The Second Glass

The only real obstacle standing between you and getting that liquid gold out of the bottle and into your face is… a cork. Yes, you are correct– there are screw caps now (but that’s a separate article all together). As far as wine openers go, there are many options for different people, situations, and budgets. In the end, it’s most important to own a wine pull that you are comfortable with and, let’s face it, can operate without incident after imbibing a few glasses of Bordeaux.

Rabbit Pull

Let’s start with the Cadillac of wine pulls, the Rabbit Pull. The only smoother way to open a bottle of wine is to have your own personal sommelier. These pulls have come on the market recently and are nearly foolproof. The process is simple- pinch the plier-like handles around the neck of the bottle, push down on the plunger, and then pull out the cork. Even if you’re having a hard time getting the wine into the glass, this pull will be a cakewalk. Removing the cork from the screw is easier still, simply clamp the pull around the remaining cork and pull up on the plunger. The only down side to the Rabbit Pull is the fact that its size and weight doesn’t allow for travel, and the fact that they are five to ten times more expensive than other pulls. Also, beware of cheap imposters made of lesser quality materials. Spend some extra money, and you’ll have it for the rest of your life.

Ah-So

This pull slyly slips between the cork and the inside of the bottle removing the cork without a mark. It’s simple, small, and lightweight. This type of pull gives you the ability to put the cork back in the bottle, which gives it the nickname “The Dishonest Butler.” Take a swig of your grandfathers ‘64 Petrus, replace the cork, and no one will ever find out. At least not until he notices the foil is gone and the wine is spoiled, but those are merely details.

Waiter Pull

The waiter’s pull is, in my opinion, the best all-around corkscrew. It’s transport¬able, inexpensive, and will take care of any wine opening situation you might come across. The double-hinged pull comes complete with a small knife to cut the foil. It might be a little tricky to use at first, but it’s like riding a bike– once learned you will open bottles like a pro until arthritis or carpal tunnel sets in. If you can, get the waiter’s pull with the Teflon coated cork¬screw, which comes in handy with older or damaged corks. This is the corkscrew of choice in the bars and bistros of Paris. If you’re still not convinced, ask yourself this: would Serge Gainsbourg have used anything else?

Screw Pull

This style of pull is effective, but best kept as a backup. The bulky but sim¬plistic design makes it, in theory, easier to use than a Waiter’s Corkscrew, but to the screw pull can be a hassle. Insert the corkscrew into the cork and as you twist, the leverage wings will unfold. When the cork has been sufficiently maimed and the corkscrew cannot go down far any farther, push down on the wings and out comes the cork. At least that’s what is supposed to happen. In my experi¬ence, the cork eventually comes out, but not without some bits ending up in the bottle. This corkscrew will get the job done, but you may not want to rely on it for all your wine consumption needs.

Pushing the Cork In

A time will come when no bottle opening apparatus is available. Maybe you are on a picnic and forgot the opener. Maybe you just moved into a new place and can’t remember in which box you packed your kitchen supplies. Or maybe you are camping and a bear ate everything you own aside from a few bottles of vino. Now you have no choice but to push the cork into the bottle. The method is not very scientific; simply push the cork into the bottle. A Sharpie marker works well, but a stick, or even your thumb, will do just fine. even your thumb will do fine.