Decanting serves two purposes: to separate a wine from any sediment and aerate a wine so the aroma and flavor will be more vibrant upon serving.
Red wines naturally produce sediment as they age, white wines rarely do. Decanting is simply the process of separating this sediment from the wine.
Here’s how to Decant Your Wine:
- Set the bottle upright for 24 hours or more before drinking, so the sediment can slide to the bottom.
- Locate a decanter or other clean, clear vessel from which the wine can easily be poured into glasses.
- Remove the cork; wipe the bottle neck clean.
- Pour the wine into the decanter slowly, without stopping; when you get to the bottom half of the bottle, pour even more slowly.
- Stop as soon as you see the sediment reach the neck of the bottle. It may appear cloudy or like specks of dust.
- It can help to hold a light under the neck of the bottle; a candle or flashlight works well.
- Discard the remaining ounce or two of sediment-filled liquid in the bottle.
- Let the wine sit for 30+ minutes in the decanter.
- The wine is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
If you’d like to make a donation to the Holtkamp Family Foundation and enjoy our fine Napa Valley Cabernet at your next gathering, learn more here.
