Wine Aerator: What is it? Do You Need One?

If you are a wine enthusiast, you may have been told that good bottle of wine needs to “breathe,” but was does that mean? Allowing the wine to take a breath, not only improves the taste of the wine, but it also enhances overall experience for you as well. Most wines should be allowed to breath for one to two hours before drinking, but a good wine aerator will speed up the breathing process, by allow air to filter into the wine.

What is a Wine Aerator

A wine aerator is a device that fits right into the neck of the wine bottle (there are also hand-held varieties). The wine pours right through the aerator, allowing the wine to take a breath. Breathing is especially important for wines that are laden with tannins.

How do they work?

According to the Venturi Effect, liquid that passes through a tube, moves faster, allowing the pressure to decrease. This is exactly what happens when you aerate wine. The pressure from the wine is released into the aerator, where it is infused with oxygen, allowing the smooth, velvety flavors to flow through the wine and into your glass.

Which Wines Need to Breath?

Baby Reds - Young wines usually contain larger amounts of tannins, which can make for a bitter taste. By allowing the wine to breathe you will decrease the bitterness and brings out the background notes.

Senior Citizen Reds - Older red wines tend to have more sediment, which can cause the wine to be heavy and grainy. You have to be careful not to “over aerate” the older wines. The tannins have had a chance to mellow over time, so don’t let it breathe too long before you indulge.

Dry Whites - Not all, but some dry white wines taste better after they have had a little air. It’s been suggested that white Burgundy and Bordeaux wines be allowed to breathe before consumption, because they are “full-bodied.”

Potent Ports - Port wines are a combination of wine and brandy, so they pack a punch. Younger ports have lots of tannins, while older ports have lots of sediment; both demand time to breathe, you’ll be glad they did!

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or unwinding after a long day, enjoying a nice glass of wine is one of life’s simple pleasures. Make sure that you give your wine a little air, so that you can enjoy the full taste, flavor, and body of the wine. But don’t you dare waste time, letting the wine breathe on its own, invest in a good aerator. Remember the faster the wine breathes, the sooner you can enjoy a nice glass of the heavenly elixir!