(Winemag) - There's no doubt decanting offers a visual flourish to serving wine. But did you know decanters can sometimes do more harm than good? We take a deep look at this powerful tool, what it does, and help tell you when to decant and when to keep it in the bottle.

Often an object of intimidation, a decanter is an important and rewarding tool. When done correctly, decanting a wine can elevate even the most average wine experience.

However, it’s not always easy to know whether or not to decant. You need consider the changes being triggered by the process, along with keeping a few guidelines in mind.

There are two main reasons for decanting wine. The first is physical—to separate clarified wine from solids that have formed during aging. The second is the effect of oxygen, which releases certain compounds bound within the bottle. Both have an effect on our perception of flavor, texture and aroma.