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A long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away...) I performed some Decanting method experimentation; however that was only the beginning, and as mentioned in this follow-up post in that thread, my conclusions quickly changed based on further tests and limitations to the original testing. However, it seems that the follow-up was mostly lost, and a request for current recommendations to be clearly posted was made, so here we are.

In summary, I recommend the following:
- Essentially, filter as little as possible while decanting, just to remove coarse sediment; I use a single layer of sterile gauze.
- Don't be afraid of slight cloudiness occurring sometimes; it's better than stripping the flavour.

Additional notes:
- Standing the bottle for longer and free-pouring is also good; but I have no hesitation in putting a full bottle of any age/value wine through a single layer of sterile gauze, and would typically do so.
- I no longer use filter paper at all, and have not done so now for almost 10yrs, as while it will get you the best clarity it comes at too much potential cost in terms of removing some flavour (and potentially adding some unwanted flavour also in some cases) - this may not be noticeable for a young powerful wine, but has been obvious when tested with some older wines.

Regarding the gauze, I buy sterile non-woven non-medicated gauze such as this. Available as 5, 7.5 (my preference) and 10cm squares, they come with 4 or 5 sheets per pack, with 50 or so packs per box. The packs are thus tiny and easy to carry and you always have sterile gauze to hand. Note that each sheet in these packs comes folded, so I unfold and use a single sheet; I do not recommend using folded gauze or multiple sheets, as that could lead again to stripping.

Strong agree re not using paper filters. Recently had a couple of Ports which were noticeably “papery”, which was a real shame.

Agreed. I use a single sheet of muslin (thank you, AHB), and it's always enough. A little cloudiness doesn't bother me, and it's better than a subpar flavour.

I use a fine mesh metal strainer/aerator similar to this and have been very happy with it. I have, on occasion, added 2 layers of gauze similar to what Phil recommends, but only when the Port is particularly gritty and/or agitated.

Tom Archer recently recommended “ABENA Gauze Pads, 100 Pack, 10x10cm Wound Dressings, Non-Sterile, Soft Absorbent Gauze for Wound Dressing, Non-Adhesive Dressings for Wounds”, though the 20cm×10cm recently became cheaper than the 10cm×10cm. Tested; have worked well for me.

At the recent ’55 horizontal Phil objected to these, and recommended something different (linked in first post). Others like muslin.

Come on peeps, what are magnums for? We know what to do.

jdaw1 wrote:Tom Archer recently recommended “ABENA Gauze Pads, 100 Pack, 10x10cm Wound Dressings, Non-Sterile, Soft Absorbent Gauze for Wound Dressing, Non-Adhesive Dressings for Wounds”, though the 20cm×10cm recently became cheaper than the 10cm×10cm. Tested; have worked well for me.

At the recent ’55 horizontal Phil objected to these, and recommended something different (linked in first post). Others like muslin.

... and looking at Tom's link, on the same page you can select either the non-sterile bulk pack, or the sterile multi-pack - the latter of which I would have been happy with.

The non-sterile are cheaper and may be fine, but could be a sweaty sock; I don't feel the gamble to be worth the saving.

Same argument for muslin, which may or may not have been washed, boiled etc - am sure it could be fine, but with a simple, convenient and inexpensive way to minimise the risk by using sterile gauze, why wouldn't I?

Is muslin sterile?

jdaw1 wrote:Is muslin sterile?

No. And neither are the toes that stomped those grapes

Phil: at the next opportunity please can we exchange some non-sterile for sterile, to permit small at-home pre-experiments.

jdaw1 wrote: ↑11:21 Sat 05 Jul 2025 Phil: at the next opportunity please can we exchange some non-sterile for sterile, to permit small at-home pre-experiments.

Of course.

I use cheese cloth and re use the same piece for wine and port. Rinsing and air-drying in-between.

Ironic as my wife works at a fabric store and we have like 10+ yards of cheese cloth at a minimum.