Often associated with the world of wine, it is true that not everyone can identify what the wine decanter is for. Decorative element? Recipient? Well, it is a glass vessel used to serve wine. But… why change it before serving if your bottle is already your vessel? And another frequently asked question: Why such a peculiar shape?

The answer is simple! This object, with a rather aesthetic cut, has a wider base than the mouth, with a very narrow neck, because its main function is to aerate or oxygenate the wine. In fact, its shape is conducive to this action: it is usually held by the neck and tilted slightly so that the wine falls against the wall and can be “opened”. This is the first step to have contact and accelerate oxygenation. Well, not exactly, the number one point would be the uncorking of the bottle, recommended two hours before serving.

And another question that also arises at this point: Why is it necessary to “aerate” the wine? This action, linked to red wines, is produced to remove the solid deposit that is generated in those old (or very old) wines during aging. By using the wine decanter, we prevent the sediment (as this deposit is called) from remaining fixed to the base. In this way we are “awakening” its aromas, and even its color, which have been concealed over time.

As we have said, decanting is an action associated with red wines. However, some people also aerate rosés and whites. It is a way to open them and “recover their youth”; and in some cases also to eliminate an unpleasant defect aroma.

The times

There is no general rule, since not all wines are the same. In this case we will be guided by the aging time. Red wines are divided into 3 categories: light reds with little body, between 20 and 30 minutes; medium-bodied reds, between 30 and 60 minutes; full-bodied reds, from 1 to 2 hours. For white and rosé wines, about 10 minutes will be enough.

It is time to enjoy your favorite Barcolobo and put into practice everything you have learned about decanters. Serve your wine with the same care it has been prepared for an excellent gastronomic experience.