When to Decant Wine

When red wine ages by about ten years or more, it gathers sediments, which are actually potassium bitartrate crystals. As these neither look nor taste good, drinkers usually decant the wine. This is the process of pouring the liquid into another container in order to separate it from the solid particles. On the other hand, white wine, as well as those that are young and those that are sold inexpensively in grocery stores, may need to be decanted two to twenty-four hours before serving in order to let it come in contact with air and release its full aroma.

Red wine

These days, though, wine sold in bottles has already been decanted and no longer needs to undergo the process. Some hosts however still do it for the flair of the ceremony. This has resulted in many elegant, elaborate decanter designs in the market. However, take note that this only applies to expensive red wine.