When Cleaning Beads May Be The Best Way To Refresh A Wine Decanter

Wine experts agree on what not to do when washing a wine decanter; namely, soap often leaves a residue on the vessel that can lend a very unwelcome taste to your wine. But cleaning is still an important step. That's because the tannins in wine can give it a more complex flavor, but will also build up in a decanter over time. Rinsing your decanter with water each use helps prevent that buildup, but if you don't have a chance to rinse it regularly, there's something that can get it sparkling clean again. Maximilian Riedel, president and CEO of wine glass company Riedel, recommends a product that can remove stubborn stains from your decanter without the use of soap.

Cleaning beads like those offered by Riedel typically take the form of tiny stainless steel balls. Simple as they may look, these can mean the difference between a wine-stained decanter and a gleaming carafe ready to set on your dinner table. To use the cleaning beads, Riedel says, "Simply fill the decanter with warm water, add the beads, and swirl the decanter. Once all the stains are taken care of, carefully empty the beads into a mesh strainer and rinse and dry them." A simple swirl like this for two minutes should easily refresh your wine decanter.

Reidel warns that some decanters should not be cleaned using the beads. If your decanter is intricately shaped, like those used for double decanting, the beads could get stuck. With this variety, there's also the risk of damaging the fragile glass. When it comes to decanters with complex or unusual shapes, you're best off remaining vigilant and remembering to rinse them after every use. Decanter cleaning beads can be used repeatedly as long as they're properly dried and stored after use. Just like the best way to clean whiskey stones, a simple rinse with water followed by air drying should do the trick. No soap required.

And when it comes to the beverage itself, the best way to store an opened bottle of red wine is in its original bottle or with a specially designed system that keeps air reaching the wine. Storing it in the decanter isn't a good idea as you can't as readily control the oxidation process. Plus, red wines can leave lasting stains on the glass. Ultimately, there's no need to create more work for yourself if it's not necessary.