What is the process of decanting Syrah/Shiraz wine?
Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape and usually benefit from decanting for about 60 minutes or more, longer if the wine is young and tannic. Taste first, decant, taste again, and wait another 30 to 60 minutes if it still seems closed. Dry wines over 20 years old are best decanted just before serving.
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In this article
How long should you decant Syrah or Shiraz?
Plan on 60 minutes or more. Wine Folly lists 60+ minutes for Syrah/Shiraz and says the younger and more tannic the wine, the longer it needs. The best method is to taste and decide. Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape; the name changes with the region and style, and both names are used in New World regions such as Australia and South Africa.
Step by step
- Taste a small amount first for a baseline. If it already tastes good, drink it.
- Pour into a clean decanter and decant for the suggested time, then taste again.
- Keep going in 30 to 60 minute steps if it has not changed much.
- Check the result. When it is ready, it should smell more aromatic and fruity.
If it is still closed
Try swirling, double decanting (pouring the wine from the decanter back into its bottle, repeating as needed) or an aerator.
Young vs old Syrah
| Wine | Approach |
|---|---|
| Young, tannic bottle | Longest decant, at least an hour; taste often |
| Middle-aged bottle | Shorter decant; taste along the way |
| Dry wine over 20 years old | Decant just before serving |
How long does it last once decanted?
Most red wines last about 12 to 18 hours once decanted. If the wine smells like vinegar, it has been out too long.
Aerators
Aerators work faster than decanters but are considered unsuitable for aged wines.
People also ask
How long should you decant Syrah?
About an hour or more for a young bottle. Taste and extend in 30 to 60 minute steps if needed.
Is Syrah the same as Shiraz?
Yes, it is the same grape. Syrah is the usual name in Old World regions such as France, while New World regions use either name; Shiraz is the Australian name.
Do old Syrah bottles need decanting?
A shorter decant is usually enough, and dry wines over 20 years old are best decanted just before serving.
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