As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no additional costs for you.
Decanting wine is a process that involves transferring the wine from the bottle to another container, typically to remove sediment or to aerate the wine. (Aerating wine is the process of exposing the wine to air, which can help to release its flavors and aromas and can also help to soften any harsh tannins).
There are several methods for decanting wine, including aerating, which involves pouring the wine into a decanter or glass container and letting it sit for some time to breathe.
Other methods include using an aerator or a wine pourer, which can help expose the wine to air as it is poured into a glass. Regardless of the technique, aerating wine is a simple and effective way to enhance its flavor and aroma.
While decanting wine in a decanter is ideal, it is still possible to decant wine without one. Read the article below for a step-by-step guide on decanting wine without a decanter.
The steps we will cover are choosing a clear glass container, standing the wine upright, how to open the bottle, preparing the container, pouring the wine, and watching for sediment.
TIP: If you want to check out the best refrigerator for wine storage, I recommend trying out the Avation (18 bottles) compressor refrigerator with Wi-fi smart app control cooling system. You can find this refrigerator by clicking here (Amazon link).
What Can I Use to Decant Wine
Choose a clear glass container to decant wine. Select a clear glass container, such as a pitcher or carafe, that can hold the entire bottle of wine with some extra room for air. The glass container should have a wide base to allow the wine to breathe and aerate properly.
The glass bottle should also ideally have a cork or stopper. Simply clean the bottle and cork or stopper thoroughly, and pour the wine into the bottle.
TIP: If you are interested in buying a wine decanter, I recommend purchasing these two top-quality decanters:
- USBOQO Wine Decanter (check it out on Amazon & read customer reviews)
- Iceberg Wine Decanter (check it out on Amazon & read customer reviews)
A few household items can also be used as a substitute for a decanter. Read below for the specifics!
Mason jar: A mason jar is also a good option, especially for smaller bottles of wine. Choose a jar with a wide mouth that can fit the entire bottle, and make sure it is clean and free of any lingering smells from previous uses.
Blender or food processor: If you’re in a bind, you can use a blender or food processor to aerate the wine. Pour the wine into the blender or food processor, and blend on the lowest setting for a few seconds to help release the wine’s flavors and aromas.
While these items are not explicitly designed for decanting wine, they can still be adequate substitutes in a pinch. Just clean them thoroughly before use, and choose a container with a wide base to allow the wine to breathe and aerate properly.
Recommendation box: Everything you need to enjoy your wine as much as possible. All recommended products are personally tested and regularly used by experts from this website (Amazon links):
> Ivation Wine Cooler – Energy-efficient wine cooler for 18 bottles with Wi-fi smart app control cooling system.
> Wine Rack – Beautiful, elegant wood rack for up to 7 bottles and the choice of vertical or horizontal storage.
> Durand Wine Opener – Classic vintage wine opener (we like all these classic staff).
> YouYah Iceberg Wine Decanter – The most beautiful and handy wine decanter we personally use.
> Bormioli Rocco Wine Glasses – A set of eight elegant and traditional wine glasses made in Italy.
> Vintorio Wine Aerator – Simple but really useful wine aerator for a reasonable price.
> The Original Vacu Vin Wine Saver – The best wine saver on the market in a package with two vacuum stoppers and two wine servers.
And if you want to become a true connoisseur of wine, we recommend reading the book Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine (Amazon link), where you will find all the information you need about winemaking, wine varieties, flavors, and much more.
TIP: Can you put a wine decanter in the dishwasher? Considering the decanter’s age, shape, size, and quality, a dishwasher is not ideal. Check out the best way to clean your wine decanter in this article. Is there a difference between a wine decanter and a carafe? Read all about it in this article.
How to Decant Wine Without Decanter
As mentioned above, choose a clear glass container to decant your wine. Next, you will want to prepare the glass container by rinsing it with warm water and drying it thoroughly. Place the container on a level surface and ensure it is stable before you pour in the wine.
Why do we need to do this in the first place? Bottled wine is often sealed with a cork, limiting the air that can come into contact with the wine.
TIP: Most wines go bad once you pop the cork within a day or so. But a Coravin Wine Preservation system (available for a great price on Amazon) can extend the life of your opened wine for weeks or even months. It is awesome. You should check it out to see if it fits your lifestyle.
However, when the wine is decanted (in this case, poured into a clear glass container), it is exposed to more air, which can help to improve its taste and texture.
Remember, since the goal of decanting wine is to expose it to air to release its flavors and aromas, any container with a wide base that can help with aeration can be used.
Just make sure to pour the wine slowly and gently and avoid disturbing any sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Here are a few more tips and tricks, especially when decanting wine without a decanter.
Let the wine breathe: If you don’t have a carafe or pitcher, you can let the wine breathe by opening the bottle and leaving it for a few minutes before serving.
Swirl the wine in your glass: Once it is poured into the glass, swirl it gently to expose it to air and encourage aeration.
Swirling the wine exposes it to air, which can help to release its flavors and aromas. This is especially important for red wines high in tannins, as aeration can help soften the tannins and make the wine more enjoyable to drink.
Swirling the wine also introduces oxygen into the wine, which can help to enhance its flavor and texture. This is because the oxygen in the air can react with the wine’s volatile compounds, causing them to release their aromas and flavors.
Pour the wine slowly: When pouring the wine, do so slowly and steadily to prevent disturbing any sediment at the bottom of the bottle.
TIP: Does a wine decanter need a stopper? Decanters with stoppers are only helpful if you often do not finish your decanted wine. Find out more in this article. To find out more about storing wine in a mason jar, read this article for all the tips
Can You Decant Wine in a Glass
You can decant wine in a glass, especially if your goal is to aerate the wine (allow it to get air so that it can open up and “breathe”); however, as mentioned above, it is best to have a container large enough to pour your entire bottle of wine into if possible.
While it is technically possible to pour wine into a wine glass and let it sit for some time to aerate and potentially release any sediment that may have formed, this is not considered decanting wine.
Decanting wine involves pouring the wine into a decanter or glass container specifically designed to allow the wine to breathe and separate any sediment from the liquid.
Decanters typically have a broad base and a narrow neck, which helps to aerate the wine and capture any sediment as it settles at the bottom.
Pouring wine directly into a wine glass does not provide the same level of aeration and sediment removal as a decanter or glass container.
The shape of a wine glass is not designed for this purpose, and it may not allow the wine to breathe correctly or release its full flavor and aroma.
When deciding whether or not to decant wine in a glass, it can also matter what kind of wine you are decanting. Different wines have different characteristics, and they may benefit from decanting in different ways.
TIP: A suitable wine glass is the basis for enjoying well-being while drinking your favorite wine variety. Here are our favorite ones (Amazon link):
- Bormioli Rocco Crystal Wine Glasses: A set of eight elegant and traditional wine glasses made in Italy for a reasonable price.
- Riedel VINUM Wine Glasses: Luxury set of two wine glasses suitable for any occasion. We just love them!
- Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Glasses: If you like unusual alternatives, a set of six stemless glasses made of crystal glass.
Red wines are generally the most commonly decanted type of wine, as they tend to have more tannins and sediment than white wines.
Decanting red wines can help to soften the tannins and release the wine’s aromas and flavors. However, not all red wines need to be decanted, as some lighter-bodied red wines may not benefit from the process.
White wines are typically not decanted as often as red wines, as they tend to have lower levels of tannins and sediment. However, some full-bodied white wines, such as Chardonnay, may benefit from decanting, as it can help to bring out their complex flavors and aromas.
Rosé wines are generally not decanted, as they are typically lighter in body and do not have a significant amount of sediment or tannins.
Sparkling wines and Champagne are generally not decanted, as the carbonation and bubbles in these wines can be lost during the process.
While many wines can benefit from decanting, it is not always necessary or appropriate for all wines. It is best to research the specific type of wine you plan to decant to determine whether or not it is recommended for that particular variety.
Also, as mentioned above, while it is possible to let the wine sit in a wine glass to allow it to breathe and potentially release the sediment, it is not a proper method of decanting wine. As we suggested above, decanting wine is best achieved by using a decanter or glass container.
TIP: Both wine decanters and wine aerators are standard tools used to enhance the wine. Check out the difference between decanters and aerators in this article. Why do we use different wine glasses for red and white wines? Discover the answer in this article.
Conclusion
Following the steps outlined below that we discussed in the article above, you can still decant your wine properly without a decanter and enjoy its full flavor and aroma.
However, the glass container may be less effective in removing sediment and aerating the wine than a decanter. For this reason, you may want to invest in a decanter.
But if you don’t want to invest in a decanter, now you know how to decant your wine without one. To recap, follow the steps below.
- Choose a clear glass container: Select a clear glass container, such as a pitcher or carafe, that can hold the entire bottle of wine with extra room for air. The glass container should have a wide base to allow the wine to breathe and aerate properly.
- Stand the wine upright: Before opening the bottle, stand it upright for a few hours to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom of the bottle.
- Open the bottle: Gently remove the foil and the cork from the bottle, and wipe the bottle’s rim with a clean cloth.
- Prepare the glass container: Rinse it with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Place the container on a level surface and ensure it is stable.
- Pour the wine: Hold the bottle by the neck and slowly pour the wine into the glass container, careful not to disturb any sediment that may have settled at the bottom of the bottle. Tilt the bottle slightly to ensure a slow, steady pour.
- Watch for sediment: As you pour, watch the neck of the bottle for any sediment that may be present. Stop pouring when you see sediment approaching the neck.
- Aerate the wine: Once all of the wine has been poured into the glass container, swirl the container gently to allow the wine to mix with air, which will help to release its aromas and flavors. Depending on the wine, you may want to let it sit and breathe for anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour.
- Pour the wine into glasses: After it has been aerated, it’s ready to serve. Pour it into glasses to be served at the table.
- Clean up: Rinse the glass container with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Store it in a safe place until the next time you need it.
TIP: Check out this page for a complete list of wine products and accessories I love. You’ll find my recommendations for wine refrigerators, decanters, and aerators and the best place to buy wine online. Click here to see the complete listing.