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Decanting to Breathe
As a rule of thumb most red wines will benefit from breathing, but it only applies to white wines that have had 12 or more months aging.
If you don't have a proper decanter just use a large water jug. The aim is to expose the maximum possible surface to the air, in order to help open up the fruit flavors and develop the wine's true character.
If a wine has spent up to 12 months in small oak barrels allow one hour; if it has spent 24 months allow 2 hours and for 36 months, allow 3 hours. If there is sediment use a port filter to decant.
If you don't have a port filter then use a coffee filter instead.
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Last updated on April 30, 2008