All about corkscrews

People needed the corkscrew when they began to distribute wine not in barrels, but in bottles. Today wines are corked in different ways, and on sale you can find corkscrews that are structurally different from each other. What models are there, and how to choose them, we will tell you in this article.

A corkscrew is a screw-type structure with a handle or ring at the end for pulling corks out of bottles. Many call him that - "corkscrew".

The sommelier in the restaurant tells the guest about the wine and opens the bottle with the help of a special device. At this time, the container must be turned with the label towards the customer. Old wine is uncorked only on the table so that the sediment subsides.

Our ancestors kept the produced wine in barrels. To this day, in addition to bottling, barrel storage is also used. When there were no bottles, wine was served to the table in large jugs, and then it was poured into portioned containers.

Since the 17th century, the wine trade has become widespread. They began to use glass bottles, into the neck of which pieces of cork material were inserted. Opening such containers was a big problem.

In 1681, a “steel worm” device was used to uncork bottles. It was invented on the basis of pyzhovnik - a screw product for removing wad from a firearm. Quite quickly, it got the name that has come down to our days - "wine screw". For the next 100 years, the invention became the only device that allowed removing corks from bottles. During this time, the corkscrew has become widespread, it has firmly entered every home and has become an integral part of kitchen utensils.

The first patent relating to the improvement of the wine screw was granted to a professor at the University of Oxford Samuel Henshall in 1795. He added a metal disc limiter to the spiral. This stop made it easier to uncork the bottles. In 1860 M. Byrne was granted a patent for a T-shaped corkscrew with a wooden handle.

Since then, 350 patents have been issued for improvements to the corkscrew design. In 1883, the German inventor Karl Winke patented the sommelier knife, the so-called professional waiter's corkscrew, without which no restaurant can do today. It easily opens short and long plugs, folds compactly, fits into a pocket.

In 1979, at the request of his wife, Herbert Allen came up with the most convenient corkscrew, covering the metal screw with a Teflon layer. He named his invention Screwpull. The tool is completely safe and requires no effort. These qualities were especially appreciated by women, because with its help any bottles of wine can be opened easily and without injuries. The only drawback of a corkscrew is its size. You cannot put such a tool in your pocket, so it is convenient to use it at home or in a bar, and waiters still use a sommelier's folding knife to serve guests in cafes and restaurants.

Nowadays, it is easy to buy any device for opening wine, even the most original one. But an unusual, antique copy can only be found in the arsenal of collectors. Recently, in the south of France in the Provence region in the city of Ménerbes, a corkscrew museum was opened. The exhibition includes more than a thousand old samples, the earliest of which date back to the 17th century, and the most expensive - to the time of Louis XVIII.

The desire to produce a corkscrew that opens the bottle with the least amount of effort has led to the invention of various product variants, many of which are not associated with the historical screw. For example, a pneumatic corkscrew pump or a tool that runs on electricity does not use the screw-in method to unseal wine.

For comfortable use in domestic conditions, corkscrews began to come up with all sorts of pleasant auxiliary little things: large products acquired a wall-mounted character, small ones were used in the form of talking key rings.

In addition to a simple design, a self-stretching corkscrew can be distinguished. There are several options for such mechanical types.

• Lever wine - which allows you to pull out the plug using the efforts of a simple lever. The famous sommelier knives belong to this type.

• Rotational wine - he screws himself into the cork and removes it by unscrewing it back. An example of this kind is Herbert Allen's instrument.

• Champagne corkscrew - the design has a rod with a flat hollow channel through which gas is removed from the bottle, preventing a "shot", after which the cork can be easily removed.

The model is made on the basis of an old corkscrew "steel worm". She uncomfortable, takes effort. As it enters the material, it crumbles it, clogging up the wine. A tight plug can break, and then it will be very difficult to pull it out. Despite the flaws, The traditional corkscrew is very popular due to its low cost and can be found in virtually every home.

To open the bottle in the classical way, you need to clean the cork from the shell and screw the spiral into it. Having slightly loosened the cork, it is necessary to forcefully pull the corkscrew handle towards you (without unscrewing).

The model is also called Charles de Gaulle. Entering the cork, the screw gradually raises the levers upward, and the structure begins to resemble a butterfly with spread wings. The workflow is effortless. But if the cork is deep, the corkscrew will not cope with the task.

Wine is opened in the following way. A corkscrew with levers directed downward is placed on the cork. Holding the bottle, screw in the gimbal with the handle. At this time, the wings are gradually raised, when they reach the maximum position, both levers are simultaneously lowered down, removing the cork from the bottle.

A simple device that contains a gimbal, a handle and a stop. To open the bottle, the tip of the screw is placed in the center of the cork, and the corkscrew begins to screw in. It should not go in completely, but maintain a small gap between the plug and the handle. The handle is clamped in a fist so that the tip of the screw is between the clenched fingers. Holding the bottle firmly, slowly remove the cork.

Sommelier is the French word for the restaurant employees who are responsible for the wine list, tasting, explaining information and competent wine serving. One of the types of corkscrews contains all the professional qualities necessary for working with wine in a restaurant, therefore it is called the "sommelier's knife". With this device, the bottle opens easily and beautifully, the cork does not crumble into a drink. After use, the tool quickly and compactly folds, becomes absolutely safe and freely hides in a pocket.

The design consists of a screw, two stops, a miniature blade for releasing the neck from the capsule. The plug is removed silently without producing the expected pop.

To open the wine, you need to set the tip of the gimbal in the center of the cork and turn it once. Next, the screw is screwed in by means of the handle, it should enter vertically, without creating distortions. It is necessary to stop the movement at a time that will allow the last loop to remain free. Having installed the first notch on the neck of the bottle, use the handle to lift the cap. After repeating the same steps with the second notch, the lid easily leaves the wine.

The device is a self-priming vacuum pump, which instead of a screw contains a needle for pumping air into the bottle. The plug opens under high pressure without much effort. Restaurants do not use this corkscrew as the air changes the taste of the drink. It is especially not recommended to open expensive vintage wines with a pump device.

Using the corkscrew is easy: using a tiny knife mounted in the cap, the protective capsule is cut off. The cork is completely pierced with a needle. Then the corkscrew piston is pumped 5-6 times, after which the cork comes out of the bottle without hindrance.

The device is indispensable for old wine, when the closure material begins to deteriorate from time to time. This is the only corkscrew that does not enter the center of the cork or deform it. The gypsy device consists of two long plates inserted along the edges of the bottle, as if hugging the cork from both sides and removing it without breaking. This type of corkscrew was also called the "butler's friend" - it allowed the servants to feast on wine in the absence of the owners, then again close the bottle with an intact cork.

The device is used as follows: insert the blade between the wall of the bottle and the cork, gently press down, inserting the plates completely into the vessel. Then the structure is rotated until the cork leaves the bottle.

This is the most convenient tool for removing the cork from the bottle, since no effort is needed, everything is done automatically. You just need to install the device on the bottle and press the "down" button. The screw will automatically start to screw in. It is necessary to stop the device before the cork breaks through, otherwise its fragments can get into the wine. Then they press the "up" button, and in a moment the wine is already open.

The disadvantage of a corkscrew is its dependence on batteries, which can be conventional batteries or a rechargeable device. The design is easy to charge, many have a micro USB connector, and the charge is enough for many hundreds of bottles.

Today, manufacturers produce a large number of types of all kinds of corkscrews, sets and single options are offered. The abundance of tools can get confused and confused. To help you with your choice, we have prepared a list of the most popular models of wine corkscrews.

Reliable, inexpensive and durable metal corkscrew with wood inserts on the handle. It is a simple folding design of standard sizes with a weight of 150 g. It has a sharp blade, a high-quality screw that can withstand a heavy load, and a beautiful gift wrapping.

The elegant electric model, looks like a black tube, is able to free access to wine in just 6 seconds. The plastic, pleasant to the touch, has a durable shock-resistant structure. The product is equipped with a powerful mechanism, contains a knife for removing the capsule film.

The device not only opens, but also closes the plugs, it is enough to install it over the neck and press the button. During closing, a red warning indicator is on. The device has a battery with enough capacity for 70 bottles, then it must be charged. The fast charging function is enough for a dozen products.

Italian design, designed to remove soft plugs. Made of steel with cork elements. An auxiliary knife is provided on the bottle to release the protective film. The folded product is 16 cm long and packed in a nice box.

One of the best pump devices that quickly gained popularity among lovers of good wine and professionals, restaurant workers. The product has a stylish appearance, the black rubberized shell does not slip during the working moment. The device opens all kinds of traffic jams.

An electronic corkscrew effortlessly removes the cork. The set includes a knife to free the neck from the packaging film. The durable matt finish on the top of the appliance and the chrome-plated metal on the bottom look impressive. The model is resistant to mechanical stress, prevents slipping, has a strong spiral with a special coating that prolongs the service life.

Electric plastic corkscrew in silver color, complete with a convenient stand for vertical storage and a knife for removing the capsule from the bottle neck. The device is 28 cm long, has a diameter of 5.5 cm, and is capable of opening plugs of various sizes. The battery is designed for 60 bottles. The device is endowed with a strong motor, durable body and stylish design.

Gypsy corkscrew, designed for wines with long aging, is able to get even corks destroyed by time. It does not screw into the closure material, but wraps around it on both sides and gently removes it. The product copes well with modern corks.

Electric Spanish model, endowed with pleasant illumination, beautiful design. Internal parts are made of zinc alloy and external parts are made of steel and plastic. The indicator with a red light indicates that the plug has been twisted, and with a blue one - about twisting. Battery life on one charge is enough for 50 bottles. The model is complemented by a stand with a blade.

Lever corkscrew in a black plastic body with a red cutter on top of the device. The knife is protected and at the same time acts as a handle. The size of the device is 17 cm, it lifts the stopper by 4 cm. The great advantage of this type of product is a strong steel spiral with a Teflon coating, which facilitates easy and quick screwing in. Product compact, strong and durable, light weight.

Before choosing a corkscrew, you should know what is it for, and in what conditions it will be in demand. Perhaps someone is looking for a beautiful gift, or the purchase is being made for work, for home. If, due to your activity, you have to often open wine, choose a sommelier knife or the electric option. Working in the bar, in addition to the above-mentioned devices, you can purchase an overall, but very convenient screwpull corkscrew.

For hospitable hosts or wine connoisseurs, it is better to get an electric model or Screwpull for home conditions. Old wine collectors cannot do without a gypsy corkscrew.

When buying, you need to pay attention to a number of nuances.

• Metal... The product must be chrome-plated steel. Those who are willing to overpay can choose a more comfortable model with a Teflon coating, it does not crumble the cork when removing it from the bottle.
• Screw... Preference should be given to a gimbal of medium thickness. A thin version in a tight cork can be deformed, a thick drill crumbles the closure material.
• Sharpening... You need to pay attention to the tip of the screw, it should be sharp and thin, that is, well sharpened.
• Lever... It is more comfortable to work with a wooden handle, it is tactile and does not slip. Rubber alloys do not slip either, but metal has problems with this, you should choose corrugated options. In addition, the more comfortable the holder is in the hand, the less effort will have to be made in the process of opening the bottle.

Over the long years of its existence, the corkscrew has gathered around its "person" a lot of interesting facts, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with some of them.

• The famous collector D. Ballou has over 4000 wine bottle openers. He published a significant work - "The Big Book of Corkscrews" in which he collected a lot of interesting material on this topic.

• The butterfly corkscrew is also called "Charles de Gaulle". The famous French general had a habit of throwing up his arms wide when greeting, which made him look like a common type of corkscrew.

• Napoleon Bonaparte was a great lover of good wines, he advised his soldiers to take the drink as well. For this he issued an order, obliging every soldier to carry a corkscrew with them.

• Some vintage champagne corkscrews had a special dispenser - a tube with a cock screwed into the stopper. Thanks to him, it was possible to taste the drink before offering it to a dear guest.

• Opened in Milan in 1877 corkscrew collectors club.

• The most expensive wine openers are purchased at Christie's, which is organized for collectors twice a year. On it in 1997, a silver piece of the 18th century was purchased, for which they paid $ 30,000, as well as an 1842 corkscrew for $ 30,260.

• In 1979, Herbert Allen was awarded the title of USA Inventor of the Year... He came up with the idea of ​​covering the metal with Teflon, significantly reducing the coefficient of friction, which made the device the fastest and lightest of all available.

• In 1995, the fact was entered into the Guinness Book of Records opening eight bottles in just a minute with the Elegance corkscrew. The record was set in Orleans at the Salon of Gastronomy.

• Rob Higgs made the largest and heaviest corkscrew in the world. Its length was 150 cm, height - 165 cm, weight - 350 kg. The mechanical device was created from parts of old sewing machines, bells, fishing devices. It was enough to rotate the mechanism for the device to release the bottle from the cork and pour the wine into glasses.

For information on what types of corkscrews exist, see the next video.