Why Aerate Your Wine? A Beginner’s Guide to Aerators and How To Use Them
If you’re new to wine, you may have heard wine-loving friends talk about using an “wine aerator” and wondered what exactly that meant. Let’s define a wine aerator.
A wine aerator is a device designed to infuse your wine with oxygen as you pour it. This process, called aeration, enhances the flavor and aroma of many wines, especially bold reds that are tannic when young.
What Does Tannic Mean?
Tannins are compounds found naturally in grape skins and seeds that create a bitter, dry, astringent flavor. Tannic wines have prominent levels of tannins that make them taste grippy and harsh when young.
How Do Aerators Work?
When wine interacts with oxygen, it opens up the flavors and smooths out harsh tannins. Aerators speed up this effect instantly, mimicking years of aging within minutes. They expose wine to air through various mechanisms:
- Funnel aerators attach to the bottle neck, mixing air into the wine as it flows through.
- Decanter aerators use a wide, shallow vessel that spreads wine surface area.
- Pump aerators actively pump oxygen into the wine.
This rapid aeration helps beginner palates appreciate wines early without cellaring them for years first. The transformed taste can be remarkable.
When To Use a Wine Aerator?
While not all wines benefit from aeration, it’s ideal for:
- Young, tannic red wines – Cabernet, Malbec, Syrah, Bordeaux blends
- Red wines with bold, concentrated flavor profiles
- Red wines aged in new oak barrels
- Red wines you plan to decant for long-term breathing
Try aerating reds like these 30-60 minutes before drinking. You’ll unveil smoother, more integrated flavors.
Aeration Tips for Beginners:
- Start with an inexpensive funnel aerator for ease of use.
- Only aerate 1-2 glasses at a time rather than the whole bottle.
- Sample the wine before and after aerating to appreciate the impact.
- Not loving the aerated result? Next time try a shorter aeration time.
Popular Wine Aerator Brands
Vinturi – Vinturi’s funnel aerators are designed with a patented air intake system that maximizes aeration quickly. Their Vista model is a top seller.
Zazzol – This brand offers a variety of styles like the innovative Zazzol Sleeve that slips over the bottle neck to aerate. Great quality for the price.
Soireehome – Soireehome makes the Tower and Hobbit decanter aerators with beautiful, sculptural designs perfect for gifting.
Menu – Known for their minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, Menu’s Winebreather carafe-style aerator simplifies the process.
Metrokane – Metrokane’s Rabbit line features both electric and funnel aerators with excellent flow-through technology.
Tribell – Tribell focuses on innovative electric pump aerators controlled with a user-friendly dial.
Winessence – Winessence makes popular stemmed and electronic aerators complemented by useful accessories.
Vinluxe – Vinluxe specializes in elegant, design-focused electric aerators at accessible price points.
Ideally, try a few different aerator brands to find the style and air flow intensity that works best for your palate. With so many great options, you’re sure to uncover some new flavor dimensions in your go-to wines.
