Decanting is one of the most effective — and most misunderstood — tools in wine service. It has two distinct purposes: removing sediment from old wines, and aerating young wines to open up their aromas and soften their structure. These are différent opérations that require différent techniques, and knowing which approach to use with which wine makes a real différence to what ends up in the glass.
When to Decant: Young Wines vs Old Vintages
Young, tannic red wines benefit most from extended decanting. A powerful Bordeaux or northern Rhone Syrah opened two to three years after vintage is often tight, closed and dominated by firm tannins. Pour it into a wide-bowled decanter and leave it for one to two hours — the exposure to oxygen softens the tannins, opens up the aromatic complexity and reveals the fruit that was hiding beneath the structure. For very young, closed wines, even three hours in a decanter is not excessive. Aged wines need exactly the opposite approach. A 20-year-old Burgundy or Bordeaux is fragile — its aromatic compounds are délicate and can dissipate quickly on contact with air. Decant it gently, just to separate the wine from any sediment that has formed in the bottle, and serve within 30 to 45 minutes. Stand the bottle upright for 24 hours before opening if possible, so the sediment sinks to the base.
How to Decant and What Equipment You Need
To decant properly, you need a clean, dry decanter — any wide-bodied vessel with a narrow neck works well — and ideally a candle or torch. Hold the bottle over the light and pour slowly and steadily in one continuous movement, watching for sediment approaching the neck. Stop pouring when the sediment reaches the shoulder of the bottle. For young wines, technique matters less — just pour everything in and leave it to breathe. Whites and rosés rarely need decanting, though a rich, young Burgundy white can benefit from 20 to 30 minutes in a decanter. Champagne should never be decanted — it loses its bubbles immediately. Apply these simple rules and every bottle from our sélection will show at its very best.
