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Buying Guide
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Red Wine Decanters
  
What is a wine decanter for?
Decanters are used for 3 purposes. The first is to let it breath. By pouring the wine into a decanter, you're increasing the amount of air that the wine is exposed to, thus accelerating its development. The second purpose is to separate sediments from older wine. The 3rd reason is purely about aesthetics because some of these decanters are just so pretty, it enhances the overall experience when using one!
How to use a wine decanter
It's pretty simple. For younger wines, just pour it into the decanter (use a funnel if you have to), swirl it around and let it sit for a couple hours. For older wines, you'll want to have the unopened bottle rest standing up for at least an hour before hand so that all the sediments have settled at the bottom. Then, you can uncork and gently pour the wine in one continuous flow into the decanter, stopping only once you have reached close to the bottom and just before the sediments come out. If you know that you'll be drinking older bottles of wine even occasionally, get a funnel that comes with a fine mesh strainer. You'll be able to use the strainer as a decanter cap as well!
Different types and shapesYou now know the 3 key purposes for decanters. So why are there so many shapes out there? It's really a matter of personal preference. Just choose one that you like within your price range. Personally, I like one that had a lid or stopper since I don't want little insects getting in as I let my wine breathe for several hours.
Quick note on ship decanters
Keep in mind that while they are very popular, pretty and stable (so they don't roll around on a ship), it's quite cumbersome to get the last bit of wine out. I have a couple of them, and do like them very much. You just need a little more effort to pour the last of the wine out!
RecommendationI like decanters when you're opening nicer bottles of wine and plan on finishing the entire bottle within a day. Just keep the empty bottles close by so you know which wine is currently in the decanter. The style and shape is really more of a personal taste. Just keep these guidelines in mind when purchasing a decanter:
- Clear decanters are best so you can see the sediments as well as how much wine you have left. Pouring will also be easier as you'll be able to tell the wine flow.
- Ship decanters are more stable, while taller ones have a higher chance of tipping over. Will you parties typically have kids running around?
- Make sure the wine surface area that's exposed to air is as large as possible. The whole point is to let the wine breath.
- Having a stopper or cover for the decanter is highly recommended. The last thing you want is to have a nice bottle ruined by little insects floating in your wine!
Shop for Wine Decanters
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