We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Choose the Best Wine Decanter?

By K. Allen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,005
Share

The presentation value of decanting wine can add to the atmosphere of an occasion, but that is not the most important reason for doing it. The taste of wine, especially red wines, is greatly enhanced when allowed to aerate, or breathe, before being served. This makes choosing a wine decanter a combination of form and function. The best choice will be one that provides the proper amount of surface area, allowing adequate oxygen exchange, and, at the same time, has a shape and design that fits with the surrounding décor. In addition, since antique and fine crystal decanters can cost thousands of dollars, budget restraints should also be considered.

Many people take great pleasure in serving wine to their friends and family. Some are true connoisseurs or oenophiles, the Greek word for "lover of wine." It is common for these individuals to collect different types of decanters and wine equipment. For most, however, there is usually only the need for one wine decanter designed for the type of wine normally served.

It is the design of the wine decanter that determines its suitability for the type of wine. The younger the wine, for example, the more tannins present. This then requires a vessel with a larger bowl area to facilitate the greatest amount of surface space for aeration. A taller, narrower container will aerate at a much slower rate and is considered more appropriate for softer, less tannic wines. The shape and angle of the neck allow for controlled pouring as well as a unique look.

Decanting is often believed to only be necessary for older, red wines. This is because they are more apt to have sediment, which are small bits of yeast and grape skins that settle during aging. The longer a wine is aged, the more sediment accumulation. Actually, though, all types and ages of wine can contain particulates and can benefit from decanting.

White wine can contain tartrate crystals. Under extremely cold conditions, these form when tartaric acid combines with the potassium found in wine. While one would expect better wines to have less tartrates, the opposite is true. Although tartrate crystals are tasteless and odorless, they are not aesthetically appealing and can be removed by decanting. To do this, the same wine decanter that is used for red wine will work just fine by simply adding the step of slowing pouring through a funnel and screen.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-choose-the-best-wine-decanter.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.