Rather, mass-market brands and lower-priced wines are often filtered to reduce sediments. Higher quality wines, on the other hands, are lightly filtered. Degree of sediment also depends on grapes: Pinot Noir and Grenache for example will have little sediment. Dark, full-bodied grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah can start shredding sediment in couple years.

Traditional Decanting

The traditional way of decanting is to hold a candle in one hand and pour the wine into a decanter in a steady pouring motion. Stop pouring when sediment is observed. Depending on the vintage year and grape variety, 1-1.5 inch of the bottle may not be consumed.

Decanting is even good for young wine

Young red wines with strong tannins greatly benefit from decanting. As the wine is poured into the decanter and left to sit for thirty minutes or more, oxygen softens the tannins and pushes the fruit forward to intensify the bouquet and delight the palate.

Showcase your decanter

White wines tend to be decanted less often than red wines, but doing so is a wonderful opportunity to showcase a lovely decanter. Decanters range from simple glass carafes to exquisite cut-crystal, but all should be clear so that a wine's color and clarity are visible.

Please visit any Holiday Wine and Liquor to see the full line of decanters and wine accessories.