TEN Reasons to Use (or Not Use) a DECANTER

By Jill Misterka

Stores sell beautiful glass and crystal decanters that are intended to be used for wine. Some of us have received them as gifts. When should a decanter be used? Is there any reason you should not use one?

When NOT TO use a decanter…

1.  Decanters should not be used for long-term storage because they allow the wine to have too much exposure to oxygen, which will change its taste and cause its color to turn brown. Always pour the bottle into the decanter shortly before serving.

2.  Crystal decanters should NEVER be used to store wine for more than a couple of hours, out of concern that the wine will leach lead from the decanter. The better quality the crystal, the more lead it will contain. (According to the FDA, occasionally drinking from crystal should be safe for healthy adults.)

When TO use a decanter…

3.  To allow red wine to “breathe”. Certain wines need to be exposed to air for a few minutes before drinking. If you try any wine poured from the bottle and find it too harsh tasting, it may benefit from breathing.

4.  To get rid of any sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Pour slowly to avoid transferring the sediment to the decanter.

5.  To blend two or more wines together.

6.  To conduct a blind taste test and disguise what kind of wine is being served.

7.  To make it easier to pour wine at a party.

8.  To sweeten a wine that’s too dry. Stir the wine with sugar or diet sweetener in a decanter until dissolved.

9.  To make a wine cooler or sangria. Use a wide-mouthed decanter to mix all ingredients.

10.  To impress the person that gave you the decanter as a gift.

Sources: www.fda.gov; www.wineanswers.com.

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