Decanting Wine- worth it or worthless?

We've all heard about letting wines breathe before consuming them. How important is this practice and how is it done? Let's take a look at this topic and answer these questions. Originally wine was decanted in order the allow the sediment in unfiltered wines settle out before serving.

Younger reds with immature hard acidity or tannin do improve a bit with air contact. Contact with air in the decanter can sometimes allow these wines to develop flavors and aromas that more closely resemble an older bottle aged wine. If you choose, let these wines breathe for about one half hour before serving. Do this by pouring the wine into a decanter before serving. Removing the cork and letting it stand in the bottle will not accomplish anything because only the wine at the top is in contact with the air. The wine will develop while it is in the glass anyway so it is not imperative to let it breathe.

Little will be accomplished in the case of mature red wines intended to be consumed at the time of release. These mature reds have already gained all the benefits of decanting through their long ageing process. However, after around ten years in the bottle many reds will throw sediment into the bottle, which can be quite abrasive in the mouth. If you find this sediment in a bottle it will be well worth decanting just before serving in order to ensure a clean experience.

Take some time, to not only learn what your favorite wines are but to also do some testing, in regards to the breathing question. Use the same year, brand and type of wine, then see if you can notice a difference between two bottles. Let one breathe for one half hour and for the other start in on it right away. You don't have to do this in any particular time period, so relax and enjoy the wine. With the bottle that you began drinking immediately, did you notice a difference between the first glass and the ones that followed? Or perhaps the wine improved during the drinking of an individual glass. Be conscious of changes in flavor and enjoy!