Every now and then, someone pulls out a decanter and pours wine into it like they’re performing a ritual. You nod, you swirl, you pretend to know what’s happening. But deep down, you’re wondering: what’s the point of decanting wine, and does it actually do anything?

What’s the point of decanting wine? Glass decanter on table with red wine being poured

Short Answer: Air and Sediment

There are two reasons to decant:

  1. To give the wine air (aka “let it breathe”)
  2. To separate it from sediment

When you pour wine into a decanter, you’re exposing it to oxygen. That softens the tannins, helps aromas open up, and smooths out anything sharp or closed-off. Especially in young reds or tight whites. For older wines, the goal is often to avoid pouring chunky bits of sediment into your glass (unless you’re into that).

Does It Make the Wine Taste Better?

Sometimes, yes. Especially with bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec. Give them 30–60 minutes in a decanter and they often chill out in the best way.

But what’s the point of decanting wine if you’re just cracking open a £6 supermarket bottle? Probably nothing. Unless you want to look impressive. Which, to be fair, is also valid.

Wines That Love a Decanter

  • Young red wines – tight tannins, big structure
  • Natural wines – they often need air to calm the funk
  • Full-bodied whites – especially oaked Chardonnay or white Rhône
  • Older reds with sediment – but be gentle

Wines That Don’t Need It

  • Cheap, simple wines – not enough complexity to unlock
  • Very old or fragile wines – too much air can kill them fast
  • Sparkling wines – no, just no. Let the bubbles live.

Don’t Have a Decanter? Use This:

  • A jug or carafe
  • A large glass measuring cup
  • Pouring the wine into glasses 20 minutes early
  • Or the ultra-lazy method: give the bottle a good swirl and leave the cork off

Want More Wine Demystified?

This is part of the Weird Wine Questions series. Curious about fizz? Here’s why Champagne hits harder than expected.

Whether you decant or not, just don’t pour your wine through an aerator shaped like a dragon. You’re better than that.

Final Sip

What’s the point of decanting wine? Oxygen + patience = a better glass. But only sometimes. Don’t feel pressured. If you like the way your wine tastes straight from the bottle, congratulations – you just saved yourself washing up.