Should You Aerate Cheap Wine to Elevate Flavor & Sharpness?

Should You Aerate Cheap Wine to Elevate Flavor & Sharpness?

Kelli Harris - Writer for Mayu Water
By Kelli Harris
Nevena Radulović - Editor for Mayu Water
Edited by Nevena Radulović

Published October 6, 2024.

Close-up of red wine swirling in a wine glass

Cheap wine can be a great beverage choice for any occasion, but it can sometimes lack the depth and complexity of more expensive wines. By aerating your cheap wine, you can enhance the flavors and aromas of your budget-friendly bottle, allowing you to get more out of the experience.

Generally speaking, young red wines are cheaper but sharper on the palate. These wines contain strong tannins and high acidity levels, which can be overpowering. Dense red wines that are full-bodied like Syrah, Shiraz, and Mourvedre will benefit from some breathing space.

How Aeration Can Help

Aerating wine means simply adding air to the wine before serving. The aeration process mimics the aging process of a young, cheap wine, softening tannins and releasing deeper flavors from the wine to create a smoother, more nuanced wine in no time.

When it comes to cheap wines, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to aerate, such as the following:

  • Cheap red wines should be aerated, as this helps bring out their fruity flavors and soften tannins.
  • Cheap white wines generally shouldn't be aerated, as this can strip away delicate aromas and flavors.
  • Sweet or fortified wines shouldn't be aerated, as this may affect their balance and body.

» Want to know more about aeration? See what aeration entails

Enhance Your Wine's Flavor

For those wines that should be aerated, decanters like the Mayu Swirl can greatly simplify this process. Using a decanter for aerating wine will help you achieve the desired results in a few quick and simple steps. So, don't settle for a mediocre sip—aerate your cheap wine and get the most out of it.

» Elevate your wine experience with Mayu Swirl