How to open a bottle of wine

Italian Sommelier step by step guide

Hello, this is Pier and Chiara, your Sommelier and Wine Country experts. After some years in California, we decided to return to Langhe to showcase the beauty of our countryside and home. For us, it is all about great stories and unforgettable flavors.

Opening a bottle of wine can be quite straightforward with the right tools and techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide to opening a bottle of wine using a traditional corkscrew (you won't need any other fancy electric opener or similar).

Materials you'll need:

A corkscrew (also known as a wine opener or wine key)
A wine bottle

Steps:

Preparation:
- Choose a suitable corkscrew. There are various types available, but a basic waiter's corkscrew is commonly used and works well.
Cutting the foil (optional):
- Some wine bottles have a foil covering the top of the cork. Use a small knife on your corkscrew or a dedicated foil cutter to remove the foil just below the lip of the bottle. This exposes the cork and makes it easier to insert the corkscrew.
Inserting the corkscrew:
- Open the corkscrew's lever (if it has one) and position the point of the screw at the center of the cork.
- Begin twisting the corkscrew clockwise, pushing the screw into the cork. Be sure to keep the corkscrew as straight as possible to avoid breaking the cork.
Screwing into the cork:
- Continue twisting the corkscrew until only one turn of the screw remains visible above the cork.
Leverage and pulling:
- If your corkscrew has a two-step lever, flip the lever down to rest on the lip of the bottle's opening. This will provide leverage.
- Gently pull up on the handle of the corkscrew, using the leverage to gradually ease the cork out of the bottle. Keep a firm grip on the bottle with one hand to prevent it from moving.
Removing the cork:
- Once the cork is partially out, you can use the leverage to fully extract it from the bottle. Keep pulling until the cork is free from the bottle.
Enjoying the wine:
- Congratulations, you've successfully opened the bottle! Wipe the neck of the bottle clean if necessary, and you're ready to pour and enjoy your wine.

Remember that practice makes perfect!

If you're new to opening wine bottles, it might take a few tries to get the technique down. If you encounter resistance while pulling the cork, take your time and use gentle, steady pressure to avoid breaking the cork or damaging the wine.

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