Should all red wines be opened the day before to make them to taste better?

Question

I found them better day after opening *HIi?8**^C*~!!?hix* %0o0o0ooo%

Answer 1

Just decant it, does exactly the same as letting it breathe.

Answer 2

No, a a day before is OTT really, a couple of hours before is best, but ideally you should decant them into a carafe or similar to get some air into the wine. Just opening the wine and leaving it in the bottle to 'breathe' doesn't do the job properly (just think of the surface area of the wine that is exposed to the air via the bottle neck - minimal).

Enjoy <hic> said he on his second bottle of red of the night....

Answer 3

Absolutely no!

Most exceptionally robust Cabernets, Malbecs, Amarone, Zen, and Brunellos would need only about 30-45 minutes to open up.  If it needs more then you can pour it and let it sit in the glass longer, while swirling occassionally.  It will continue to open up even more.  But it's better to drink it too early than too late.

As for decanting, some older bottles might need to be decanted.  This is to let the breathe and to let some of the particulate settle out.  But the majority of times people decant for show.  It is usually unnecessary, unless you're drinking a really good Bordeaux, for example.  

Most of the reds that you'll drink might need to be open for about 10-15 minutes before serving.  And it will continue to breathe over the course of the meal.  

I usually open up a red at the beginning of the meal, to be served with the main course, and just let it sit on the table.  And then will have a light red (open and drink immediately) or a white with the appetizer (served slightly chilled, not ice cold).

Opening them up the day before is way too long.  You can still drink the wine the next day, but it will be "spent" (it is beyond it's peak).  

When you open up a wine to "breathe" all you are doing is letting a little oxygen in so that the flavors will come out and some of the tanic tastes can mellow a bit.

Answer 4

I don't know if it's necessary to open the bottle a day before, but it's better when you let them "breathe" for a while, at least 2 hours.

Answer 5

good red wines should only be opened about 45 min before drinking, to "breathe" ...... I like California merlots, barbera, cabernet and zinfandels

Answer 6

Red wine should be opened an hour before drinking to let it 'breathe'. Any left 'God forbid', seal the bottle and use it in cooking (not to add to the sauce, but as a help to the chef)

Answer 7

Moley, anything with bubbles in it can be chugged right away.

Any bottle of red wine under the price of 4 quid can also be sipp ed or gulp ed.

Some, like Brights Canadian Sweet Supreme Sherry in a plastic bottle can give a night to remember I mean forget, down behind the rubbish heap. Stay away from that one, it will rip yer stomach lining and make aftershave taste like cherry pop.

Answer 8

No. Some say an hour before to give it an airing & get rid of the bottle stink. But the day before? It'll start to oxydise by the time you drink it.