When most people hear the phrase "let the wine breathe," they might picture a decanter on the table or a freshly opened bottle resting before that first sip. But why exactly do we let wine breathe, and how long is the right amount of time?
Whether you're working with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a delicate Pinot Noir, allowing wine to breathe can dramatically enhance its aromas, soften its tannins, and elevate your entire drinking experience. In this guide, we'll explore how long to let wine breathe by type, how oxygen impacts wine, and the best methods to help you get the most out of every bottle.
What Does It Mean to Let Wine Breathe?
Letting wine breathe means exposing it to oxygen, typically by pouring it into a glass or decanter before drinking. This exposure allows volatile compounds (often responsible for unpleasant aromas like sulfur or alcohol) to evaporate while helping the wine's natural flavors and aromas open up.
The breathing process is especially important for young red wines that may taste tight, overly tannic, or muted right after opening. By simply letting the wine sit and interact with the air, you give it the chance to express its full personality.
Why Breathing Wine Makes a Difference
Wine is a complex mixture of tannins, aromatics, acids, and other compounds. When exposed to air, oxygen begins to interact with these components, changing the wine's structure. For full-bodied, tannic wines, this process can soften the harsh edges and enhance fruit flavors.
Letting wine breathe also improves the smell and palate. Many wines, especially organic or natural wines, may have sulfur aromas or reductive notes that dissipate after just a few minutes in the glass.
How Long Should You Let Wine Breathe?
Young Red Wines (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot)
Young red wines with strong tannic structure often benefit the most from breathing. These wines tend to be bold, structured, and in need of about an hour to unwind in a decanter.
Breathing Times for Young Reds:
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are classic examples that reward a full hour of air time.
- Merlot may only need 30–45 minutes, depending on the vintage and body.
Lighter Reds (e.g., Pinot Noir, Sangiovese)
Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and other lighter red wines are more delicate and don't need as much air. A quick swirl in the glass or 15–30 minutes in a narrow decanter is usually plenty. Too much air can strip away their floral or fruity character.
Older Wines and Vintages
Older wines (10+ years) are often more fragile. In these cases, you should let the wine breathe in the glass, not the decanter. A slow, gentle pour followed by a 10–15 minute sit is often ideal.
Note: Decanting older wines is often done not to aerate, but to separate the wine from sediment.
White Wines and Chardonnay
While white wines are rarely decanted, some benefit from a little air—especially Chardonnay aged in oak, or organic whites with sulfur aromas. Letting them sit for 10–20 minutes at proper temperature (around 50–55°F) in the glass can enhance texture and complexity.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines—like Champagne or Prosecco—should be enjoyed immediately after opening. Letting them breathe isn't recommended, as it causes the bubbles to dissipate. Instead, drink soon after pouring.
The Best Ways to Let Wine Breathe
Using a Decanter
A decanter is a specially designed vessel with a wide base to increase the wine's surface area, speeding up oxygen exposure. It's ideal for young, full-bodied red wines like Nebbiolo or Syrah.
Pour slowly to minimize splashing, and let it sit uncovered on the table.
In the Glass
For older wines or light reds, simply pour into a wine glass and let the wine breathe slowly. Swirling gently accelerates aeration and releases aromas.
The Fastest Way to Breathe: Aerate as You Pour
For years, decanters were the go-to tool for letting wine breathe. But if you're looking for instant results without opening the full bottle, the Coravin Timeless+ Aerator offers the best of both worlds—expert preservation and immediate enjoyment.
This small but powerful attachment simulates 60–90 minutes of decanting in seconds. By dispersing the wine into a fine stream as it pours, it maximizes oxygen exposure without sacrificing a drop. That means smoother tannins, richer aromatics, and a glass that's ready to savor—right away.
How to Tell When Wine Has Breathed Enough
Use your senses. After a few minutes of air, aromas should become more expressive—fruity, floral, or spicy notes will emerge more clearly. On the palate, the wine may taste softer, more balanced, and show a longer finish.
If your wine smells muted or closed at first, give it more time. Taste as you go—it's the best way to learn what breathing time works best for your preferences.
Can You Let Wine Breathe Too Long?
Yes. Too much air can over-oxidize the wine, flattening fruit flavors and making it taste tired or sour. This is especially true for older vintages, delicate wines, and white wines, which are more sensitive to oxygen exposure.
As a rule of thumb, if you're not drinking the full bottle, re-cork it and store it properly in the cellar or wine fridge.
Factors That Affect Breathing Time
Several variables influence how long you should let a wine breathe:
Key Factors to Consider:
- Grape variety – Tannic grapes like Nebbiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon need more air.
- Wine age – Young wines benefit from more aeration; older ones need less.
- Body & structure – Full-bodied wines tend to need longer breathing times.
- Serving vessel – A wide decanter increases air contact; a narrow glass slows it.
- Temperature – Warmer wine releases aromatics faster.
Common Mistakes People Make When Letting Wine Breathe
Leaving it in the bottle
A bottle's narrow neck limits oxygen exposure.
Over-decanting older wines
These can lose their character fast.
Breathing white or sparkling wines unnecessarily
Most don't benefit.
Not paying attention to temperature
Too warm or too cold affects taste.
Final Tips for the Perfect Pour
Letting wine breathe doesn't need to be complicated. Keep these tips in mind:
Quick Reference Guide:
- Use a decanter for young, tannic reds
- Use a glass for older or delicate wines
- Taste as you go—you'll learn what you like
- Don't let wine sit too long, especially if it's already fragile
Letting wine breathe is part science, part ritual—and for many bottles, a little patience goes a long way. But with Coravin Timeless+ and Pivot+ Wine By-the-Glass Systems, you don’t have to wait at all. Each system includes an instant aerator that unlocks rich aromas and smooth flavor in seconds—so you can enjoy your wine at its best, from the very first sip.