Wine Aeration: The What, How, and Why
We all have that special bottle. The one that has been collecting dust on our top shelf since our college graduation. The one our boss gave us after that big promotion. The one we are saving for our wedding day, or our child’s birthday, or the end of a global pandemic.
When we think about opening this beloved bottle, we think about all that it has bottled up inside- not just the juice but our hopes, our dreams, our wishes for a bright future. We also admittedly think about how impressed our friends and family will be when we pull this bad boy off the shelf.
We have built up the expectation of this bottle so high that whether we are a sommelier or a recovering boxed-wine addict, we need this particular bottle to be perfect.
There are many elements that go into a “perfect” bottle, including wine preservation, presentation, and overall taste experience. We have probably all heard by now that proper storage is also key to these long-term investment bottles. Beyond storage, one of the best ways to transform a good bottle of wine into a great bottle is to let the wine “breathe”.
What:
So what do I mean by breathe? It is simple enough – deliberate exposure to air. By deliberately exposing a bottle of wine to air, commonly through the process of aeration, we are tapping into the wine’s full potential – displaying its fruit characteristics, identifying spicy earthy notes, and smoothing harsh tannins.
How:
There are 4 primary ways to go about letting your wine “breathe”.
- Handheld aerator
- Bottle stopper
- Glass decanter
- Electric aerator
1. Handheld Aerator
2. Bottle Stopper
Typically acts as both a stopper and an aerator. The filter fits into the stopper itself and aerates the wine upon pour. This is a great method for convince and travel as it is small enough to fit in your pocket. This version may not offer the same amount of aeration as a larger aerator would but can still produce an excellent result.
3. Glass Decanter
Perhaps the most “romantic” way to let your wine “breathe” is to pour your bottle into a glass decanter. This process will aerate the wine, yes; but it also has a few different end goals such as improving overall taste of the wine and removing sediment from aged bottles. Glass decanters come in all shapes and sizes and there are even varietal-specific decanters. They are a great way to bring elegance to any dinner party but can take much more time to produce an end result than an aerator.
4. Electric Aerator
The new “techy” approved way to quickly and efficiently aerate any bottle of wine. An electric aerator sits on top of a bottle of wine and runs the juice up through the spout and filters the wine almost instantly with the push of a button. Most electric aerators also act as bottle stoppers to assist in preserving an unfinished bottle (as if that ever happens). This makes them great for a glass pour or for serving a whole bottle of wine.
Why:
Overall, letting a wine “breathe” before drinking can make a huge difference in the flavor profile. Next time you reach for that top-shelf celebratory bottle, consider aerating that bottle for an overall enhanced wine-drinking experience. Heck, even everyday bottles can be transformed with the right air exposure through the use of an aerator- all the more reason to uncork! Simply sit back, “breathe”, and enjoy!