07/02/08 Decanting Older Wine

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and on today's program we are answering a question from the email. Recently a listener wrote to ask about a handling a special bottle of wine. He writes, "Linda I am going to open a bottle of red wine that is nearly 20 years old. It has been properly stored and I am wondering how long I should let it breathe after I decant it ?" The listener didn't say what the wine was or where it came from so we will answer the question of how long I should let it breathe after it is decanted in very general terms. There are many reasons to decant your wine. It is fun, and it will emphasize the honor placed on the occasion you have selected to serve your special wine. Most of all decanting will remove sediment in the wine, particularly aged wines. If the wine has been laying down for years then stand it up for at least three days before you decant it. This allows the sediment to settle in the bottom of the bottle. Decanting also helps the wine breathe. This allows its aromas to interact with the oxygen in the air and become more noticeable. But be very careful not to open the wine to early, realize that it has done most of its evolving in the bottle, and it will most likely not benefit from too much time being open before it is poured. Allow your guests to let it open in their glasses. That way they can linger over this treat and observe it changing for them selves. Most of all savor the evening and sharing a valued experience with your friends. And thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.