DECANT WHITE BURGUNDIES FOR BETTER APPRECIATION

Decanting some Burgundy white wines about 15 minutes before drinking them will help you get the most out of the wine flavors than would otherwise be possible.

It is noticed that the aromas are more pronounced after aeration such as those aromas which are of nuts and butter. It is also noticed that the overall texture of the wine on the palate is more harmonious and balanced after decantation.

So not all Burgundy white wines benefit from decanting, but those that can be enhanced by decanting, offer tremendous incentives to do so.

The ones that benefits most are those Burgundies that are 10 years and below of age from the vintage.

Before I continue, I would like you to know one very important habit when decanting wine. Taste the wines before decanting always, and so you can really get to experience the evolution in comparison.

So which Burgundy white wines are best to be decanted?

1. CHABLIS GRAND CRU

15 to 20 minutes decanting before drinking is sufficient.

2. PULIGNY-MONTRACHET PREMIER & GRAND CRU

Puligy-Montrachet Premier Cru definately benefit greatly from decanting. They can be decanted up to 30 minutes in advance. For Puligny-Montrachet Grand Cru, they can stretch longer even up to 60 minutes in advance very easily.

3. CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET PREMIER & GRAND CRU

For the Premier Cru 30 to 40 minutes prior to drinking is sufficient. For the Grand Cru you can easily decant for 60 minutes to 80 minutes before drinking them.

4. CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU WHITE

It is possible to decant between 60 minutes to 120 minutes (1-2 hours).

5. MEURSAULT

You can decant the young Meursaults of below 10 years for about 60 to 120 minutes (1 to 2 hours).

CONCLUSION

I have suggested the timing that is safe to decant for the duration. But you can always experiment with decanting for longer. 

If you plan to decant for longer, say 3 to 4 hours, then keep in mind not to just leave the wine as it is for the whole duration.

Trying tasting hourly and see if the wine is doing great, because you do not want to miss the best moment where all the flavors are showing the best.

So it is time to enjoy that good bottle of Burgundy that you have!