Have you heard of a decanter but aren’t quite sure what it’s for? Or perhaps you don’t understand why it’s considered a must-have in any wine collection?
For wine lovers looking to enhance their experience at the table, a decanter can make all the difference when it comes to serving and enjoying wine.
What Is a Decanter?
A decanter is a vessel, typically made of glass or crystal, used to pour wine from its original bottle before serving. Its purpose goes far beyond appearance — though it certainly adds elegance — it serves a functional role: improving the wine’s aroma, flavour, and texture through oxygenation and sediment separation.
What Does a Decanter Do?
Decanting allows the wine to “breathe” by exposing it to oxygen. This process softens tannins, enhances aromas, and deepens flavour complexity. It also separates sediment, especially in older wines, for a cleaner tasting experience.
It’s particularly useful for:
Young, full-bodied wines that benefit from oxygen exposure.
Aged wines that often have sediment buildup.
Wines with harsh tannins or closed aromas.
How and When to Use a Decanter
Not all wines need decanting — but when they do, follow these steps:
Stand the bottle upright for 12 hours (to allow sediment to settle).
Open carefully, using light to monitor the neck.
Pour the wine slowly and steadily into the decanter.
Let it rest: Young wines: 1–2 hours. Aged wines: about 30 minutes to prevent over-oxidation.
Sommelier Tips:
Place a light source behind the decanter to spot any sediment. Serve wine at the ideal temperature — between 15 ºC and 18 ºC for reds — to enhance both aromas and flavour.
Benefits of Using a Decanter
Enhances taste and aroma in younger wines.
Removes sediment for a smoother pour.
Adds elegance to dinners and special occasions.
Caring for Your Decanter
Wash with warm water and mild soap right after use.
Use brushes made for decanters to clean hard-to-reach spots.
Avoid abrasive materials.
Dry with a microfiber cloth to preserve the shine.
Store with the neck covered to avoid dust or stains.
Make every tasting moment more memorable with this essential wine accessory!
At Vinha, you’ll find the Phoenix Decanter by Sophienwald, hand-blown from fine glass. Each piece is unique — light, elegant, and designed to bring out the very best in your wine.
Whether for the Easter lunch, a dinner with friends or a special toast, a great wine deserves the perfect decanter.
