Decanting wine does two things. It allows the sediment in older wines to settle and it helps to speed up the oxidation of wine. Experts disagree on the efficacy of decanting with some even arguing that decanting actually harms wine by diffusing and dissipating aroma compounds. Since we truly experience taste in the nose, the aroma compounds in wine are where most of the flavor is derived.
Most experts agree that decanting wine does little harm to almost any wine and it can soften the harsher notes in many kinds of wine. Decanting spirits is a bit different since these decanters typically come with a stopper that keeps out air and dust. Special care should ALWAYS be taken with antique or new spirits decanters that are made of lead crystal. Since spirits tend to be stored in decanters for months or even years, some experts argue that the lead in lead crystal can leach into the alcohol stored in the decanter over time. Wine decanters don’t raise the same issues as wine is typically poured out of the decanter over the course of several hours.
Most experts agree that decanting wine does little harm to almost any wine and it can soften the harsher notes in many kinds of wine. Decanting spirits is a bit different since these decanters typically come with a stopper that keeps out air and dust. Special care should ALWAYS be taken with antique or new spirits decanters that are made of lead crystal. Since spirits tend to be stored in decanters for months or even years, some experts argue that the lead in lead crystal can leach into the alcohol stored in the decanter over time. Wine decanters don’t raise the same issues as wine is typically poured out of the decanter over the course of several hours.
