What is "breathe"?

Breathing wine, also known as aerating, is a process in which wine is exposed to air before drinking in order to enhance its flavor and aroma. When wine is exposed to air, it begins to oxidize, which can help to soften tannins and release more complex flavors and aromas. There are several ways to breathe wine, including decanting the wine into a carafe or other container and allowing it to sit for several hours, or simply pouring the wine into a glass and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before drinking. Some wine enthusiasts also use special aerating devices, such as wine aerators or decanters with built-in aerators, to speed up the breathing process. Breathing can be particularly beneficial for young, tannic red wines, which may be quite harsh and astringent when first opened. By allowing the wine to breathe, the tannins can soften and the wine can become more approachable and enjoyable. However, it's important to note that not all wines benefit from breathing, and some delicate white wines or older red wines may actually lose flavor and freshness if exposed to air for too long.