{"id":20286,"date":"2021-01-15T10:16:56","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T10:16:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/signaturecellars.com.au\/?p=20286"},"modified":"2026-08-25T17:04:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T07:04:27","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-decanting-port","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/signaturecellars.com.au\/wine-blog\/2021\/01\/15\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-decanting-port\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Decanting Port"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some believe that decanting Port<\/strong> is quite tricky and that it\u2019s best left to those who have some experience with it. But it\u2019s really not that tough. Let\u2019s take a look at what\u2019s involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Why Do You Need To Decant Port?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two primary reasons for decanting port wine<\/strong>. Firstly, you need to remove the sedimentation that settles in the wine which can make the beverage gritty and unpleasant to drink. This sediment is lees or dead yeast cells. In the case of Vintage Port, it\u2019s the particulate matter from the stems, seeds and skins of the grapes. The second reason is that in the case of specific ports, especially younger vintages, decanting allows them to breathe and the flavours develop inside the decanter. This is true in the case of some older Ports as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Do All Ports Need Decanting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You do not need to decant all ports. Typically, there are two types of port wine- wood-aged ports and bottle-aged ports. The latter need decanting, but there are certain exceptions to the rule. Wood-aged ports would be filtered during their bottling process and don\u2019t need decanting, with some odd exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Which Decanter Is Best For Decanting Port?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The decanter you use would be entirely dependent on your personal taste. A ship\u2019s decanter is the most traditional type. These have flat, wide bases that rise upwards into a graceful, narrow neck with a snug stopper. You must opt for plain decanters without any elaborate cut-glass patterns; this will allow you to see the Port as it is without any distractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will find a wide range of products on the market, and if you don\u2019t have one, a clean glass jug will work perfectly well for decanting. It\u2019s also necessary to make sure that the decanter is dry and clean as soap residue and musty smells can easily get transferred to the Port, affecting its flavour and quality. Even when you have a dry and clean decanter it\u2019s best to rinse it using a cheaper port, or some red wine to remove any lingering nasty aromas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decanting Port<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is the process you follow in decanting wine:
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