Buying guide
Decanters for Port, Sherry and Wine at Christmas
Do you actually need a decanter? When it helps (old port, young red), the shapes to choose, and how to clean one.
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A decanter is partly ceremony and partly practical. For an old port with sediment, or a young red wine that benefits from air, it does a real job.
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When to decant
| Drink | Why |
|---|---|
| Vintage or crusted port | Separates the wine from its sediment |
| Young, full-bodied red | Air softens tannins |
| Sherry or whisky | Mostly for presentation; a stopper keeps it fresh |
Shapes
- Wide-based decanters expose more wine to air: good for young reds.
- Narrow decanters with a stopper suit port, sherry and spirits.
Cleaning
Rinse with warm water straight after use. For stains, swirl warm water with a little rice or a cleaning-bead product, then rinse and dry upside down. Avoid the dishwasher.
Serve in the right wine and sherry glasses.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to decant port?
Vintage and crusted ports throw a sediment and benefit from decanting. Most ruby and tawny ports do not need it.
How do I clean a decanter?
Rinse with warm water after use; for stains, swirl warm water with rice or cleaning beads, then rinse and dry upside down.
How long does wine keep in a decanter?
Open wine is best within a day or two. Use a stoppered decanter for port or sherry, which keep longer.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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