Why Decant Wine? The Secret to Unlocking Its Full Potential

10 December 2024

Why Decant Wine? The Secret to Unlocking Its Full Potential

Decanting wine might seem like a practice reserved for sommeliers and serious wine enthusiasts, but it’s a simple and transformative process anyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re opening a treasured vintage or pouring a weeknight favourite, decanting can elevate the taste of your wine and your overall wine-drinking experience.

Here’s why decanting matters and how to do it right.

1. Aeration: Let the Wine Breathe

Wine evolves from the moment it’s bottled, or in Greenskin Wine’s case, pouched.

However, when sealed, it doesn’t have much interaction with oxygen. Decanting exposes wine to air, allowing its aromas and flavours to “open up.”

Young wines benefit the most, especially bold reds like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Malbec. A little air time softens tannins and balances out intense flavours.
Whites and sparkling wines can also be decanted, though it’s less common. It enhances creamy Chardonnays and can mellow overly sharp acidity.

2. Removing Sediment for a Cleaner Pour

Older wines and unfiltered reds often have sediment, which forms naturally during aging. While sediment doesn’t affect the taste, it can feel gritty or unpleasant.

Decanting separates the wine from these solids, ensuring a clean and smooth pour.

3. Presentation: Add Elegance to the Occasion

There’s something undeniably sophisticated about serving wine from a decanter.

It’s a small touch that makes any gathering feel special, whether it’s a casual dinner or a celebratory event.

4. Enhancing Aromatics and Flavours

Decanting amplifies a wine’s aromatics, letting its bouquet shine.

This process can reveal hidden layers – notes of dark berries, spices, or earthy undertones – that might otherwise stay muted.

How to Decant Like a Pro

1. Choose the Right Decanter
Opt for one with a wide base for maximum aeration, especially for young wines. Narrow decanters work well for older vintages to minimise air exposure.

2. Pour Slowly
Tilt the bottle and let the wine glide into the decanter. Stop pouring when sediment approaches the neck of the bottle.

3. Give It Time

Young wines: 20–60 minutes in the decanter works wonders.
Older wines: Decant just before serving to avoid overexposure.
Sparkling wines: Decant briefly to maintain effervescence.

Do All Wines Need Decanting?

Not necessarily! Lighter reds like Pinot Noir and fresh whites like Sauvignon Blanc are typically enjoyed straight from the bottle or pouch.

However, experimentation is key—pour a small glass, decant the rest, and compare.

Should I decant my Greenskin Wine?

Our eco-friendly wine pouches are designed for convenience, but don’t let that fool you – they hold premium, decant-worthy wines!

Our older vintage reds are ideal for decanting. To decant Greenskin Wine, simply pour into your favourite vessel and let it breathe. You’ll be amazed at how our wines evolve.

The wash up...

Decanting is more than a technique – it’s an experience. Whether you’re savouring a bold red, an aged vintage, or even trying it with Greenskin’s premium WA wines (particularly the reds), you’ll notice the difference.

Raise your glass to decanting, and let the flavours flow! 🍷

Mike and Kim

Quality Assurance

We stand firmly behind the quality of our wines and offer our money-back guarantee – your ticket to a risk-free wine adventure. See full details here Quality Assurance Guarantee.