FAQs about Serving and Decanting Wine. || Wine Information || FAQs Wine Basics

Wine is both an art and a science, and for lovers, the rituals of serving and decanting may be daunting. Here are answers to some of the most often asked questions about wine, aimed at dispelling common misunderstandings.

• How many glasses of wine can a standard bottle serve?

1. A conventional 750ml wine bottle yields around five serves, assuming a standard pour of 150ml (5 fl. oz). Restaurant serving sizes vary by area.
2. In the United Kingdom, typical sizes include 125ml, 175ml, and 250ml.
3. In the United States, pours are typically 150ml (5 fl. oz).
4. In France, 125ml or 150ml is common.

• What Is the Typical Sparkling Wine Serving Size?

    To maintain the fizz, sparkling wines are typically poured in smaller portions of 125ml (4 fl. oz). Usually, a single bottle yields six servings.

• How Do You Serve Fortified Wines?

    Smaller amounts of fortified wines, such as Sherry and Port, are served:

1. 100ml portions of dry sherry are frequently provided.
2. Sweeter varieties: Usually served in 75ml portions.
3. The increased alcohol level and deeper, more powerful flavours of fortified wines are reflected in these smaller measurements.

• Does Wine Need to Agree?

    The great majority of wines available are made to be consumed soon after purchase, frequently within a year or two. The typical retail wine is ready to drink immediately—no cellar needed—but some good wines benefit from ageing to create nuanced flavours.

• Is It Time to Decant Red Wine?

    Decanting can improve some wines, although it's not always required:

1. Sediment Removal: Vintage Ports and unfiltered red wines, as well as wines aged in bottles, are susceptible to sedimentation. Decanting ensures a smoother drinking experience by separating the liquid from these residues.
2. Aeration: Decanting certain good or older red wines may help "open up" their flavours. Opinions vary, though, as excessive air exposure can weaken a wine's essence.
3. Decanting is not required for the majority of common reds. Enough aeration is usually achieved by swirling the wine in a glass.

• How Should Red Wine Be Decanting?

    To properly decant:

1. Treat with Care: Take caution when moving the bottle to prevent upsetting the sediment.
2. Carefully Open: Holding the bottle firm, carefully remove the foil and cork.
3. Pour Under Light: To keep an eye on silt, use a light source. When the sediment reaches the bottle's neck, stop pouring.

• Does White Wine Need to Be Decant?

    Since white wines usually don't create sediment, decanting is rarely necessary. On the other hand, some bottles may contain innocuous tartrate crystals. These can be separated from the wine with the use of decanting.

    Although it is rarely necessary, fine or mature white wines may also benefit from a quick decant to intensify their scents.

• The Aeration Debate

    Experts disagree on the conventional procedure of decanting for aeration. While some contend that excessive oxygen exposure can impair scents, others think it enriches flavours in older wines. Younger wines often only require a fast spin in the glass, so it's important to explore with your tastes.

    Wine is as much a matter of taste as it is of technique and tradition. These suggestions can improve your wine experience, whether you're serving or decanting, and allow for exploration and experimentation.