How to use a corkscrew? Types and description of corkscrews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

People call a corkscrew a corkscrew. Such a device is designed to remove corks from wine bottles. The basis of this device is a screw rod that fixes the cork, and the lever is a handle or other device. From this publication you will learn about the types of accessories and how to use a corkscrew, depending on its design.

A bit of history

The wine bottle opener appeared a little over 200 years ago. A patent for a wine corkscrew was obtained in 1795 by Briton Samuel Henshall.

Until this time, people opened bottles in a wild way, knocking down the necks. Some of them, more diligent, sealed the vessels with sealing wax. However, soon a cork tree appeared in Europe, it was convenient for them to cork bottles. And then lovers of alcoholic beverages began to study the question of how to use a corkscrew created by an enterprising Englishman.

Types of corkscrews

Depending on the cork removal mechanism and appearance, the following models of corkscrews can be distinguished:

• Classic T-shaped, with a spiral. Not everyone can use such a corkscrew for wine, since in the process of removing the cork using this device, you need to make a lot of effort.
• Model with wings. The device is designed in such a way that even a woman can use it.
• Pump type device. Such a corkscrew is rarely used for wine, as it is impractical. Here, gas is pumped into the bottle through a needle, the pressure rises, and the cork gradually comes out.
• Gypsy corkscrew. Almost never used in practice, but ideal for old corks that remain intact after removal.
• Corkscrew-jack. Here the screw is inserted into the cork, after which it is necessary to lean on the neck of the bottle with the device and remove the cork.

The hardest corkscrew in the world

As a rule, a person is only shown once how to open a wine with a corkscrew, and in the future he has no problems. However, not everyone knows that in the world there is the most complex bottle opener in the world, designed by Rob Higgs. It is a huge mechanical corkscrew made of bronze, which is able not only to independently uncork a wine vessel, but also to pour wine into glasses.

Design includes 300 parts. Its height and length is one and a half meters, and its weight is 500 kg. The master worked on the creation of the device for 3 years, and then sold it at auction. The starting price was $32,000. After that, three more copies were createdsuch a lever corkscrew.

How to choose the right model?

Before you use a corkscrew from a well-known manufacturer, you must choose it correctly. That's the only way it will last for many years. So, when buying, you should:

• Estimate the spiral. It must be strong so as not to deform and remove the cork without problems.
• Pay attention to the degree of sharpening of the tip. It should slide easily into a cork, even a hard one, and be thin.
• Inspect the handle. It is important that this part is non-slip, preferably wooden. In some models, manufacturers make special notches for fingers, which ensures comfortable use.
• Pay attention to how thick the spiral is. If it is too thick, then the cork may break when the tip is screwed in. The thin coil bends under load.
• Familiarize yourself with the method of attaching the spiral to the handle. If these two parts are glued together, then such a corkscrew cannot be called reliable. The spiral should fit into the handle.

Quality product does not make extraneous sounds and does not creak, it works easily and quietly.

How to open bottles with different corkscrews?

How to use a corkscrew? It all depends on the model, but professional sommeliers use only 7 popular types in their work. Despite design differences, each of the models described below is suitable for opening any wine bottle.

Classic

The classic corkscrew is called a steel worm. The helical blade is rather short. Heattached to the handle strictly perpendicular. This design is the simplest and most inexpensive. However, this product has a significant drawback - it is quite difficult to open a bottle with it, because some effort must be made.

Instructions for use:

• The top of the bottle should be unwrapped.
• The device is screwed into the cork.
• The corkscrew is pulled out.

It is impossible to fully immerse the spiral part into the cork. It is advisable to leave at least one turn on the surface. Otherwise, the wood will begin to crumble and its particles will spoil the wine aroma and appearance.

Model with wings

This model is also called a butterfly or Charles de Gaulle. It is more advanced and comfortable to use. However, if the cork is heavily planted inside the bottle, it is not always possible to get it with such a device.

How to use a corkscrew with wings?

• Insert the tip of the device into the center of the vessel. In this case, the handles of the device should be directed down along the neck on both sides.
• Next, you need to hold the bottle very firmly with your left hand, and pull the corkscrew handle up with your right hand. In this case, the wings will begin to rise smoothly.
• When the handles reach the top point, the vessel is placed vertically and slowly lowered, which will lead to the cork rising.

When using a butterfly corkscrew to open bottles, it is important to remember not to press hard on it.

Sommelier knife

As a rule, such a device is used by professional bartenders.

Instructions for use:

• The foil from the cork and the capsule located at the top of the vessel are cut with a special blade.
• The corkscrew is screwed in the center, leaving only one curl on the outside.
• The design rests on the neck of the bottle with the first step of the corkscrew. Next, you should press on it like a lever.
• The first step changes to the second, pressure is put on the cork again and it comes out.

Pros recommend that at the last stage of using such a corkscrew, wrap the bottle with a towel and pull out the cork tree with your hands.

Screw

To the question of how to open wine with a screw-type corkscrew, it should be said that when using such a device, a person will not have to exert any physical effort. That is why representatives of the weaker sex choose this model of a corkscrew for themselves. The screw model can easily open any wine bottle.

Here you should put the device on the neck of the vessel so that the spiral knife is in the very center of the cork. After that, the handle located at the top of the device rotates until the bottle is uncorked.

Pneumatic

Pneumatic corkscrew is new. However, in the Russian market it can be found quite rarely. This model is actively used by professional foreign sommeliers.

The peculiarity of such a device is that itworks almost by itself. So:

• The central needle of the device must be inserted into the middle of the cork.
• Then you need to pump the piston as in a small hand pump, or press a special button.

In this case, air will flow through the needle into the bottle, which will push the cork out. Outwardly, such a corkscrew bears little resemblance to previous models, it looks more like a thick medical syringe. Sometimes it is called pump-action.

Gypsy corkscrew

This device has an unusual shape, as it is equipped with an oval handle, and two very strong and thin needles are placed at its end. They must be stuck into the cork, so that later it can be easily pulled out with twisting movements. The gypsy corkscrew has another name - the butler's friend.

With the help of this device almost any wine bottles are opened, regardless of their age.

It used to be that dishonest businessmen used such a corkscrew to open elite drinks, then, instead of expensive wine, they poured cheap alcohol and easily clogged the vessels back. However, at the moment no one knows if this is true or not.

But the fact remains. With the help of a gypsy corkscrew, you can very quickly get even the most fragile and old cork.

Electric

Progress does not stand still, and today everyone can buy an electric corkscrew. Such a device appeared on store shelves recently. However, he immediately became popular. The model differsonly compact size and attractive appearance, it is very easy to use. All you need is to press two buttons in turn, which are located on the device. First, the electric corkscrew must be leaned against the central part of the cork.

In order for the device to work smoothly and properly, it must be charged from time to time or take care of replacing the batteries. It all depends on the manufacturer. The model comes with instructions that help the user figure out what's what.

This corkscrew model is the most popular among professional bartenders and waiters. Thanks to its use, a person can significantly save time. It also doesn't require much effort, allowing you to comfortably open a large number of wine bottles.

Electrical device can be used not only to open vessels with wine. It can be used to uncork liquor and cognac containers. After all, world producers of high quality alcohol pour their products into securely sealed vessels.

Electric, pump and lever corkscrew models are ideal for home use. It is very convenient to use them. They are affordable and do not take up much space in the kitchen.

Professional sommeliers do not think about how to open a bottle with a corkscrew, but use pump and electric devices, as well as a gypsy corkscrew in their practice.