Ask Decanter
Each month our experts answer your burning wine questions. Email them to us at editor@decanter.com
DOES DECANTED PORT LAST?
How long will a vintage Port keep, in the decanter, after being decanted?
Carl McFadden, by email
Richard Mayson, DWWA Regional Chair for Port, replies: It depends on the Port in question. Ayoung vintage Port (like a single quinta vintage Port from the 2010s) will keep for four or five days in a decanter without excessive deterioration (and may even open up and improve). However, an older and more fragile wine should really be consumed on the same day as it will lose its freshness quite quickly in contact with the air.
As a rule of thumb, I wouldn’t expect to keep a vintage Port prior to 1994 on ullage (exposed to air) in a decanter for longer than 24 hours. However it can be illuminating to keep a small amount back for a day or so, to see how the wine evolves, especially if it’s kept in the fridge.
HOW TO BLIND-TASTE SHERRY
Any tips on spotting oloroso vs amontillado vs palo cortado, when tasting blind?
Simon Andrews, by email
This is the perfect time of year to be asking this question. My lighthearted – but
