What is a Wine Decanter?
A wine decanter is a vessel that is used to hold wine, allowing it to aerate before it gets poured into the glass. Decanters were initially invented back in the days when wine was stored in large clay containers. Back then, wine would have a great deal of sediment and impurities that would settle to the bottom of these large containers.
When they were tipped over and poured into a decanter, only the sediment-free wine on top often called the “clear” would be poured off into the decanter. A decanter is usually big enough to hold about one full bottle of wine. Once it was poured from the large clay holding containers into the decanter, then it could be brought to the table and poured more easily by one of the servants.
Today we use a decanter mainly to aerate the wine before it is poured. But if you have an exceptionally old bottle, the wine will still be able to be separated from the sediment when poured into a decanter. Aside from all of these benefits, a decanter also gives the host a way to properly and elegantly display the wine as it is poured.
What is a Wine Aerator?
A wine aerator is a little different than a wine decanter because, with an aerator, the wine is simply poured through the device and into a decanter or glass. It doesn’t hold the wine like a decanter does. An aerator usually attaches to the bottle or is held by one hand as the other pours the wine through it.
An aerator will either allow air into the device, or it pours the wine through multiple small channels causing the wine to spread out and reach the air. By doing this, the wine is opened up, the tannins are muddled, and some of the more subtle flavors come out.
People enjoy an aerator because it is an extremely fast way to get as much air as possible into your wine, without needing to pour it into a decanter where it would have to sit for, potentially a few hours, before it reached enough air that it would open up.
Almost all wines can be improved with aeration, but some will definitely benefit from it more than others. The problem with an aerator is that it won’t separate sediment from the wine. So if you have an older wine, the sediment will pour through the device and into your glass. That or the sediment may actually clog the aerator.
An aerator also takes away from some of the pageantries that come with using a beautiful glass decanter.
The advantage of using an aerator is that they are usually small and compact. This allows them to be taken to parties or when traveling. And since they don’t need to worry about appearance, since they won’t be displayed like a decanter, they are generally much more durable than a glass decanter.
Advantages of Using a Wine Decanter or Aerator
Sediment Removal
Sediment removal is only a real benefit when using a decanter. The exception to this is if you have an aerator that also has a filter specifically made to catch sediment.
Back in the day, sediment in your wine was a big problem. All wines had sediment that was caused by a lack of filtration. This sediment was usually made up of dead yeast cells, bacteria, proteins, etc. Today, however, this is not nearly as big of an issue.
Wines today are filtered and clarified before bottling to take out any materials suspended in the liquid. So, this settling of sediment is usually only found in very old wines. But if it does have any, pouring it slowly into a decanter will get the clean wine off of the top while the sediment remains at the bottom of the bottle.
Aeration
Aerating your wine is a very important step in the wine tasting process. A decanter is meant to mimic the more well know act of swirling your wine in its glass. This allows oxygen to get to the wine and causes it to “mature” and release its aroma.
Since 80% of human taste perception is made up of smell, this step will enable you to unlock more nuanced and delicate flavors in your wine. Ones that may not have been present or obvious without the maturation and extra aroma released from aeration.
Tannin Reduction
Tannic wines like a Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Port will benefit the most from being decanted. That is because these are tannic wines, which means that they have more tannins by volume than other wines.
Tannins are often associated with causing hangovers.
They are a polyphenol and are responsible for the dry feeling in your mouth when drinking some wines. They also add a bitter flavor and is the reason that you may pucker when drinking a high tannin wine.
They are not necessarily a bad thing, but people don’t often enjoy a wine that has a high tannin content. Decanting these wines doesn’t reduce the tannins, but instead softens them so that their bitter effects are not as noticeable.
Color
Thanks to the Romans introducing glass wine decanters these vessels also give us a nice view of the wine. They show the color and depth of your wine and they allow you to see the legs when it is swirled. Giving an idea of the sweetness of your wine before it is poured.
Makes Cheap Wine Better!
Decanters are usually associated with expensive or old wines, but that is no longer the case. A good decanter or aerator has been found to profoundly enhance the flavor and profile of cheap wines as well!
It does this using the same methods that work to improve an older or more complex wine. More affordable wines usually aren’t aged for very long, which can increase their tannin content. An aerator will help smooth out some of those harsher flavors.
Likewise, since cheaper wines are younger, they usually don’t have a very complex flavor profile. But by aerating them, you’re able to bring out some of the more subtle flavors even in cheaper wines significantly increasing their aroma and flavor profile.
Mistakes People Make When Using a Wine Decanter
Picking a Crazy Style
The size and shape of your decanter matters a lot. Some people find thin, fancy, hand-blown decanters and immediately fall in love. The problem is that these decanters are fragile.
Some of them are in beautiful shapes but turn out to be extremely hard to hold. Others have an elegant spout, but when you use them, they don’t pour in a clean stream, making it hard to fill a glass without spilling.
The other big factor is getting a bottle that fits the wine you like to drink. A full-bodied wine is going to need a wider base so that it can reach more air. But if you like a light-bodied wine, you’ll want something a bit thinner, or it might over aerate.
If your just beginning, I’d suggest a medium-sized base so that it works for all wines. With a medium-sized base when you pour a light-bodied wine, you just let it sit for a shorter period of time. With a full-bodied wine, you may let it sit longer and perhaps swirl it to increase its exposure to the air.
Aerating for Too Long
Yes, wine can aerate for too long! When a wine aerates for too long, it begins to diminish in smell, taste, and color. This is often referred to as “flattening.” And since the whole point of aerating a bottle of wine is to increase its flavor, then that is obviously not desirable.
In general, younger wines can be decanted for longer as the oxygenation speeds up the aging process. Older wines, however, have already aged so they don’t need to aerate for very long at all, usually less than an hour. You can use the guide below to figure out how long different wines should be aerated for maximum effect without diminishing the flavor.
Wines should not be left in the decanter without a stopper. If you know that you will only drink a glass or two from your bottle, then make sure that you only pour what you need into the decanter or that you have a decanter with a lid.
Important Features of a Wine Decanter
Spout
The spout dictates how the wine is poured both into and out of the decanter. The rim usually starts broad and then get slimmer before widening at the base.
This gives a wide opening at the top so that you can easily pour the wine in, but then it thins out. This causes the wine to sheet thinly down and around the decanter until it settles in the base. This thin sheeting allows for proper aeration of the wine.
Some decanters are open on both ends, allowing one wide spout that you pour the wine into and then one very skinny spout that you pour the wine out of. This skinny spout aerates the wine even further as it is being poured out. This works in the same was as most aerators.
The spout also matters when you go to pour the wine from the decanter into your glass. A flat, even rim will have a tendency to pour unevenly and may cause you to spill. If your a beginner or just prefer a smooth pour, it may help to get a decanter where the rim is slanted so that you can pour it into a glass without any worry of making a mess.
Base
The base plays a significant role in properly decanting a wine. More robust full-bodied red wines not only need to be decanted for longer, but they also need a broad base, increasing the surface area so that more oxygen can get to the wine.
A light-bodied wine is just the opposite. You don’t want it to decant for too long or get too much oxygen, or it might release its aroma too quickly and muddle the flavors when you go to drink it.
Material
The material used to make a decanter used to vary back in the day, but almost all decanters nowadays are glass. The difference then comes down to the type of glass that is used, as well as the thickness.
Regular glass, also called soda-glass, is the most common kind of glass used in everyday glassware. It is usually thick because it doesn’t have very high strength, but it is incredibly cheap to make.
Crystal comes in two types, leaded and lead-free. Leaded crystal was used back in the day because the lead increased the glass’s strength so that glassblowers could make it extremely thin while still maintaining its durability. Lead also increased its transparency so that the glass had very little impact on your ability to clearly see what was inside.
After the medical effects of lead poisoning became known, people started making lead-free crystal. Although the government has stated that the lead in leaded crystal leeches out at such a slow rate that they still claim it is safe.
They just don’t suggest that you store anything in leaded crystal for long periods. Although, today, they can make a lead-free crystal that is the same strength and clarity as leaded crystal.
Handle
Because decanters are made entirely of glass, they can sometimes be a little bit difficult to hold. If this sounds like a problem that you may experience, then we suggest looking into a decanter that has a handle. They still have many beautiful design and style options available with a handle.
Accessories
If you’re wondering what accessories would come with a decanter, there are many. Perhaps the nicest one being a flexible rod cleaner so that you can easily wash decanters that have skinny necks.
They have also created drying racks that hold your decanter upside down so that it can fully dry without getting water spots.
Decanters may also come with a built-in aerator and or filter. This is a cap that covers the top of the decanter and aerates the wine as it is poured into the decanter. Sometimes this aerator will also contain a filter to catch any sediment floating in the wine.
The purpose of this built-in aerator is to expedite the process so you don’t have to wait around while the wine sits in the decanter. you pour it through the aerator and it is ready to serve.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Decanter or Aerator
Pageantry
There is no doubt that the pageantry of using a stylish glass decanter enhances the whole wine-drinking experience. It gets you more hands-on with your wine and allows you to see and enjoy it to its fullest. But sometimes this doesn’t suit everyone or simply doesn’t fit your needs.
It’s important to know if this item will be used every day, in which case you will probably want an aerator, or if it’s for more formal events, it might be worth buying a more traditional decanter.
Size
The size of your decanter is an important factor. Some decanters are large and intricate, and although they are beautiful, they might be a little bit hard to handle. You also can’t transport a large decanter. They’re not suitable for taking on trips or out to parties.
Your Favorite Type of Wine
Since aeration is a big part of using a decanter, it makes sense that the base would play an important role.
When decanting wines, a full-bodied red is going to benefit from more air and will need to sit in the decanter for longer. In this case, you want something with a large base that will maximize its exposure to the air.
If you enjoy a light-bodied red wine most of the time, then you may consider a decanter with a smaller base as these wines don’t need as much aeration.
Durability
Durability is usually determined by the type and thinness of the glass. Leaded-crystal and the new crystal hybrids are generally going to be the most durable.
They can be blown quite thin and still have a high breaking point. If you’re worried about being able to clean the decanter it should be known that most decanters will need to be hand washed and dried upside down.
If you don’t want to do this then you’ll need to look for a decanter that specifies that it is dishwasher safe.
Price
Most people think that decanters are for high-end wines, and that they are expensive. Although this may have been the case long ago, it is not today.
You can still buy very high-end hand-blown glass decanters. But you can also get very elegant options that will work well and impress your guests without breaking the bank.
OUR FAVORITE WINE DECANTERS!
Best Overall
This Riedel Cabernet Decanter is our favorite overall pick because it encompasses everything you need into one decanter. It has a medium-sized base that would allow it to work for both light-bodied or full-bodied wines. The slimming of the neck gives an elegant classic shape and allows you to get a firm grip of the decanter while pouring it.
It is made of brilliant crystal with extremely thin walls, but it is machine blown, so the price remains affordable even given the quality. Although they recommend hand washing due to its delicate shape, they say that the crystal can be machine washed.
This wine decanter measures 9 inches high and has an internal capacity big enough to hold an entire 750ml bottle of wine.
Premium Pick
This is one of the most breathtaking decanters we have ever seen. The Riedel Crystal Mamba Decanter is not only a decanter, but it is a magnificent piece of art.
This piece is called the mamba because it is built to resemble the black mamba snake. It is made of hand-blown crystal glass and features a long neck that stands 17 3/4 inches off the ground. And although it does have a unique shape, it stills lays perfectly stable on any flat surface. This way, you can display the decanter like a piece of art.
The body can hold an entire bottle of wine and features two different chambers for maximum aeration. The double chamber also allows the wine to be poured easily without spilling.
Best For Travel
A decanter is a nice thing to have at your house but what if you’d like to aerate the wine that your drinking on a picnic. Or perhaps you’d like to bring one to your friend’s house for a party. If this is your goal then you’ll probably do better with a simple aerator.
This is the Zazzol Wine Aerator and it is the ultimate portable aerator. It is so portable because it is only 7.7 inches long and 3 inches wide. So it fits easily into your pocket or purse. And the plastic and silicone outside means that you don’t ever have to worry about it breaking.
The patented design starts by pouring the wine over an umbrella-shaped wine sprayer. This flattens the thick pour into a thin sheet. That sheet of wine then trickles down to a drip plate where it is forced through 32 small holes that turn the wine into microdroplets.
As the wine exits the aerator, it is met with air from the aerators hollow center that forces even more oxygen into the wine. From there, it drips into your glass or decanter and is ready for use.
This patented design works flawlessly, and unlike portable decanters that fit over the mouth of the bottle, you don’t have to worry about leaks or failed seals over time. And because it doesn’t have to fit inside of the bottle, it works with wine bottles of all shapes and sizes. This aerator is also dishwasher safe, which makes for super easy cleanup.
Super Durable Wine Decanter
This wine decanter is a little bit deceiving because it looks so elegant and fragile. The Wine Enthusiast Break-Resistant Fusion Duck Decanter is a piece of glass blown artistry that is made from lead-free crystal. Yet it is one of the most break-resistant glass decanters on the market.
That is because the glass is embedded with magnesium. Not enough to be seen with the naked eye, but structurally, it is much stronger than any ordinary glass or crystal. That being said, it is not breakproof, but it can definitely take a few bumps without a problem.
This decanter is called the fusion duck because its shape was inspired by the waterfowl. It also has a large arching piece of glass that doubles as a handle for easy pouring. The base holds 42 ounces, which is more than enough to hold a standard 25-ounce bottle of wine.
This wine decanter is also backed by a 10-year break free guarantee. So if this does end up breaking, you’ve got yourself covered.
Budget Pick
The Triangle Crystal Wine Decanter is beautiful, it’s easy to pour, and for the price, it was an absolute no brainer for our budget pick. Just like its more expensive competitors, this decanter is made of hand-blown lead-free crystal.
Its design isn’t just elegant, but the hollow center gives the perfect handhold for a comfortable grip on this wine decanter. And the slanted neck is both artistic, it provides the wine with extra surface area to aerate, and it means the decanter provides a very clean pour.
The decanter holds 34 ounces so it can accommodate a full bottle if required. And since it is crystal, it is recommended to be hand washed due to its extra thin lip, but it is rated dishwasher safe. It is also backed by a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied, so you can buy knowing that your only going to have to pay for it if you absolutely love it. We think you will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Purpose of a Wine Decanter?
The purpose of a decanter for older wines is to separate sediment that settles at the bottom of the bottle from the wine you want to drink. For younger wines, a decanter aerates them to quickly mature the wine, open up the bouquet, and bring forth subtle flavors.
What Type of Wine Decanter is Best?
The best wine decanter is the one that fits your needs—factoring in size, durability, design, and ease of cleaning to find the perfect match for your home and the type of wine that you like to drink.
When Should You Decanter Wine?
You should decant old wines if they have sediment at the bottom. Young red wines can be decanted when they need to be matured and opened up, decanting will also reduce the potency of high tannin wines. White wines can be decanted when they are 10+ years old or when they have a sulfur smell.
Are Wine Decanters Worth it?
Wine decanters are absolutely worth it. For the price of two or three average bottles of wine, you can buy something that will drastically improve the aroma and flavor of every bottle of wine that you have in the future.
Is it Worth Decanting Cheap Wine?
It is definitely worth decanting a cheap wine. The point of decanting is to rapidly mature the wine, muddling the bitter tannins that young more inexpensive wines often exhibit, while bringing forward more nuanced flavors and aromas. Decanting a cheap wine will significantly improve its complexity.
