Discover how to use a Coravin, the ultimate wine-preservation tool, to enjoy your favorite wines without committing to the whole bottle and keep them fresh for weeks or even years.
Have you ever cried a little inside while pouring a half-finished bottle of wine down the drain that has gone bad? Do you have some special bottles tucked away that you wish you could taste without opening the whole bottle? You, my friend, need a Coravin in your life.
Before getting a Coravin myself, I wasn’t sure what all the hype was about. I thought only really fancy wine snobs needed a $200+ wine gadget. I am not ashamed to say I had it all wrong. Check out my first impressions after unboxing my Coravin Model Five.
What is a Coravin?
The Coravin is a wine-preservation tool that allows you to pour a glass of wine without removing the cork from the wine bottle.
Whether you’re just getting into wine or you’re a seasoned pro, the Coravin is an awesome tool that lets you explore lots of wines without wasting any. It’s a money-saver and makes it easy to enjoy wine over time.
How Does the Coravin Work?
The Coravin has a small needle that seamlessly pierces through the cork and allows you you inject argon gas that is stored in a small canister in the Coravin. The argon gas displaces the oxygen (the enemy of wine) in the bottle and protect the wine from spoilage. Now, you can pour as little or as much wine as you want from the bottle. After you remove the needle, the cork reseals itself! It’s really like magic!
Did you know? Cork has an incredible ability to reseal itself after being compressed! Made from the bark of the cork oak tree, its cellular structure is like a natural sponge. You can see in this picture, just how small the Coravin puncture hole is!
Using a Coravin for the First Time
Setting up and using the Coravin for the first time is very simple and you’ll have your wine poured in just seconds.
- Insert the argon capsule into the chamber and screw until you hear a pop.
- Remove the foil to expose the cork and clean if needed.
- Align the needle over the cork and press down firmly.
- Tilt the bottle over your glass and press the trigger to pour.
- Pull the Coravin straight up to remove the needle; the cork will reseal.
How Long Will the Wine Last After Using the Coravin?
The of the best things about the Coravin is how it keeps your wine fresh for a long time. When used properly, a bottle can stay good for weeks, months, or even years. Realistically, I use my Coravin to enjoy wines over a few days or weeks. It’s rare that use it to keep a bottle for much longer than that.
It works by keeping oxygen out and using Argon gas to protect the wine. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Sparkling Wines: The standard Coravin system is not suitable for sparkling wines, but the Coravin Sparkling model can preserve sparkling wines for up to two weeks.
- Natural Corks: For wines sealed with natural corks, the cork reseals itself after the needle is removed, preserving the wine’s freshness and flavors for an extended time. Proper storage (cool, dark, and horizontal) is essential to maintain quality.
- Synthetic Corks: The Coravin is not as effective with synthetic corks, as they don’t fully reseal. For these wines, it’s best to consume them within a few days after Coravin use.
With the right care and storage, you can confidently come back to your favorite wines months or even years later, knowing they’ll still taste just as they should.
Will My Wine Taste Different After Using the Coravin?
The Coravin keeps your wine fresh by stopping oxygen from getting into the bottle. For most people, wine poured with a Coravin tastes just as good as if the bottle had never been opened, even months or years later. The founder even ran a 14-year blind tasting, comparing wines accessed with the Coravin to untouched bottles, and found no big differences in taste, smell, or quality.
Some users have noticed issues like their wine tasting a bit off or oxidized after using the Coravin. These problems usually come down to factors like:
- Improper Storage: After Coravin use, the bottle should be stored upright for at least 24 hours to allow the cork to fully reseal. Failure to do so can let oxygen seep in.
- Synthetic Corks: Synthetic corks do not reseal like natural corks, so wine from these bottles may spoil faster after being accessed.
- Old or Faulty Corks: Older or damaged corks may not reseal as effectively, potentially compromising the wine.
Tips to Prevent Spoilage:
The Coravin is a great tool for preserving wine, but knowing its limits and how to use it right will help you get the best results
- Choose Bottles Carefully: Use the Coravin on wines with high-quality natural corks for the best results.
- Store Properly: Always store wine in a cool, dark place, and let the cork reseal upright before placing the bottle on its side.
- Inspect the Cork: If the cork appears dry, brittle, or damaged, the wine may not preserve well even with the Coravin.
- Use Fresh Argon Capsules: Ensure your gas capsules are full and properly installed to avoid incomplete pressurization. Note that the capsule do have expirations dates printed on them.
General Tips for Coravin
Taking these simple steps will keep your Coravin functioning smoothly and extend its lifespan, ensuring your wine preservation stays hassle-free!
- The Coravin only works on natural corks. If you have wines with synthetic corks, you’ll just have to open those bottles normally.
- You should remove the foil cap on the bottle before inserting the needle although I have heard many people don’t without issue.
- You should leave the bottle upright for 24 hours to allow the cork to reseal before properly storing the wine on its side.
- After each use, flush the needle and spout with Argon gas to prevent clogs, rinse the spout with warm water, and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth; for regular users, consider a monthly deep clean using the Coravin cleaning kit.
- Coravin also offers other preservation tools for screw cap closure and sparkling wine as well.
How Much Does the Coravin Cost?
Coravin systems start at about $150 for the Timeless Three Plus model and go up to over $500 for premium models and bundles. The main difference between the older and newer models is the SmartClamps technology, which makes it easier to attach and remove the device from the bottle. It’s a nice convenience, but it doesn’t change how the Coravin works, so any model you choose will get the job done.
Just remember, the Argon gas capsules are key to making the Coravin work. They last for about 15 glasses of wine, and a pack of three costs around $35. If you’re planning to use it a lot, you can save money by buying larger bundles.
Is the Coravin Worth the Price?
Absolutely! The Coravin has been a total game-changer for me, especially while studying for the WSET Diploma and tasting a ton of wine samples. It’s also perfect for those times when I just want one glass of wine. My partner is more into spirits and beer (though he has a great palate), so I don’t want to open a full bottle I won’t finish. It’s saved me from dealing with several open bottles at once and the heartbreak of pouring spoiled wine down the drain. Now, I can explore wines without worrying about waste!
Final Sip
The Coravin is truly a game-changer for wine lovers. Whether you’re exploring new bottles, hosting tastings, or simply enjoying a glass without committing to the whole bottle, this innovative gadget ensures your wine remains fresh. Say goodbye to wasted wine and hello to endless tasting possibilities! Get your coravin here.
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