Aerator vs. Decanter: Which is Better?
Decanter vs aerator, which is best? - it’s a long-standing wine-lover debate.
Both a wine aerator and wine decanter are bar tools that claim to unlock the full potential of a good bottle, but which deserves the most merit?
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a seasoned wine connoisseur, understanding what a decanter does and grasping the basics of the aerator vs. decanter debate will improve your knowledge and their use will enhance your enjoyment of the drink.
If you're questioning what does aerating do, what a decanter does, or even what is a decanter, we’ve got the answers.
Here’s the NUDE guide on how to use a wine aerator and why these bar tools help elevate the flavor and the aroma of fine wine.
What is a Decanter?
A decanter is a hollow container used to hold liquid that has been decanted (filtered) to remove any sediment that may have settled at the bottom of the bottle.
Decanters are typically used to aerate the wine and remove solids, crystals, or grit, as these tend to settle over time. Decanting allows for a smooth drink and means you can fully relish the beverage's subtle nuances, flavors, and aromas.
The best decanters are usually made from crystal or glass and come in various classic and elaborate shapes and sizes, normally with a large base and a narrow neck. See the NUDE Decanter Collection for reference.
What Does a Decanter Do?
What does a wine decanter do? – it’s a common question.
Glass decanters have several purposes, including:
● To Reduce Sediment: Many older wines and whiskeys develop sediment at the base of the bottle. Decanting wine helps to filter this sediment from the liquid so you can enjoy a smoother drink.
● To Aerate the Wine: A fine wine should “breathe.” This especially applies to older or tannic wines. By opening the bottle and decanting it into another vessel, oxygen is introduced to the wine, so it releases its full flavor and characteristics.
● To Improve Presentation: Crystal glasses are sophisticated and elegant. They look fabulous on the table and can really enhance the wine's overall aesthetic appeal.
How to Serve with a Wine Decanter?
Serving wine from a decanter is both practical and elegant. Many assume the art of decanting is complicated, but it is actually a simple process that can be done in a few steps:
● Select the Right Decanter: Browse the NUDE Decanter Collection, and you will notice several styles and varieties of decanter. Decanters with wide, voluptuous bowls and wider necks are better for tannic and younger wines that need more aeration. Conversely, narrower decanters are better for delicate, older wines.
● Prepare the Bottle: If the wine bottle has been stored horizontally, make sure you stand it upright for a few hours to let the sediment settle at the base before decanting.
● Decant the Wine: Once the bottle has settled, remove the cork and hold the bottle to the light to check for sediment. Gentle hold the bottle and decanter at an angle and pour the contents into the decanter, slowing down as you reach the bottom to ensure no grit is transferred.
● Allow the Wine to Breathe: Let the wine sit and settle before pouring. The time to allow differs according to the wine. As a guide, let young red wines sit for at least an hour, older wines around 30 minutes, and rose wines or white wines for 10-15 minutes. If you are looking for a way to take your wines to a higher level, you can check the NUDE Red Wine Glasses.
● Serve: Hold the decanter by the base of the neck and pour the wine into appropriate glasses. Fill the glasses to around one-third full to allow the wine to breathe and release its full characteristics. The NUDE Wine Glasses Range has the perfect glassware to complement your choice of wine.
What Is an Aerator?
As the name suggests, a wine aerator is a sophisticated bar tool that quickly introduces oxygen and air to wine.
Like decanters, a wine aerator allows the wine to breathe, softening any tannins and helping to release the wine's full bouquet.
Wine aerators tend to be portable. They are typically electric, handheld, or made to attach to a bottle to provide instant aeration.
What Does an Aerator Do?
When discussing what does aerating wine do, the answer is that it does similar to a decanter, although it's not focused on separating sediment but more on enhancing the flavor and aroma of the wine. Aerating wine helps to:
● Enhance the Bouquet: Aerating wine softens tannins and balances the flavor profiles of a good wine. It also helps to release the aroma so you can enjoy a full, characterful wine-tasting experience.
● Quick Aeration: Unlike decanting, which takes time, wine aerators provide immediate aeration, so you can serve and enjoy the wine quickly. This is why many wine bars and high-end restaurants use aerators if they serve wine quickly or by the glass.
How to Serve with a Wine Aerator?
Serving wine using an aerator is quick and easy. Follow these steps:
Select the Right Aerator: There are typically three types of wine aerators: automatic electric wine aerators that pump the air directly into the wine as it is dispensed, handheld wine aerators where you pour the wine through it as it enters the glass, and direct pour wine aerators that attach to the bottle. Choice is a matter of preference.
● Prepare the Wine: Let the wine stand upright for a few hours to allow sediment to settle in readiness for aeration.
● Use the Aerator: Depending on the wine aerator used, gently pour the wine through the aerator into the wine glass, remembering to use the right wine glass for the wine.
● Serve the Wine: Fill the glass to approximately a third full to allow for swirling and the release of the full bouquet. Serve, sip, and enjoy!
What is the Difference Between an Aerator and Decanter?
Finally, let’s compare the differences between a wine aerator and a wine decanter and look at which of these wine-drinking accessories wins the wine aerator vs decanter debate.
We’ve discussed what does an aerator do for wine, and also what’s a decanter, so you should now have a good grasp of what they are, what they do, and how they work.
Which method of aeration you choose depends largely on personal preference, aesthetic appeal, and how quickly you need to serve the beverage.
Both decanting and aeration help release a wine's subtle nuances, leading to a better taste and overall drinking experience. A fine crystal wine decanter looks far more sophisticated than an aerator, and it is a more effective way of reducing sediment, so you never taste or serve the unsightly dregs. The only drawback to decanting is that it takes time, so it is better for serving guests you know are coming in advance.
Aerators, on the other hand, have little aesthetic appeal but work instantly. This means a wine aerator is great to have on hand when serving a crowd or when unexpected wine lovers come to visit.
Whichever bar tool you choose to use, both a decanter and an aerator will enhance your enjoyment of a good wine.
For more beverage tips and to view the NUDE Drinkware Collection, please visit the NUDE website.
