Introduction
Are you ever confused about how to open different types of wine bottles, what proper wine table etiquette looks like, or why there are so many kinds of corkscrews? This article will walk you through how to open a bottle gracefully and effortlessly, as well as what to do when a cork breaks or crumbles.
1. Different Closures Require Different Types of Corkscrews
①Natural Corks
Most bottled wines use natural corks, agglomerated (composite) corks, or synthetic corks. As for the capsule, metal or plastic materials are the most common.
For natural cork closures, follow these steps:
Wipe the bottle clean, then use the small knife on a corkscrew to cut around the bottom edge of the capsule, just below the lip of the bottle.
Clean the rim with a cloth or paper towel, then position the tip of the corkscrew directly in the center of the cork. (If the screw goes in at an angle, the cork can easily break.)
Gently twist clockwise to insert the screw into the cork.
Use the first lever (or hinge) of the corkscrew to brace against the bottle’s lip, then lift the opposite end to steadily pull the cork upward.
When the cork is nearly out, stop pulling with the corkscrew.
Grip the cork with your hand and gently wiggle or twist it out to avoid the loud pop and make the opening more elegant.
Some people believe you can judge whether a wine has spoiled simply by smelling the cork. In reality, smelling the cork does not accurately reflect the wine’s quality. What you can assess from the cork is its condition—such as whether it is overly dry or damaged—which may indicate leakage or oxidation inside the bottle.
②Screw Caps and Fresh-Seal Closures
Screw caps have become increasingly common in recent years. To open a screw-cap bottle, simply hold the bottle steady with one hand and twist the cap with the other until it comes off.
Another closure you may encounter is a fresh-seal (peel-off) cap, which does not require any special tool—just peel it open.
③Sparkling Wine Closures
Champagne and sparkling wines use a different style of cork and do not require a separate corkscrew. However, extra caution is necessary when opening them because the pressure inside the bottle can cause the cork to “pop” out forcefully.
If you’ve just brought the sparkling wine home, avoid opening it right away. Chill it thoroughly first—this helps prevent the foam from overflowing.
How to Open a Bottle of Sparkling Wine
Hold the bottle at a slight angle—about 15°—with your left hand around the neck.
Use your right hand to remove the foil and gently loosen the wire cage by untwisting it.
Keep your hand firmly on top of the cork at all times to prevent it from shooting out.
You may also place a napkin over the cork for extra control.
Support the base of the bottle with your other hand and rotate the bottle slowly rather than twisting the cork itself. Holding the bottle slightly downward can help keep it stable.
When you feel the cork starting to push upward from internal pressure, gently tilt and ease it to one side to let a small amount of gas escape.
Then carefully lift the cork out with as little noise as possible.
II. What to Do If the Cork Breaks?
When a cork breaks, many people find themselves staring at a perfectly good bottle of wine but with no obvious way to open it. That’s why it’s useful to know a few simple methods to handle this situation.
Method 1: Use a Long Screw
- Find a long wood screw or metal screw.
- Press the tip of the screw gently into the center of the cork using your thumb—don’t force it too hard—then twist the screw so it drives deeper into the cork.
- Once the screw is inserted by at least a quarter inch (about 0.6 cm), pull the screw out together with the cork.
Method 2: Use a Sharp Knife
- Find a sharp, narrow knife with a longer blade and insert it about one inch (2.5 cm) into the cork.
- Twist the knife slowly and lift upward—the cork should begin to come out along with the knife.
Method 3: Break the Cork
If the first two methods fail and the cork cannot be removed in one piece, the last option is to break it apart.
Use a screw or similar tool to crush the cork and push it into the bottle. This will cause cork fragments to fall into the wine, so the wine must be strained before drinking.
You can filter the wine using coffee filter paper or a fine strainer to remove the cork pieces.
Conclusion
Opening a bottle of wine becomes much easier once you know which technique to use for each type of closure. Whether it’s a natural cork, a screw cap, or a sparkling wine stopper, the basic methods are simple and practical. Even when a cork breaks, you still have workable solutions—a long screw, a narrow knife, or, in the worst case, pushing the cork in and filtering the wine afterward.
FAQ
How do I know which wine opener to use?
Choose the opener based on the closure type: natural corks work best with a standard corkscrew, screw caps open by hand, and sparkling wines require careful handling of the wire cage and cork.
How can I prevent cork damage during storage?
Store wine bottles on their side to keep the cork moist, avoid heat exposure, and keep humidity around 50–80% to prevent cork drying or mold growth.
Can I drink wine with small cork pieces in it?
Yes, the wine is still safe. Simply filter it or pour slowly to keep the cork particles out of the glass.
