Wine myths debunked

Accepted wisdom isn't always especially wise. Here are four examples from the world of wine

- KATERINA MYLONA

Decanting is only for red wines

While red wines often benefit from a bit of air to soften their tannins, whites, rosés and even orange wines can also get in on the action. You see, decanting is all about three things: evaporation (of alcohol and other volatile compounds), oxidation and keeping sediment away.

Take 'reductive' whites, such as certain Rieslings or Sauvignon Blancs, which may initially seem aromatically muted or restrained upon opening.

Decanting lets them breathe and reveal those fresh, fruity, floral aromas. The same applies to rosés and orange wines with extended skin contact, which often benefit from exposure to air to fully express their character.

Decanting is also great for unfiltered, pét-nat or minimal-intervention bottles, which can have a little sediment that you'd prefer not to sip on. So, next time you pop open a bottle, consider more than its colour when facing the decanting dilemma. Your wine, and your taste buds, will thank you.

Wine should be stored horizontally

For years, we've been told that wine should be stored horizontally. It has been the tradition, it helps keep the cork moist and it's definitely convenient, but is it actually necessary? As it turns out, the position of your wine bottle might not be as critical as once thought.