Many of our followers ask us whether or not it’s recommended to decant white wine. The thing is, we usually see decanting done with red wines, not white wines, which raises doubts and debates among wine enthusiasts. This is precisely why we’ve written this article. In it, we want to address whether or not decanting white wine is advisable, how to do it correctly, and what benefits this act can bring to its quality.
Is it recommended to decant white wine?
To decant or not to decant a white wine? That is the question. No, we haven’t lost our way or are we paying homage to Hamlet; we are echoing one of the premises that is sparking debate among those looking for the best way to enjoy wine. While it’s common to decant red wines, some advocate doing the same with white wines. The reasons? To enhance the experience of drinking these types of wines.
What is wine decanting?
Decanting refers to the process of transferring the wine from the bottle to another container, which we usually call a decanter. This process must be done calmly, without rushing, to ensure that the movement benefits the wine.
When someone decides to decant a wine, they have two clear goals. On the one hand, to separate the wine from any sediment that may have formed in it; and on the other, to oxygenate the wine to bring out its aromas and flavors.
Traditionally, decanting has been done only with red wines because sediments are not commonly formed in white wines. Especially in younger wines, which are the ones most consumed. However, it is common for sediments to appear in aged white wines, meaning those that have undergone aging processes for several years. That’s why, in these cases, decanting is usually recommended, especially if we want the wine to be clear and bright in the glass and free from particles that could affect its texture or appearance.
Oxygenation in white wines
As many experts point out, some varieties of white wines can benefit from a bit of air before being consumed. This is the case for Chardonnay barrel-aged wines, white wines from the Burgundy region, or even some aged Rieslings. They all share the characteristic of having a complex structure that requires special care. Hence, oxygenation can help release their aromas and flavors, making the drinking experience richer and more nuanced.
White wines that should not be decanted
At this point, we must also highlight the cases of white wines for which decanting not only won’t help but can actually harm them. We’re talking about young, fresh, and fruity wines. These are appreciated mainly for their liveliness and crisp notes, which could fade if decanted. Exposing them to air for too long may cause them to lose their effervescence and appeal. However, some experts argue that a brief decanting of this type of wine could help them. But this should only be done just before serving the wine to prevent them from losing their unique character.
Our advice
Thus, at WINERYON, we believe that decanting white wines is possible, though it should be done considering the specifics of each case. That is, it should be based on their defining characteristics. In the case of white wines: their age and style. Therefore, if we’re consuming a young and fresh white wine, decanting is not necessary, as it could compromise its signature elements. But if it’s an older and/or more complex wine, decanting will improve its tasting, making it richer and more varied.
If you choose our DEMUERTE WHITE, you’ll be selecting a striking and groundbreaking white wine, fresh and intensely aromatic, with a unique personality in the market. A pale straw-yellow wine with a bright appearance; modern, with aromas of white fruits and flowers, as well as hints of canned peaches, apricots, citrus fruits, and some tropical notes. This wine has a fresh acidity, a light yet creamy taste, smoothness, and body; offering a long finish with white fruit and herb notes to those who taste it.
In any case, we leave it up to you, as you know, ultimately it’s about following each person’s personal preferences. And above all, daring to experiment with new ways to enhance the experience of consumption, because when it comes to wine, there’s still much to discover.
