Which method is used for decanting wine?

The method of using a candle and a white background for decanting wine is designed to enhance clarity and ensure the wine is poured correctly. This technique is particularly effective for red wines that may have sediment. By holding the bottle over a lit candle while pouring it into a decanter or another vessel, the light from the candle allows the person decanting to see the sediment and stop pouring just before it reaches the neck of the bottle. This careful approach helps to ensure that the sediment remains in the bottle, resulting in a much clearer and cleaner pour, allowing for a better tasting experience.

In contrast, pouring directly into glasses does not involve any sediment separation and could result in sediment being poured into the glass. Shaking the bottle is not suitable for decanting as it can disturb sediment and create unwanted cloudiness, while using a straw is an inappropriate method for decanting wine, as it does not separate the sediment and is impractical for pouring larger amounts of wine.