It can be frustrating to encounter a stubborn wine cork that doesn’t want to come out. You don’t want to damage the wine or break the cork off in an attempt to dislodge it. You may have an older bottle of wine, a more fragile cork, or just a broken wine key that may warrant getting creative in how to remove the cork.
Here at The Wine Club Review, we are breaking down the top three strategies you need to know to safely remove wine corks without damaging the quality of the wine. These techniques and methods can save you the headache and disappointment of a tricky wine cork. We will also cover how to prevent a stuck cork and some of the top reasons why they happen.
Why Do Some Wine Bottles Have Screw Caps Instead of Corks?
Wine corks, and more modern screw-top bottles are both effective at preserving and protecting a bottle of wine. Corks have been used more traditionally due to their elastic ability to seal bottles effectively and fit the shape of the bottleneck. They can also let a small amount of air into the bottle to help the wine mature and develop. Corks are also cost-effective, but they require a corkscrew or wine key to remove them, and they can cause what is called cork taint when a chemical reaction occurs between the microorganisms in the cork and other substances that can ruin the wine.
Screw caps are effective at sealing wine bottles with an airtight seal and preventing air from getting into the bottle. This can prevent a wine from aging or developing the same way it can when corked, resulting in a different flavor profile. They might be easier to handle and don’t cause cork taint, but they can also impart a metallic flavor and are not biodegradable.
Many consumers feel that wine sealed with a cork is better quality, not only due to aesthetics but also because it has better aging quality and ability. Wine corks and caps are ever-evolving in their technologies and materials. Choosing the best one for you will depend on how long you want to age it, what you prefer to use, and which wine closures are available.
What Causes a Cork to Become Stuck in a Bottle?
Many factors can cause a cork to deteriorate or be challenging to remove from a wine bottle. From the storage conditions to how the bottles are positioned for aging to temperature fluctuations and the types of wine, these can all impact cork health and longevity. Here are a few:
Improper Storage Causes Expansion
Improperly storing wine bottles can cause issues with removing the wine cork. If stored standing up, the cork can dry out and shrink, bonding to the neck of the bottle. When the cork is drier, it is also easier to crack and break apart when handling, making it harder to remove.
Horizontal Positioning Deteriorates Cork
Usually, you want to store your bottles horizontally, but over time, this can lead to a deteriorated cork as it swells with the liquid. It is best practice to store wine horizontally and at the right humidity for the wine type. Humidity dramatically impacts how a wine matures and the amount of air that can pass through the cork, imparting different flavors.
Temperature Fluctuations Affect Integrity
When wine is stored at fluctuating temperatures that change frequently, wine corks deteriorate. Higher temperatures expand the cork, causing it to move or air to seep out. As it cools, the cork contracts and can create a vacuum that pulls air back into the bottle. Over time, this damages the wine quality and the cork’s integrity.
Wine Sediment Creates Adhesion
During aging, sediment and crystallization will accumulate around the cork and throughout the bottle. The tartrate crystals on the cork can make it more difficult to remove and make the cork stick to the bottle. Extra care should be exercised to remove these. The sediment and crystals don’t affect the wine taste, but you can always filter them out if you want them removed.
3 Best Strategies for Getting a Cork Out of a Wine Bottle
Let’s examine three practical ways to remove a stubborn cork to minimize the risk of breaking off the cork or contaminating the wine during the process. Each method works a little differently and can be adapted to the age and condition of the wine and cork:
Traditional Corkscrew
A traditional corkscrew can be the best option in some situations. To most effectively remove the cork, insert it at a 45-degree angle with low pressure and use the bottleneck as leverage to ease the cork out gently. This method can work well if the cork isn’t too dry or damaged. It is also helpful in retrieving a broken cork if it isn’t too far down the neck.
Ah-So Cork Puller
The Ah-So is a fabulous device that is incredibly useful for removing older, more fragile corks. It uses prongs that grab around the cork instead of piercing it. This lets you remove a tricky cork without breaking it or crumbling pieces into the wine. The prongs are inserted between the bottle and the cork, and the bottle is gripped tightly as the Ah-So gently twists and pulls to release the cork. Many sommeliers prefer this tool for well-aged, older bottles of red wine.
Pumped Air Cork Removal
A pumped air cork remover uses pressure to remove wine corks to protect and preserve a bottle of wine and prevent cork pieces from falling into the wine. A needle is inserted into the cork, and air is pumped three to seven times into the bottle. The cork will begin to move and slide out on its own. This method is very useful for brittle or older corks that are difficult to remove otherwise.
Tips for Preventing Cork Getting into the Wine Bottle
Dealing with pieces of cork in your wine can be frustrating, especially when they contaminate a special bottle or premium wine that has been aging for some time. Here are some top tips for preventing cork breakage:
Use Proper Corkscrews
Use quality corkscrews that function well and are easy to operate to prevent breakage. Look for one with a sharp worm that easily pierces the cork and in a design you are comfortable with. You can opt for a traditional corkscrew, a combination wine key, an electric opener, or any other device that you find works best for you.
Insert Corkscrew Correctly
To avoid breakage, insert the corkscrew straight into the cork at a 90-degree angle. Inserting it at an angle can cause the cork to split or crumble. You want to turn the corkscrew clockwise until it’s fully extended or to a depth of an inch to an inch and a half. Gently remove the cork. If it does break, reinsert the corkscrew at a 45-degree angle to remove the remaining portion.
Handle Old Bottles Carefully
Older bottles require more gentle handling. The corks can be more fragile, and you don’t want to compromise the quality of the wine. To remove these corks, use a device like an Ah-So cork puller. These use two prongs to insert between the cork and the bottle to remove the cork without piercing it. This reduces the chances of getting cork into the wine itself.
Store Bottles Properly
How bottles are stored will greatly impact the health and quality of the cork. Store wine bottles on their sides to keep the cork in contact with the wine. This will keep the cork from drying out and shrinking, which will impact the amount of air that can get into the wine. Certain types of wine also need different temperatures and humidity levels to age well, affecting the cork and the seal of the wine.
Which Tools Can Be Used to Get Out a Cork from a Wine Bottle?
There are many tools available for removing corks from wine bottles. From traditional corkscrews and wine keys to more modern electric openers, there is something for every wine drinker. Electric openers are convenient and easy and don’t require any finesse or technique.
A waiter’s friend, or wine key, is a traditional option and is usually the preferred cork removal device in restaurants and stores. They typically have a foil cutter and a two-step fulcrum to make it easier to remove the cork gently without having to twist it and risk breaking it. These are all ideal options for traditional wine bottles that are not too old or fragile, and the cork is in great condition.
You may want a more specialized tool depending on the wine’s age and the cork’s condition. For older and more fragile corks, choose a device like the Ah-So cork puller or an air pressure device to reduce the risk of contamination or breaking the cork. Depending on how long the bottle of wine is open, you may also want a removal device that doubles as a preservation system or removes the cork in one piece so it can be recorked to enjoy later.
Bottom Line
When faced with a stubborn or frustrating stuck cork, there are several ways to help remove it. You will want to consider the age of the cork, how fragile it is, and which tool will be the best option for the job. Specialized tools like the Ah-So, an air pressure cork removal device, and a corkscrew are great options for protecting valuable wines from broken, crumbly, or split corks.
In addition to these tools, proper handling and storage techniques will help preserve the cork’s integrity and make it easier to remove, ensuring a more enjoyable wine-drinking experience while avoiding the common pitfalls of cork breakage and contaminated wine. Visit the Wine Club Review blog for more tips and great wine suggestions.
FAQs
How do you safely remove a cork with a knife?
You can carefully insert a knife into the cork and work it through by applying light pressure. Once inserted, twist gently back and forth with a slight pull to work it out of the bottle. Serrated knives work best, and if you can’t get them to budge, try twisting the bottle instead of the knife to loosen it and remove the cork.
Is it safe to push the cork into the bottle?
You can safely push a cork into a wine bottle without removing it. Corks should not affect the flavor or quality of the wine. If you do have some small pieces of cork in the wine, you can pour it with a cheesecloth filter to remove it before pouring it into a wine glass.
How do you remove synthetic corks without a corkscrew?
If the cork is made from plastic, you should be able to hold onto the cork and twist the bottle itself. Use a cloth or towel to get a better grip and to help release the pressure. If it doesn’t work, you can always use a spoon or other flat object to push the cork into the bottle or use a lighter to heat the neck of the wine bottle and release some of the pressure.
How do you extract a cork that’s fallen into the wine?
Usually, if the cork has fully fallen into the wine, it can still be poured without affecting the quality of the wine. You can pour around it, using a utensil if needed to push it to the side, or you can use some cheesecloth to pour through to ensure no pieces of cork come out.
How do you remove a cork without damaging the wine?
To remove a wine cork without damaging the wine, make sure to use a corkscrew made for wine and gently insert the screw fully into the cork. Removing it too roughly or twisting the cork can cause it to break and leave cork debris in the wine. Take extra care with older or more delicate corks.
