Why use a decanter?
A decanter is commonly used for a few main reasons.
Separation - Cabernet Sauvignons, especially older vintages, produce a sediment, which may separate from the wine over time and can accumulate at the bottom of the bottle. When poured into a glass, this sediment can create a cloudy wine if stirred, or a collection of gritty sediment in the glass. While not harmful in anyway, it is not the most attractive way to enjoy your Cabernet membership. A decanter allows you to collect any sediment that was produced in the bottom of the vessel to be discarded easily.
Aeration – Aeration is the process of introducing oxygen into the wine, which helps to release those complex flavor and aroma profiles. Cabernet Sauvignons are ideal beneficiaries of this process due to their high tannin content and full bodied profile. The large shallow base design of The Cab Club decanter provides the most surface area for your Cabernet to breathe and provide you with the most enjoyable experience.
Presentation – In addition to providing the best experience for enjoying your Cabernet Sauvignon, the decanter provides an elegant addition to any table or social setting.
How long should you decant your wine?
Our experts suggest 1-2 hours of decanting for your Cabernet Sauvignon membership and wine gift boxes to reach their most aromatic and pleasing experience. However, if time is limited, our experts still encourage using your decanter as some exposure to oxygen is typically better than none.
What about an Aerator?
The use of an aerator pourer is a great alternative to a decanter when the use of a decanter is not available. The aerator exposes every drop of wine to oxygen as it flows from the bottle into your glass. This process allows younger, more tannic Cabernet Sauvignons the benefits of the decanting process in a streamlined fashion. While the aerator pourer helps to expose the true profile and complexity of the wine, it may not filter out sediments that may have accumulated over time, but don’t worry, they are not harmful.
The Cab Club Expert Tips
- Separate, aerate, & present - your Cabernet Sauvignon for the ultimate experience
- When in doubt, air it out - It is very rare for a Cabernet Sauvignon to not benefit from the use of a decanter or aerator so don’t hold back
- Double it up - Speed up the process by pouring your Cabernet through the aerator into the decanter
- Take a sip – Not sure if your wine is ready? Take a sip to see if there is an absence of fruit flavor or if it is difficult to identify those luxurious aromas. If so, your wine may need a bit longer.
