The Durand Corks Crew

Product Information

This instrument combines the technology of a corkscrew with an awl, making it the perfect tool for all wine lovers who want to open their old bottles without damaging the cork.

With BLADES on either side of STABILIZER BAR, insert first the “long” then “short” BLADE between the cork and bottle. For wine enthusiasts, it’s a great way to do comparative tastings or enjoy just a taste of a specific wine without committing to a full bottle. While the initial price is hefty, note that it allows you to work through more special bottles without opening the full thing. (Though, the cost of refilling canisters can get pricey.) If your wine-drinking situations are more everyday and straightforward, then this expensive product isn't for you. Fold the opener down and place the lower of the double-jointed metal arms on the edge of the bottle. Use that leverage to get the cork about halfway out of the bottle. If you fail to report the damage to us within the 48 hour period, a successful claim is not guaranteed but we will always look for a suitable solution.

For many of us, we have learned the hard way that even when wines are stored in the most ideal conditions, corks can become brittle with age. This is a common occurrence with older bottles and a broken or damaged cork is not indicative of an issue with the quality of the wine, so special tools have been developed to aid in removing old corks without damage. The Durand is the only tool you’ll need! A wine key is that other tool that is just so essential to us as bartenders,” says Rochelle Tougas, general manager of FM Kitchen & Bar in Houston. “This is my favorite wine key I’ve ever owned." HIGH-QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: Constructed using die-cast metal for the handle and cover and premium solid steel for the prongs. An old wine has spent decades quietly evolving in its bottle, waiting for its moment on stage. To not give it the opportunity to fully express itself is a disservice not only to the wine, but to you and your guests.

There’s a misconception that the more expensive, gadgety corkscrews are easier and better, but that’s rarely the case for me," says Goddu. "Use whatever’s easiest for you, but for me, that’s my trusty wine key.” Generally speaking, classic corkscrews are made of stainless steel. While some are made from plastic, those will break sooner than their stainless steel counterparts. Electric or fancier models are usually a combination of the two materials. We recommend stainless steel or a hybrid for longevity. Screw HELIX into center of cork until STABILIZER BAR rests against top of cork (or bottle). Watch the video for Step 1. The best waiter’s corkscrew versions are the variations with a hinged leg or boot lever, or alternately, models with two boot levers,” says Vayda. “This allows you to start at the hinge or smaller leg and finish opening with the entire lever, giving more leverage at the beginning of the process."Instead of completely removing the cork, the Coravin wine system is outfitted with a Teflon-coated wine needle that sails through the cork and allows you to remove a glass of wine at a time (without airing out the whole bottle). “The system helps me cherish special bottles of wine for a really long time, seeing how they change and evolve," says Acheson. Melissa L. Smith, founder of Enotrias Elite Sommelier Services , shares that one of her favorite wine openers is The Durand. “It is used to open very old library wines that have very fragile corks, so it is a great option for wine collectors,” she says. During our extensive real-world tests, we evaluated the form, function, durability of components, and features of a total of 13 manual and electric corkscrews, including winged and lever-style models. Our testing process included opening bottles of wine by cutting the foil, uncorking, and removing the cork. Our selections are based on the following metrics: ease of use, comfort, performance, and value. For older bottles, the corks are too fragile to be pulled by the spiral-type puller, so only the two-prong one will do. Using this type of puller properly takes a little practice, but once you master the technique, you will love it!”

The best corkscrew that Luke Slater, founder of The Cask Connoisseur , recommends is the OXO Steel Lever Corkscrew. “This wine opener is made of stainless steel for durability and features a comfortable handle.”This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy.

Between writing about wine for the past seven years and being half French, Céline Bossart has opened more bottles than she can count. Her preferred corkscrew is a classic waiter’s friend, and she may or may not have taken Wynkoop’s lead in buying a mixed bulk bag from the TSA.As a wine lover, you know that opening a bottle of wine can sometimes be a challenge, especially if the cork is old and brittle. A corkscrew is an essential tool for any wine lover, but not all corkscrews are created equal. In this article, I will tell you all about wine corkscrews and help you find the perfect corkscrew for your needs. For a fairly straightforward purpose, there are countless types of corkscrews. Reflect on your preferences and how you intend to use it. If you want something portable for your personal use, screw pulls and wine keys work fine - unless you have arthritis (yikes). Whereas, for a party setting, electric and lever corkscrews will save you the hassle of entertaining each bottle. Ease of usage We appreciate how this corkscrew has been dependable during its years of service. Compared to our prior wine opener, the two-tiered fulcrum is a stroke of genius. Plus, we like the visual value added by the resin side panels. The cork container supplied with The Durand ® contains small magnets that could present a choking hazard to small children.