DECANTERS cont.
Decanting also softens tannins in red wine — which, if high, can make a wine feel harsh or astringent. It will improve the mouth feel, which improves the balance of the wine overall, creating a better wine experience. You may have even noticed a change in your wine as you pour a glass of it. If you pour yourself a glass of wine and leave it for a half hour or so, you may notice that this minimal oxygen exposure allows the wine to develop in the glass. In the case of full-bodied, high-tannin wines, some sommeliers recommend pre-pouring a glass for guests — similar to how you would decant a bottle before service. Swirling the wine in the glass before you take a sip achieves the same goal by aerating and allowing a small amount of oxygen in. There are many devices called aerators in the market that have this same goal in mind. Most fasten to the neck of the bottle and allow small amounts of oxygen in as you pour wine for your guests — no decanter needed! While it certainly does not have the same effect as decanting, it can help in a pinch — and is often a more cost-effective option.
Swirling in the glass before you take a sip aerates the wine and allows a small
There are many devices called aerators in the market that have this same goal in mind.
amount of oxygen in.
22 SAVOUR MANITOBA | WINTER 24
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