Modern corkscrew. Professional corkscrew – ideal for a wine bottle

In the 18th century, the wine trade developed rapidly, which was the impetus for the creation of the corkscrew. If before this wine was stored only in large barrels, and served to the table in a jug, then at that time the drink was transported in large volumes. For this purpose, special seals were invented that reliably sealed containers with wine.

To understand how to open it correctly, you need to get a special opener. Today, no holiday is complete without the main device for uncorking bottles - a wine corkscrew. With this simple tool, you don’t have to drink wine with pieces of cork; it can be removed from the neck without any problems.

How to choose a quality corkscrew

The very first prototype was patented as a device for removing wine corks by the priest Samuel Hanshall in 1795. Nowadays, there is a wide range of wine corkscrews, which sometimes makes it difficult to choose from all the variety. Opening wine without a corkscrew is quite problematic.

What is better - convenient or beautiful, cheap or expensive? To choose a truly high-quality wine opener from the wide variety, you should consider several criteria. Let's look at how to properly open wine with a corkscrew and how to choose it.

First, you need to evaluate the spiral. This is the most important component of the device. First of all, it must be strong and reliable, otherwise the cork that fits tightly in the neck will be very difficult to remove without damage. Choose tools with a durable metal spiral that will not be damaged or deformed when opened.

Then, you should evaluate the condition of the sharpening. Its end should be sharp and thin so that it can easily enter the plug, regardless of its hardness. The thickness must correspond to the “golden mean”, otherwise something too thick will not fit into the cork without damaging it, and something too thin will simply break under pressure.

Secondly, you should evaluate the wine corkscrew handle. The success of use depends on its reliability and durability. It should be made of wood so that it is comfortable to hold in your hands when opening. It's nice to use a comfortable wooden handle in the case of tightly sealed containers. Plus, it doesn't slip.

The metal handle is durable, but extremely inconvenient to use. Fingers slide over it, causing pain. You should pay attention to how the spiral is attached to the handle. If they are simply glued to each other, then such a design will not inspire confidence; only a screwed-in design guarantees maximum strength.

Thirdly, pay attention to the cost. You shouldn’t choose the cheapest ones, but you shouldn’t overpay either. It is also worth emphasizing other criteria for a quality device:

• the instrument works easily and without unpleasant sounds;
• has a presentable appearance;
• should not have a smell.

Pay attention to detail and choose the best quality, easiest-to-use corkscrew to make any celebration truly fun.

How to use different types of openers

Corkscrews designed for uncorking vary in their operating principles. It is customary to distinguish several types, depending on their design.

Classical

Classic or “steel worm” - the model consists of a handle and an iron spiral perpendicular to it. The handle is made of either wood or metal.

It is sold at a reasonable price, but still has several drawbacks: when it enters the sealing material, it begins to crumble, and pieces end up in the wine.

This is a model that requires physical effort. Not every person is able to cope with it.

With wings

It consists of a spiral placed inside the system, pressed closely to the neck. The capsule is removed using special “wings”, which rise during the deepening of the spiral according to the principle of a lever. After this, the “wings” lower, easily releasing the container.

This type is designed to allow you to open wine without damaging the cork.

Sommelier knife

The sommelier knife, used by bartenders, is used in restaurants to open wine with an elegant and graceful corkscrew. Sommeliers use it in the following way: the screw is placed on the neck, and the integrated knife for removing the cork capsule is screwed in and pulled up.

Screw

The screw is easy to use: just screw it into the neck and turn the handle in one direction. The cork is screwed onto the screw due to soft sliding and is itself pushed out of the container of wine.

Pneumatic

The pneumatic wine opener is a convenient opener that is inexpensive.

Acts with the help of vacuum, like a pump pump. On one side of the device there is a needle that pierces the plug. Air is forced into the bottle through it.

A wine vacuum corkscrew uses air pressure to force the cork out of the neck.

Gypsy

The Gypsy self-pulling tool allows you to push out the cork and at the same time pull it back. The design consists of two teeth that are inserted into the bottle and pressed towards each other.

Electric

Electric is the most professional of all the listed types. It has a special clip and battery, the charging of which is designed to open 50 bottles. At home, a simple type of corkscrew will work much better.

It is very difficult to uncork a bottle of wine without a corkscrew. In order not to spoil your mood with an unsuccessfully crumbled cork, it is recommended to purchase a quality tool for the kitchen, where it will be at hand when necessary.

This corkscrew model was invented by a French sommelier. This folding corkscrew is equipped with a capping knife and has two grooves at different heights for easy cork removal.

Throughout the entire opening process, the bottle should face the guests.

The cap can be cut in three different ways - under, in the middle and above the girdle. The last one is the simplest.


We make two cuts - in front and behind the cap. Then we pick up and remove the “hat”.


We screw the corkscrew in the center, leaving one and a half steps. This is done so as not to pierce the cork all the way through. Otherwise, pieces of cork may get into the wine.

We rest the first step of the corkscrew on the neck of the bottle and begin to pull out the cork, lifting the handle of the corkscrew up.
Then we repeat the operation with the second step. But do not pull out the plug completely.


Carefully pull out the cork with your hands so that there is no pop. If there is any, sediment may fall off from the underside of the plug. Sediment in wine is not a problem, but when it is transparent, it looks more aesthetically pleasing.

We smell the cork to determine whether the wine is well preserved. There is a “disease” of wine called cork tone. It can be identified by sniffing the cork and its musty smell.

Wipe the neck with a napkin.

It is extremely difficult, although craftsmen have long learned to get to the desired content without a tool designed for this. Ingenuity and determination prompted creative thought: wine is uncorked with a knife, a screw, or a stiletto heel. In the end, the cork can be lured out by boiling water or hitting the bottom. And yet, the simplest and most reliable way to preserve the bottle, wine and health is a corkscrew; fortunately, there are many types of this device.

When was the corkscrew invented?

Compared to wine, the corkscrew is a relatively new invention. For many centuries, wine vessels were round with a fairly wide neck, which was sealed with a wooden stopper that widened upward, and filled with sealing wax, wax, or simply covered with clay. To open a container with a drink, the protruding part of the cork was grabbed with your fingers and pulled out of the bottle neck.

From the middle of the 17th century. The trade in wine developed, and it began to be bottled in the shape we are familiar with. For cylindrical corks, a special tool was required, and from this moment the story of the corkscrew begins. The prototype was a wad - a device for pulling a wad out of a firearm after a misfire. Steel “worms” were used for about a hundred years, but the primitive screw was inconvenient, and inquisitive minds tried to improve the design.

The “father” of the corkscrew is considered to be the priest Samuel Henshall; the reverend received a patent in 1795, although research in this direction was carried out by his numerous predecessors. The inventor supplemented the steel spiral with a brush for brushing crumbs of sealing wax and wax from the bottle with a metal stop disk that limits the movement of the screw. Subsequent variations of wine openers remained modifications of this model for a long time.

Types of corkscrews

Modern devices for uncorking wine bear little resemblance to the screws of three hundred years ago. Accessory manufacturers strive to invent a device that allows the plug to be removed with the least effort.

Classic corkscrew

The vintage model traditionally remains the most common. Opening wine with this thing is not easy - it requires physical effort and skill. It's easy to screw a screw into a plug, but it's not always possible to pull it out. Tight corks do not give in, the inconvenient handle cuts into your fingers, the screw destroys the wood, crumbs get into the wine, and it is no longer possible to uncork the bottle with a corkscrew. The advantage is accessibility and low cost - a similar tool is available in every home.

How to use:

• remove the bottleneck from the casing.
• screw the screw in vertically.
• loosen the plug a little.
• Hold the bottle with one hand and pull the corkscrew with the other without twisting it.

Corkscrew butterfly

A very simple and convenient home option. As the screw is screwed in, the levers rise, and when they are lowered, the plug is easily removed. The French call this version “Charles de Gaulle” - the general liked to raise his hands in greeting. For those unfamiliar with the habits of Charles de Gaulle, the design resembles a butterfly with its wings spread.

The model is easy to use; wine can be uncorked without effort. However, it does not always cope with a deep-seated plug.

How to use:

• lower the levers.
• Place the tip in the center of the plug.
• Hold the bottle with one hand and screw in the spiral with the other by turning the handle.
• When the wings rise to the maximum position, set the wine level and at the same time lower the levers.

Corkscrew screw

It is a classic screw with a handle and a stop that is fixed on the neck. To uncork the bottle, you don’t need any strength or experience - this is a very convenient model.

How to use:

• Insert the sharp tip into the center of the cork.
• turn the handle in one direction.
• the cork will screw onto the corkscrew and gradually come out of the bottle.

Pump corkscrew

A corkscrew with a secret, in which the screw is replaced by a needle for pumping air. The space of the bottle is filled and the cork comes out under pressure. The syringe is easy to use and requires no effort. However, sommeliers do not like this model, since high pressure distorts the taste of alcohol. If you have expensive wine, it is better to choose a different corkscrew.

How to use:

• A knife is usually mounted in the cap of the pneumatic corkscrew. Use it to cut off the protective film from the bottle and use a needle to pierce the cork through.
• Press the pump several times so that the cork is threaded onto the needle and comes completely out of the bottle. Usually 5-7 pumpings are enough, and the wine can be poured into glasses.

Sommelier knife

Professionals consider the sommelier knife to be the best corkscrew. This classic tool is used in all restaurants around the world; the process of uncorking a bottle turns into an elegant act; the cork does not crumble and is easily removed.

Sommelier knives come in one- and two-stage types - this is determined by the number of notches on the lever. The two-stage option is more convenient; first it loosens the plug a little, and then removes it. This is important when the cork is too dry or wet and may break due to sudden movement. Another advantage of a professional two-stage knife is that it opens the bottle silently, without the characteristic pop.

How to use:

• The corkscrew is usually equipped with a knife to remove the protective capsule. Free the neck from the film.
• Insert the point into the middle of the cork and vigorously twist the spiral once.
• Screw in the screw by turning the handle. Make sure that the spiral enters strictly vertically.
• When there is one turn left to the top, stop screwing.
• Place the first notch on the bottleneck and lift the handle until it stops. The cork will appear one third above the bottle.
• Place the second notch on the neck and lift the handle. The cork will be on the outside of the bottle.

Gypsy corkscrew

For old wine, ordinary corkscrews, even a sommelier's knife, are not suitable. Over many years, cork dries out and can crumble at any time. The corkscrew was called the gypsy corkscrew or the butler's friend, since it can be used to remove the cork so carefully that it remains intact and can be returned to the bottle of wine without traces of unauthorized “hacking.” Two thin plates of the corkscrew are carefully inserted along the neck, grasp the cork and remove it by turning the handle.

Hello friends!

Today we are talking about a corkscrew, a necessary attribute and assistant for every waiter and bartender. Without this tool, it is difficult to imagine the work of a waiter while serving various events. I’ll also talk about how to use it correctly and how you can open wine without a corkscrew, I’ll touch a little on the history of the instrument and consider its varieties.

How to open a bottle of wine with a corkscrew

Corkscrew(or in common parlance - corker) - a device that is used to remove a cork from a wine bottle. It consists of a screw rod for fixing the cork and a handle (lever, other device) for removing it from the bottle.

The history of the corkscrew

Before the advent of corks, wine was served in large jugs, from which it was poured into glasses or goblets. Later it became fashionable to bottle wine and close it with a special cork, which is made from the bark of the cork tree.

Interesting fact!

Napoleon Bonaparte demanded that every soldier in his army must have a corkscrew with him! Napoleon himself loved wine and instilled a love for this drink in his soldiers.

The name of the first person who invented a device for removing corks from bottles remains unknown, but the first patent for a corkscrew was issued in 1875 to a member of the British cabinet, Samuel Henshall. Since then, more than 350 patents have been issued for corkscrews of various modifications, and this process continues to this day))

The most common corkscrew among waiters was patented by Karl Weinke in 1883. The “waiter’s corkscrew” (or “sommelier’s knife”) is quite convenient for removing a cork, compact when folded, and due to several steps (most often it is two) it can open both a short and non-standard long cork.

I use this one at work, it’s very convenient and irreplaceable.

The most convenient corkscrew was invented by Herbert Allen in 1979 and called it Screwpull. The main goal pursued by the inventor was to come up with a device that would remove the cork from the bottle without excessive effort and would be safe.

The cork maker really turned out to be quite safe and convenient, here is the principle of its operation:

The only drawback it has is its size, you can’t put it in your pocket at work)) Therefore, this corkscrew design can be had at home or at the bar, but for a waiter the “waiter’s corkscrew” option is more in demand.

The impetus for Herbert Allen's invention was the demands of his wife, for whom opening bottles caused a lot of trouble and required considerable effort. So Herbert had to try a bunch of options in his home workshop until he invented the most convenient and safe corkscrew, which he called Screwpull.

How to open wine with a corkscrew

When opening a bottle of wine with a cork stopper, there are a number of requirements that I will tell you about now.

1. Before opening carefully take the bottle and place it on a utility table or bar counter. In this case, there is no need to shake the wine, twist it or turn it upside down, or open the wine “in weight” (unless these are extreme conditions).
2. Cut off the protective foil very carefully on the bottle just below the edge of the neck so that the wine does not come into contact with the foil when pouring. To do this, you need to use a sommelier knife or another knife. Be careful when doing this, as poorly cut foil can easily cut your finger in the future, remove it completely.
3. Hold the bottle with one hand and take the sommelier knife with the other. Place the tip of the corkscrew in the center of the cork and slowly begin to screw the rod into the cork.
4. When more than half of the rod enters the cork, you can Gradually begin to remove the plug. There should be no pop when the cork comes out; the cork is finally removed slowly and slightly to one side.
5. After this, white or young red/rose wine can be poured to guests, and the aged red wine should “breathe.” Aged red wine is then poured into a decanter to separate sediment and aerate.

How to open wine without a corkscrew

There are several ways to open wine with a cork without a corkscrew:

1. Push the cork into the middle of the bottle. This can be done with the help of improvised objects - a key, a screwdriver, a strong ballpoint pen. However, this method is quite dangerous, since the cork stopper can be driven deep into the bottle, but not pushed through as needed. This can damage the bottle; it may burst or break from impacts. Not only will you not be able to drink wine in this case, but you can also cut your hands and spill wine on your clothes((
2. Hammer a few short nails and pull out the plug with a nail puller or pliers. In this case, it is quite easy to implement the method, but in nature it does not work due to the lack of a hammer and nails))
3. Turn the bottle upside down and knock out the cork with your shoes.. This method requires skill and cannot be rushed. Having turned the bottle upside down, you need to firmly hold it between your legs and hold it with your hand, and slowly tap the bottom with your shoes and monitor the progress of the cork. You can also use the option presented in the video below. Despite the explanations in French, everything is clear and without translation.

4. Using a table knife. In this case, the knife must be durable and extend across the neck of the bottle. Everything is explained in detail in a minute in the video below:

5. In hussar style. The method is simple and consists of sharply removing the neck of the bottle along with the cork with a sharp knife, saber or iron rod.

However, this is very dangerous, since you can get injured or cut, and drinking such wine is dangerous, as glass fragments may remain there.

The most important thing is don’t forget a corkscrew, if you are going outdoors or in a supermarket, choose a wine with a screw cap (there are quite a few of these now) or choose a packaged wine (there are also good quality ones, but larger in volume).

Remember that even the most expensive wine is not worth your injuries and a ruined holiday. If you forgot the corkscrew and can’t open the bottle, choose a different drink or give up alcohol altogether that day, this will only make things better for everyone!

Types of corkscrews

For a better understanding of the types of corkscrew, I will display them all in the picture, number them and tell you briefly about each.

Depending on the principle of removing the cork and the appearance, the sommelier knife can be:

1. The classic spiral T-shaped can be found in every home. The operating principle is simple: screw the rod into the cork, then take it by the handle and gradually pull the cork out. At the same time, it is necessary to put in quite a lot of effort and not every person can cope with this task, especially without training))
2. A wine corkscrew, which consists of a screw and two levers in the form of “wings”. When screwing the spiral, the levers rise up, then the device is fixed on the neck of the bottle and by lowering the “wings” you can easily pull out the cork. Quite safe and does not require much effort.
3. Pump corkscrew. A needle is inserted through the cork and then gas is pumped into the bottle from the corkscrew. As the pressure in the bottle increases, the cork gradually comes out. I myself have never seen or used such inventions; I consider them not practical and the process of adding gas to wine itself is not the best solution.
4. Gypsy corkscrew. A rather mysterious invention that I only read about and never used. It must be used when the cork is quite old and can crumble when the screw is inserted. The second option was also used by “unscrupulous” servants who wanted to taste expensive wine. They carefully opened the bottle with a similar corkscrew, drank part of the drink, topped up the bottle with another drink and closed it with an intact cork.
5. Corkscrew - jack. Here we use the principle of the well-known jack: first we insert a screw into the cork, then, using the device on the neck of the bottle, we remove the cork cork.

I have described only the most basic types of corkscrews; there are a number of other varieties, but they have not gained much popularity and are of more interest to antique dealers and collectors.

Depending on the material, age and uniqueness, sommelier knives can fetch several thousand dollars at auction.

At Christie's auction, the record price is just over $31 thousand, paid for a corkscrew from 1842. At an electronic auction on e-Bay, a 19th century cork bottle was purchased for the impressive sum of $13,550.

Make sure that there is always a corkscrew in your house, because almost anyone can afford to drink a glass of wine with lunch or dinner. If you work in a restaurant, then this tool should always be at hand, as it is irreplaceable.

Now you know the history of the cork stopper, how to open wine correctly using a sommelier’s knife, and how to open wine if you don’t have one at hand.

Share your experience in the comments, how did you manage to open wine without a special knife, has this ever happened? I would be glad if you share this article with your friends.

See you!

With respect, Nicholai.

Interesting notes

Humanity, in the process of its development and improvement of everyday (and not only) living conditions, has invented many different devices.

A few centuries ago, the question of how to open wine with a corkscrew did not arise, since such accessories for drinking alcohol simply did not exist yet. Their appearance is due to some changes in winemaking: storing this precious drink, serving it, and, of course, drinking it.

In this article we will look at how the tradition of using corkscrews began, their use in the modern world, as well as several of the most original devices.

A little history of the bottle cap and the corkscrew

It is believed that the appearance of the first primitive corks is associated with changes in winemaking and the emergence of a new method of sealing bottles with a cork made of wood. Until this point, wine was stored in barrels, and before serving it was poured into jugs or other similar vessels. If wine was stored in smaller containers, then their necks were sealed with rags or simply covered with clay or resin.

The development of the wine trade and the need to transport large quantities of wine over long distances led to the discovery of a more reliable “plug” for vessels, and, as a consequence, a way to carefully remove it. This happened around the 18th century.

The exact date of the invention of this device is not known, but in 1795 the first device for opening bottles was patented. This happened in England thanks to the priest Samuel Hanshall.

Types of corkscrews and how to use them

Quite a long time has passed since the patent for the first cork bottle appeared, but the process of invention is still ongoing. After all, many wine connoisseurs are looking for an easy and ideal way to open any wine bottle so that they can enjoy a drink unclouded by cork debris (this happens especially often with expensive collectible types).

Therefore, let’s look at how to properly open wine with a corkscrew using existing and time-tested devices.

This is the simplest design, which consists of a metal screw with a perpendicular handle (wooden or plastic) mounted on it. The disadvantage of using this device is that it requires some dexterity and strength, as well as a high probability that the cork will crumble if the opener is not experienced enough. The advantages include a fairly affordable price and ease of use.

Bottle opening process

• Remove the plastic wrap from the neck.
• We screw the screw exactly into the center of the cork, but not to the very end, so as not to crumble it.
• We grab the bottle tightly with one hand, and with the other carefully pull out the cork, if necessary, loosening it a little and twisting it.

Wine corkscrew “butterfly”

In appearance, this design resembles the wings of a butterfly that unfold, or a person with raised arms (it is because of this that the corkscrew is also called Charles de Gaulle, due to its obvious similarity with the character of the same name). The advantages of the device are its simplicity and ease of use; it does not require much effort to open. Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that it does not always cope with plugs sitting deep in the neck.

Bottle opening process

• We install the screw exactly in the center of the cork, while the wings of the corkscrew are lowered down.
• With one hand we fix the device, and with the other we screw the central handle into the plug. It should be noted that the “wings” will rise. We open the plug only when they rise to the very top.
• We place the bottle on a flat surface, lower both levers at the same time with both hands, pulling out the cork.

This type of cork stopper was patented in 1883 by Karl Weinke. It is quite common among waiters, since thanks to its design it can remove a standard short cork and a non-standard long one.

It is a lever design with two steps, a screw and a knife for removing foil. Some models have a device for opening beer bottles.

Bottle opening process

• Use a switchblade to cut off the plastic around the neck of the container (it is advisable to do this a few centimeters lower).
• We screw the device into the center of the plug, leaving only one tier on the surface.
• We rest the first step of the cork stopper against the neck and pull out the cork a little (like a lever).
• Next, put the handle on the second step and pull out the plug to the very end.

Gypsy corkscrew

This is an ancient and amazing corkscrew design, which consists of thin and elegant tongs that allow you to carefully and practically without damage remove even the oldest and most fragile cork. It should be noted that dishonest waiters still take advantage of this, removing the cork, pouring out good wine and replacing it with some kind of surrogate, and then reinserting the cork. Usually the substitution is not noticeable.

Bottle opening process

• Carefully insert the tongs along the edges of the neck of the bottle and, using swinging, smooth movements, push them all the way through.
• We also carefully remove the corkscrew along with the cork, turning it smoothly.

Screw corkscrew

This version of the corkscrew is very similar to the butterfly corkscrew, only it does not have wings. Sometimes it is also called a corkscrew jack. It is considered to be easy to use, as it removes the cork with virtually no problems.

Bottle opening process

• We place the structure on the neck that has been cleared of plastic and carefully screw the spiral into the cork.
• After this, we scroll the spiral in the opposite direction, pulling the plug out of the neck.

Pump or pneumatic corkscrew

The operation of a corkscrew is very similar to a pump, and its appearance is the same. The spiral in the device has been replaced with a needle, with which air is pumped into the bottle. However, some sommeliers do not use this type, because they believe that the contact of wine with gas is not exactly what a noble drink needs.

Bottle opening process

• Uncork the neck, removing the foil from it. We stick a needle into the cork.
• By pressing the lever, we supply air into the bottle and, under the influence of pressure, the cork comes out of the neck.

Electric corkscrew

If you are interested in the question of how to open a bottle of wine with a corkscrew for a girl, then this is the model that is suitable for fragile young ladies. The device does not require effort on the part of the person opening the bottle, so it can easily be used by waiters who, as part of their duty, need to open a large amount of alcohol.

Bottle opening process

• Since almost every model is equipped with a cutter for opening the foil, first use it and free the neck.
• Place the corkscrew on the bottle, press the button and the device will automatically remove the cork for you within a few seconds.

The most famous and stylish corkscrews of our time

As mentioned above, today there are a large number of varieties of corkscrews. Many are designed for use on the bottle opening stream, while others are used only by collectors. Depending on this, their price will vary.

For example, at Christie’s auction more than $31,000 was paid for a corkscrew from 1842. If we talk about modern devices, then one of the interesting and stylish designs can be called Pulltex “Evolution”, which is a sommelier knife decorated with Swarovski crystals. This is an ideal option if a girl needs to open wine with a corkscrew, because the design is designed specifically for the fair sex.

Among inexpensive but high-quality corkscrews, we can note products from BergHOFF, which have several types of devices that have proven themselves among professionals.

Now you know how to open a bottle of wine with any of the most common corkscrews. For personal use, the main thing is a correctly selected accessory that will be very convenient and easy for you to use, and will not have difficulty removing even the most complex plug.