Do You Really Need to Decant Your Wine?
If you are just getting started with wine, you have probably heard of processes that you are not familiar with, such as decantation and aeration. But do you have to mess with it? Fear not, the future wine snob is all you need to know.
But first: what is decanting? I spoke to my friend Tia Eshaw, a certified liquor specialist and trainee sommelier who works for a leading wine and spirits distributor, to find out. Decanting, Ashaw explains, is done to remove sediment from the wine and allow it to aerate or breathe, and also allows the wine to “unfold.” Basically, you are introducing air into the liquid, which causes oxidation and evaporation and can add more flavor in terms of taste and smell. This will often help reduce the acidity of the wine and remove some smelly sulfites for a milder taste.
Okay, but should you do this with every bottle ( or box ) you open? Not really, says Ashaw. First, it is usually only needed for better and more expensive wines ($ 50 and up per bottle), some older reds, or wines with a high tannin content. If you are buying white wine or wine from a supermarket that is only a couple of years old, this is not necessary. Ashaw explains that the most affordable wines are usually meant to be consumed as they are. You open the plug and you are ready to relax. However, a little aeration is always a good thing when it comes to wine, cheap or not ( especially if it’s a really cheap product that doesn’t taste very well). But you don’t need to buy a fancy aerator or decanter, says Ashaw. You can twirl your glass a little with it before you take your first sip. To improve the taste of cheaper foods, it’s more important that you drink them at the right temperature, Ashaw said. White wines should be chilled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or so, and reds should be just above the cold sensation and just below room temperature (about 65 degrees).
“What if you want to try it on cheap wine anyway?” I asked jokingly. Ashaw laughed and said there was nothing wrong with that. She explained that I can get different tastes and aromas than before, so it’s worth it. After all, you might like how it changes the taste of a cheaper wine. If so, then you should drain it every time. Otherwise, just do a few twists and enjoy as it is.