Opening a bottle of wine: the secrets of the experts
To enjoy a glass of wine, opening the bottle is essential. There are several ways to open a bottle of wine without damaging the cork. Numerous tools can also be used to successfully open a bottle. Discover the experts' secrets for easily uncorking a bottle of wine.
The essential qualities of a good corkscrew
A corkscrew is an essential tool for opening a bottle of wine. Therefore, choosing a high-quality corkscrew is crucial for opening wine like a pro. Since its invention, the market has offered an almost endless variety of corkscrews, making it difficult to select the right model.
The first criterion to consider when choosing a corkscrew is the type best suited to your needs. There's no single ideal type, although professional models are the most popular on the market. A good corkscrew is one that allows you to open a bottle with a reasonable amount of force (without too much effort). However, certain details are important to consider, including the characteristics of the screw and the opening mechanism .
A hollow, pointed corkscrew is recommended for opening a bottle properly. A solid one could force the cork open and damage it. The corkscrew should be long enough to grip the cork completely and avoid breaking it or only partially removing the cork. If it's too long, it could pierce the cork and leave crumbs in the wine. Its diameter should also be considered, as it could damage the cork.
To easily uncork a bottle of wine with a corkscrew, you need to choose the right lever and pulling mechanism . The choice should also take into account the type of cork on the bottle, particularly its length and material.
Precautions before opening
Once you've chosen your corkscrew, it's time to prepare for opening. It's best to leave the bottle upright for a short while before opening it if it has been stored horizontally in the cellar. This allows the tannins to settle to the bottom of the bottle before drinking, making decanting or aerating easier. This method is generally more suitable for older wines than for young ones.
The first rule for opening a bottle of wine is to keep it upright . Avoid sitting down to open it. Turn the label so you look like a pro before opening it. Then, cut the capsule below the neck of the bottle with a knife or penknife, holding the bottle firmly so it doesn't twist. Remove the capsule and wipe the exposed part.
Using the corkscrew
Despite the different types of corks on the market, the process for opening a bottle remains similar. The corkscrew must penetrate the center of the cork and remain perpendicular to the bottle . Here are some common corkscrew models:
1. A T-shaped corkscrew
Composed of a worm and a fixed horizontal handle, the T-shaped corkscrew requires more pulling force from you to uncork the bottle.
2. The lemonade seller
The portable corkscrew allows you to uncork a bottle of wine in one go thanks to a simple lever system. It also has a bottle opener and a knife for opening the capsule.
3. The sommelier's knife
The sommelier's knife, on the other hand, has a double-notch lever system to accommodate all cork lengths. The professional corkscrew works similarly but with a more ergonomic design. Be sure to hold the lever system firmly with your other hand while opening the bottle.
4. The worm screw corkscrew
Easier to use, simply turn the screw in one direction to uncork the bottle effortlessly.
5. The Charles de Gaulle corkscrew
Extremely practical for not requiring great effort, the de Gaulle corkscrew makes opening easy simply by activating the two levers.
6. The double-bladed corkscrew
Featuring a ring handle and blades, the double-bladed corkscrew is specially designed for old, fragile corks . To uncork a bottle, simply grasp the cork by the blades and apply an upward circular motion .
7. The electric corkscrew
The electric corkscrew was designed to make opening wines easier without requiring any effort on your part.
You can also read our article with methods for opening a bottle of wine without a corkscrew .
