Should wine be served from a decanter, or only stored in one?

While decanters are often used for serving wine, they're primarily intended for specific types of wines and certain practical purposes, rather than being an exclusive storage method. In general, decanting wine immediately before serving is more common than long-term storage in a decanter. Here's how decanters are typically used:

Purpose of Decanting:

1. Aeration: Decanting helps expose wine to oxygen, which allows complex flavors and aromas to develop and soften tannins, making the wine smoother. This process enhances the wine's overall taste and bouquet.

2. Separating Sediment: Over time, some wines can develop a natural sediment. Decanting allows for the gentle pouring of the wine, leaving any sediment behind.

3. Presentation: Elegant decanters are often used for formal occasions and fine dining experiences, adding an aesthetic element to the wine-serving ritual.

When to Decant:

1. Full-Bodied Red Wines: Young, full-bodied red wines that are typically high in tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, can benefit from decanting to soften their structure.

2. Older Vintage Wines: Fine older wines with delicate aromas can be decanted to help release their complex flavors and ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Storage Guidelines:

While many people believe that decanters are ideal storage vessels for wine, prolonged storage in a decanter is generally discouraged. Most decanters are not airtight, making them unsuitable for long-term preservation of wine's quality.

Instead, properly storing wine involves keeping it in a dark, cool, and humid environment, typically in wine cellars, climate-controlled wine cabinets, or well-suited wine racks.

So, while decanters play an important role in presenting and enhancing the experience of certain types of wine, they are primarily intended for immediate service rather than long-term storage.