Log In / Join Now  Ask Dr. Vinny    Dear Dr. Vinny,  When
decanting wine, other than stopping before the sediment runs in,
are there other rules of thumb? Specifically, should the wine
run slowly down the side of the decanter to maximize air
exposure, or is it better to let it just splash to the bottom?
—Fred C., Vancouver  Dear Fred,  If you're decanting an aged
wine in order to remove sediment from it, you should handle the
wine very gently, and pour slowly. Depending on the shape of the
decanter, if that means the wine will run slowly down the side,
that's fine. If you're decanting a young wine in order to aerate
it, go ahead and splash it about.  —Dr. Vinny  Wine Basics  »
Maps of major wine regions » Grape variety characteristics  How-
to Videos   Wine Spectator School: All courses are FREE for
WineSpectator.com Members   Browse our course catalog Check out
the professional wine sales and service courses Learn Wine
Forum: Got questions? Get answers  WineRatings+ app: Download
now for 300,000+ ratings.