Wine is a complex drink that requires some understanding to fully enjoy. If you are new to wine, there is plenty of information out there that can help you learn more about the different types and styles of wines available.
One aspect of wine that many people struggle with is aeration systems.
Do they really work? This article will go in-depth into what an aerator does and whether or not it’s worth buying one for your home.
What Does A Wine Aerator Do?
A wine aerator is a tool that allows you to introduce oxygen into your drink.
As the liquid passes through small holes in the device, it picks up dissolved gases and lets them escape from bubbles as they rise to the surface of the glass.
When this happens, some people say that wines are able to open up more fully meaning that those flavors become much easier for tasters to identify because there is less interference from things like sediment or excessive sweetness.
What Are The Types Of Wine Aerators?
There are three main types of wine aerators: decanters, dish-shaped devices that sit on the rim of a glass and pour in wines from above, powered spritzing gadgets that require batteries or electricity to work properly, and spray liquids at high pressure through small holes before pouring into the glasses below, and finally, manual pumps which function like bottle stoppers.
What you use depends largely on your personal preference. Decanters tend to be more popular because they often have spices inside them as well as flavors such as vanilla bean, black pepper, or lavender flowers for some extra oomph.
Some people who prefer their wines very dry may find these flavorings too sweet so it’s important to consider what type of wine and how it will be served.
Do Wine Aerators Really Work?
An aerator does actually work, but it can be expensive. When you use an aerating device to pour wine, a needle will pierce the cork and release air into the bottle for about thirty seconds before pouring.
As this happens, oxygen is added which helps bring out flavors in both red wines and whites with aging potential by helping them oxidize more slowly thus developing over time as they age.
What Happens When Wine Is Exposed To Air?
Wine aeration is the process of exposing the wine to oxygen. When a bottle or glass is opened, it lets in oxygen which helps bring out flavors and aromas by oxidizing (oxidization occurs when an object reacts with oxygen) the compounds that make up its flavor profile.
Red wines are more sensitive than whites as they have less tannin for protection against oxidation.
Common Myths About Aerators?
One of the myths is that an aerator will make a wine taste better. It does not do this but can help bring out flavors and aromas by oxidizing.
Another myth is that you should store your wines at room temperature for optimum drinking, it’s actually best to keep them in a cool dark place as heat speeds up oxidation which will alter their flavor.
A third common belief among people who are new to wine drinking is that white wines should be served cold while reds should be allowed to warm before consumption. This only applies if you have just opened them because they need time to ‘breathe’.
Does Aerate Wine Make It Stronger?
Aerating wine does not make it stronger and a common misconception is that aeration will also have an effect on the alcohol content. The truth is that you are more likely to suffer from headaches, feel woozy, or even get sick if your body absorbs too much of the alcohol in wines.
Does Aerating Wine Reduce Hangovers?
Aerating wine does not reduce the effects of a hangover. Hangovers are caused by the build-up of acetaldehyde in your body, which is produced when you break down alcohol so if you drink more and faster then this will only increase the level of acetaldehyde that builds up.
Do You Let The Wine Breathe Before Drinking?
Yes, wait at least 30 minutes before drinking wine. The wine will be more flavorful and aromatic if it is allowed to breathe.
How Long Should You Aerate Wine?
It depends on the type of wine. For light red wines, aeration should be done for at least 30 minutes and up to two hours while more complex red or white wines require a shorter period of time.
There are several types of devices that you can buy to help with this process:
Aerator drops: these don’t work as well because they only mix air into your wine when it is in direct contact with them so most people just use their fingers.
Wine spritzer/aerating pourer: which coats the inside surface with metal oxide particles that break down molecular bonds and release volatile compounds from the liquid.
Do Wine Aerators Work With White Wine?
Yes, they are also used for white wines.
As you drink wine it opens up and the alcohol vaporizes which gives a new depth of taste to whatever flavors were already in the wine.
Aerating your wine before drinking can help open up these aromas as well as release more flavor from any fruit or honey notes that might be present in your beverage.
However, some people prefer not to aerate their drinks because this process may change its color due to oxidation and could give off an unpleasant smell if left too long so make sure you do research on what type of dish would best suit how much time (length) is required for each specific style of alcoholic beverage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many advantages to drinking your favorite wines with an aerator! Some people believe that this process can change color or make your drink smell unpleasant if left too long, but in most cases these effects are minimal.
We want to reiterate- before you pop open any bottle of wine at home make sure that you do research on what type of dishes would best suit how much time (length) is required for each specific style of alcoholic beverage.
