How To Serve Red Wine Properly: Temperature, Breathing And Glassware
Learning how to decant red wine sounds posh, but it's one of the easiest ways to make a GBP 8 bottle taste like a GBP 15 one. Here's what actually matters - and what doesn't.
Please drink responsibly - drinkaware.co.uk has UK guidance.
Honest note: we design and print our cards and candles in the UK. The wine aerator is a recommendation from elsewhere.
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Why red wine needs to breathe
- Air softens harsh tannins and releases aromas, especially in young, full-bodied reds.
- Just pulling the cork does almost nothing - the neck is too small for much air.
- Old, delicate wines need decanting mainly to leave sediment behind, and only briefly.
How to decant
- Stand the bottle upright for a few hours if it's old, so sediment settles.
- Pour slowly into a decanter in one steady motion, stopping when sediment reaches the neck.
- Leave young reds 30 minutes to two hours.
- The fuss-free alternative: The automatic wine aerator set sits on top of the bottle and pours at the press of a button, pushing air through the wine as it goes. It comes with a filter, a display stand and an electric corkscrew, so it replaces the decanter, the waiter's friend and the waiting.
Temperature and glasses
- Serve reds around 15 to 18C - 'room temperature' predates central heating.
- Twenty minutes in the fridge helps a red that's been by the radiator.
- Use a large-bowled glass and fill it only a third, so there's room to swirl.
Myths to ignore
- Myth: all reds need decanting. Light reds like Beaujolais rarely do.
- Myth: expensive wine can't be improved. Young premium reds often benefit most.
- Myth: you need a crystal decanter. Any clean jug works.
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- Taste before and after aerating - you'll notice the difference.
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Frequently asked questions
How long should you decant red wine?
About 30 minutes to two hours for young, full-bodied reds; just a few minutes for old wines, to separate sediment.
Does a wine aerator work as well as a decanter?
For young reds an aerator gives a similar softening effect instantly. For old wines with sediment a decanter is still best.
What temperature should red wine be served at?
Roughly 15 to 18C, slightly cooler than most centrally heated rooms.
Do you make the wine aerator yourselves?
No. We design and print greetings cards, enamel pin badges, prints, candles and party decorations in the UK. The automatic wine aerator set is a recommendation from elsewhere - only the things linked to our own shop are ours.