What is decanting?
What does a decanter do?
Decanters are a great way to turn a bottle of wine into a statement table centrepiece – but they’re more than just decorative. Typically, decanting a wine will serve one of two purposes: to aerate the wine or to separate it from idle sediment that accumulates with age. The shape and size a vessel will generally indicate which purpose it is intended for. Decanters with a large base increase the surface area of the liquid, allowing it to come into contact with more oxygen and aerate the wine. Decanters with fine, narrow necks are designed to trap and remove sediment while pouring.
Decanters with fine necks are perfect for decanting aged wines which may have accumulated sediment.
Using a decanter to aerate your wine prior to serving can help to soften the sharp tannins present in young, medium-to-full bodied wines. It can also ‘open up’ the wine, amplifying subtle flavours and aromas. Tannins and acid naturally soften with bottle age, so wines that have been in the cellar for a while will typically require less decanting time prior to serving. For wines under 10 years of age, aim for between one and four hours decanting time. For anything over 10, decant for an hour maximum – for wines aged 20 years and over its best to decant briefly or not at all.
When should you use a decanter?
Wide-necked decanters make double-decanting easy – and help younger wines 'open up'.
Top Tips For Decanting Wine
Inspired by the elegance of the acclaimed St Henri Shiraz, Penfolds has released an exclusive decanter designed by internationally recognised glass artist Nick Mount and the team at JamFactory Glass Studio Adelaide. This contemporary interpretation of a traditional wine serving vessel is the perfect tool to help you get the best out of your favourite bottles.
To access the St Henri Decanter Gift Set for the special price of $720 – including a case of the 2017 St Henri Shiraz and decanter valued at $350 – simply sign up to the Friends of Penfolds club.
Find out more about the Friends of Penfolds club and the St Henri Decanter Gift Set here.