Wine & Spirits Information

The Mystery of Decanting


Decanting is a strange word to many people. Some do not even know what it means exactly. Taking the sophistication out of it, decanting literally means pouring the wine from the bottle to a special glass container. This is done in order to expose the wine to oxygen and enrich it.

What is the meaning of this process? Do all wines benefit from decanting or not?

The wine experts are not in agreement. Some say wine should be decanted in order to allow it to "breathe" and develop fully before consumption. Others claim decanting does not contribute to the quality of the wine.

So who is right? Well, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Decanting does seem to benefit certain wines more than others. Most red wines, except for the very aged and some white ones would definitely benefit from decanting 1-2 hours before serving. Young red wines, on the other hand, which are low in tannins, light and fruity, would not improve if allowed to oxidize. There are also wines that would actually suffer from decanting. Those are the aged reds. Their quality could worsen if allowed too much contact with air.

Another important factor in decanting is keeping the right temperature of the wine until it's time to serve it. When it comes to white wine, one could easily place the decanter in a bigger bucket filled with cold water or ice. That would guarantee a crisp wine ready to serve and enjoy. However, when it comes to red wine, keeping the ideal temperature for serving is more difficult. The same technique as for white wine could be applied but with a minor difference - the temperature of the water in the bucket should be controlled by a thermometer. It may seem like a hassle but the exercise is well worth it.

Finally, a few words of wisdom - don't be afraid to experiment! Sooner or later you'll be surprised to find that you also have an opinion about decanting which you could adamantly defend!

http://www.wines-resource.com


MORE RESOURCES:

MLive.com

Round Barn in Baroda celebrates 16th annual Harvest Party with ...
MLive.com, MI - Aug 22, 2008
by KalamaBrew Staff BARODA -- KalamaBrew hasn't posted much on the folks at the Round Barn Winery, Brewery & Distillery, so this weekend is as good a reason ...


Wine, spirits group spent $240K to lobby in 2Q
Forbes, NY - Aug 19, 2008
AP 08.19.08, 2:50 PM ET The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America spent $240000 in the second quarter lobbying the federal government on food safety and ...


Va. bill reverses nix on wine, spirits mix
Roanoke Times, VA - Aug 5, 2008
Over the years, I'm sure many sources have longed to hang up on me. Two weeks ago, it was Maggie Amaral, the manager at Carlos' Brazilian International ...


The Economic Crunch: In good spirits
DeSoto Appeal, TN - Aug 23, 2008
By Don Wade (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal It's Tuesday morning at Kirby Wines & Liquors and 72-year-old Peggy Moss has pushed a mostly full shopping ...


Mobile camping meets environmentally-friendly standards
Easier (press release), UK - Aug 27, 2008
Guests can enjoy relaxation and candle-lit meals with unlimited wine, spirits, beers and soft drinks in a main tent. Sanctuary chefs prepare all menus with ...


Southern Wine to Participate at 2009 US Open Golf Championship
PR.com (press release), NY - Aug 19, 2008
Richmond, VA, August 19, 2008 --(PR.com)-- River City Hospitality, LLC announced today that Southern Wine and Spirits of America, Inc. will participate at ...


Boston Globe

Working-class heroes
Boston Globe, United States - Jul 29, 2008
Rolling Estate Wines Central Ranges Sauvignon Blanc -Semillon 2006. Bright, crisp fruit and good concentration give this Australian entry a nice, round, ...


100 Everett employees of Alaska Distributors at risk of layoffs
HeraldNet, WA - Aug 16, 2008
By Eric Fetters EVERETT -- More than 100 local employees of a beer and wine distributing operation have been warned they could be laid off in October as ...


Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. and Glazer's Distributors ...
MarketWatch - Aug 12, 2008
... and Glazer's Distributors, one of the country's largest wholesale distributors of wine, spirits and malt and founded in 1909, are pleased to announce ...
Southern jumps into bed with Glazer's just-drinks.com (subscription)
Two leading wine & spirits distributors to form giant 38-state ... Bizjournals.com
Glazer’s merges with competitor to take its booze nationwide Fort Worth Business Press
Drinks International
all 50 news articles


Southern Wine & Spirits of America and Odom announce JV
Drinks Business Review - Jul 22, 2008
By Staff Writer According to the Southern-Odom agreement, the new company will also incorporate the Southern Wine Spirits West existing six-state control ...

Wine-Spirits - Google News

home | site map
© 2006