Approximately how long does decanting take?

How Long Should You Decant Wine?

Hey, I'm a big fan of red wine, especially Bordeaux, and I've experimented with decanting quite a bit. Simply put, decanting lets the wine "breathe" by exposing it to air, making it smoother and more aromatic. But the timing isn't fixed—it depends on the wine's type, vintage, and your personal taste. Don't worry, I'll break it down step by step, like chatting over wine.

First, Understand Why We Decant

Red wines, especially bold ones like Bordeaux, can taste "closed" or muted after being sealed. Decanting helps release any off-notes and softens the tannins (that dry, puckering sensation).
A decanter is ideal because it maximizes air contact. No decanter? Just uncork the bottle and let it sit—it’ll just take longer.

General Timing Guidelines

Based on my experience, timing varies—never one-size-fits-all. Here’s a rough guide:

Young Reds (e.g., Bordeaux under 5 years): Usually need 1–2 hours. Their bold tannins benefit from longer aeration. I pour into a decanter and taste after an hour while chatting.
Medium-aged wines (5–10 years): Around 30 minutes to 1 hour is enough. Too long can make aromas fade.
Older wines (10+ years, especially aged Bordeaux): Don’t decant for too long! 15–30 minutes max—some are best poured straight from the bottle. They’re fragile; overexposure oxidizes them, flattening flavors.
Whites or Rosés: Most don’t need decanting, or just 10–20 minutes. They’re naturally fresh—over-decanting is unnecessary.

My Tips

How to check if it’s ready? Taste every 15 minutes. Initially tart? Wait. When it turns smooth and fruity, it’s ready. If flavors fade, drink immediately.
Key factors: Warmer room temps speed up decanting (ideal: 20–22°C). Wine style matters too—e.g., full-bodied Bordeaux may need extra time. In cooler summers, I extend the duration.
For beginners: Don’t stress timing. Experiment to find your preference. Remember: decanting isn’t mandatory—some wines shine straight from the bottle!

Last time I had a 2015 Bordeaux, 45 minutes was perfect! If you have a specific bottle, ask me—I’ll give tailored advice. Cheers!