Decant Your Wine Onboard Like a Pro

Decant Your Wine Onboard Like a Pro

Decanting wine onboard allows your guests to fully appreciate the intricate flavors of their favorite wines, taking the wine drinking experience to new heights.

Why Decant?

Wines are tightly sealed in bottles for a certain period. Before uncorking and savoring a wine to its maximum potential, oxygen needs to be reintroduced.

Oxygen plays a vital role in:

Enhancing aromatics: The natural aromas of wine greatly influence the flavors we perceive when tasting. Decanting allows oxygen to mingle with the wine, unlocking more complex aromatic expressions and enriching the flavors.

Improving flavors through aeration: Once the wine is decanted, trapped gases are released, and oxygen interacts with the natural flavonoids, resulting in the emergence of new and delightful flavors.

Softening tannins: Tannins are polyphenols commonly found in wines, teas, and coffees that contribute to a bitter taste. While tannins help preserve and enhance wine flavors, they can become overwhelming as the wine ages. Oxygen breaks down some of these tannins, leading to a smoother and less astringent flavor profile.

Recommended Decanting Times by Wine Type

Is it possible to over-decant? Absolutely, and doing so can cause the wine to lose its freshness, aromatics, and flavors. To avoid over-decanting, it's advisable to adhere to the following recommended decanting times:

·??????Whites: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (15 - 20 mins)

·??????Light-bodied Reds: Pinot Noir (20 - 30 mins)

·??????Medium-bodied Reds: Merlot, Zinfandel (30 - 60 mins)

·??????Full-bodied Reds: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon (1 - 2 hours)

·??????Old Reds 5+ years: Time depends on the wine's age (2 hours or above)

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How to Clean the Wine Decanter

To maintain a clean and sparkling decanter, follow these guidelines:

·??????Don't let residue dry: After use, never allow wine residue to dry. If immediate washing is not possible, fill the decanter with water and attend to it at the end of the flight, ensuring a thorough cleaning during your post-flight.

·??????Rinse with vinegar: Opt for white distilled vinegar or white wine vinegar, as they are pale in color and free from added flavorings or ingredients that could leave behind lingering aromas. Empty the decanter and rinse it thoroughly with warm water to eliminate any vinegar scent.

·??????Swirl with cleaning beads: Utilize small stainless-steel cleaning beads by placing them in the decanter with warm water and swirling them around. These beads effectively loosen residue and tough stains, reaching even the most challenging spots.

·??????Polish for brilliance: To achieve a perfect shine, hold the decanter above a bowl of very hot water, allowing the steam to envelop the piece. Then, polish it with a microfiber cloth for a pristine appearance.

Decanting wine onboard is an art that enhances the sensory experience for your guests. By understanding the benefits of decanting, following recommended decanting times, and maintaining a clean decanter, you can ensure that every glass of wine served onboard is a true delight for the palate. Happy Flying!