This week, I’ve got the lowdown on all things OXYGEN. When and how to incorporate it and how to protect against by preserving that precious vino after the cork has left the building. Questions like: What’s the deal with decanting wine? When should I do it? How and for How Long?Swirling… is that really a thing?Ever find yourself with a half-full bottle and wonder, "How can I make this magic last?"In this Episode:What is Wine Aeration?Wine aeration is the process of exposing wine to air, allowing it to breathe before consumption. It enhances the aromas and flavors of the wine by facilitating the interaction between the liquid and oxygen. (Translation- You’ll smell and taste MORE!)Why Aerate?It Unlocks aromas: Aerating wine helps volatile compounds evaporate, releasing all of the fabulous of aromas there!. This is particularly beneficial for big and bold red winesSoften those Tannins: Aeration softens tannins, the compounds responsible for the dry, astringent tent or chalky sensation in your mouth. This is a game-changer for younger red wines, making them more approachable and enjoyable.Increase Expressive Flavors: Aerated wine often showcases a more expressive and nuanced flavor profile. Fruity notes become more pronounced, and subtle complexities emerge, offering a richer tasting experience.When to Aerate:Young Red Wines: Bold, tannic red wines benefit significantly from aeration. Consider aerating wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Malbec to soften their tannins.Full-Bodied Whites: Some full-bodied white wines, like oaked Chardonnay, can also benefit from aeration to enhance their aromas and mouthfeel. Lighter, crisper whites generally won’t. Enjoy them from the bottle! (#skipthesteps)How to Aerate Your Wine:Decanting: Pouring your wine into a decanter provides a large surface area for air exposure. This is especially effective for young, tannic red wines. This is a beautiful Riedel decanter for a great price- holds 2 bottles at once!Swirling in the Glass: For a quicker aeration process, simply swirl your wine in the glass. This increases the wine's contact with oxygen, enhancing its aromas and flavors.Aerating Pourers: Consider using an aerator. These devices introduce air as the wine is poured, providing instant benefits. Here’s one of my favorites:Part 2: How can you protect against the oxygen we were just trying to ADD a moment ago if you don't plan on finishing that bottle?Fridge Friends: Reds, whites, doesn't matter! If you plan on sipping within a day or two, pop that bottle in the fridge. It slows down the oxidation party and keeps your wine fresh and crisp. Just let it warm up a bit before diving back in.Get Creative with Gas (tee hee): We use the Coravin Pivot regularly at the winery and at our house. You replace the cork with small stoppers that come with the unit and as you pour wine out,...