appeal, and in that regard they work wonders.