Definition & Meaning of "decant"

What is "decant"?

Decanting is a process used to separate sediment from wine, as well as to aerate or breathe the wine before serving. The process involves transferring the wine from its original bottle to a decanter, which is a vessel with a wide base and a narrow neck that is designed to enhance aeration. Decanting is typically used for older red wines that may have accumulated sediment over time, which can negatively affect the flavor and texture of the wine. By decanting the wine, the sediment can be left behind in the original bottle, while the clear wine is transferred to the decanter. Decanting can also help to aerate or breathe the wine, which can soften tannins and enhance the wine's flavors and aromas. The length of time that the wine should be decanted depends on the age and style of the wine, with younger, fruitier wines requiring less time than older, more complex wines.