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"Wine" You Need a Decanter

"Wine" You Need a Decanter

Inside a bottle, wine is left without exposure to air for an extended period of time. But wine needs to breathe. Once the cork is popped, awaken the rich flavors with the use of a decanter. Heighten your wine drinking experience with a Hotel Collection wine decanter.

Cheers to the Perfect Pour.

  1. How can a decanter elevate your wine experience? Its sleek pyramid-shaped silhouette, distinctive side opening, and small interior triangle produce a waterfall effect, giving your wine a breath of fresh air, encouraging aromas and flavors to blossom. Aerating wine with a decanter allows it to oxidize, meaning the wine undergoes a chemical reaction with the air. This process smooths the flavor and softens the tannins in the wine, which are gritty substances found in plants. 
  2. What are tannins in wine? Wine tannins are extracted from grape seeds, skins and stems as well as the oak barrels wine is fermented in. While most do not enjoy the texture of tannin in their wine, it is safe and actually good for you. Tannins found in both wine and tea are found to have high levels of antioxidants, which protect your body’s cells against radiation and pollutants that increase your risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases. Discover: The Secret Health Benefits of Wine
  3. Which wines have more tannins? Wine decanting is a must for older wines as they develop sediment over time, due to the natural precipitation process. That said, red wines host more tannins naturally. For older bottles, let the bottle stand vertically, corked for 12 hours or more so the sediment settles to the bottom before pouring. 
  4. How do I use a decanter? Always hold the wine bottle by its bottom, never the neck. This allows for a more steady pour. Pour the wine slowly into your Hotel Collection decanter, without stopping. As you near the end of the bottle, check for when the collected sediment begins to reach the neck of the bottle. This is when you stop pouring. Allow the sediment to settle to the bottom of the bottle again before pouring more. 
  5. Can you only decanter red wine? A common myth is that only red wines, like our Red Blend 19, need to be decanted. While bold reds need more time to decanter, there are several white wines that can benefit from being aerated as well. Aerating white wines can offset more pervasive, bitter aromas to unlock its true body.  Uncoil the flavors of younger, more complex white wines with a quick decanting, like our Chardonnay 10.
  6. How long do I decanter wine before serving? An older red wine, like our Reserva 56, should be decanted for no more than 30 minutes before drinking, while younger full-bodied wines should be decanted for an hour or more prior to serving. To maintain the vibrancy and freshness of a white wine, only decant 5 to 15 minutes prior to serving.
  7. How long does wine last once opened? If stored in the decanter, you'll want to be sure to enjoy it within 2 to 3 days. Storing wine any longer than that once it has been opened is not recommended as the flavor begins to change.
  8. Do you need to use an aerator with a decanter? While both tools serve to oxidize wines, the decanter is better for older wines. The main difference between these two mechanisms is that a decanter takes a longer time to aerate. A handheld aerator funnels the wine through a nozzle which allows the oxygenation process to take place instantaneously. An easy way to lightly aerate your wine is by giving your glass a few gentle swirls.

Please celebrate responsibly. Must be 21 years or older to purchase.