What is a Coravin?
The Coravin wine preservation system is an easy-to-use tool that allows small amounts of wine to be poured without requiring you to open a bottle conventionally, i.e., there is no need to remove the cork. Coravin wine by the glass systems, to give them their full name, work by replacing the wine you pour out of the bottle with a neutral gas, Argon.
Coravin has fast become the wine preservation tool for wine experts and enthusiasts, having helped fill the world’s wine glasses for over ten years. Far from an exclusive for wine buffs and sommeliers, it is a must-have for all wine lovers. It saves you a fair amount of money by removing the idea of wasted wine from your lives, but it also heightens your drinking pleasure. Whether you only want to enjoy a glass of wine, or you’re a white wine lover in a room of red aficionados, Coravin is the simple and obvious answer.
How does a Coravin work?
The Coravin wine opener is a stainless-steel contraption which upon first look may be confused with a technical bottle opener. The big difference is that instead of the corkscrew mechanism, it boasts a distinctive, large needle. This long needle is inserted through the foil and cork and uses pressurized argon gas to allow the wine to flow out the spout. As much or as little wine as you like to extract in a smooth and pleasing pour, the remaining space is then automatically replaced with this Coravin gas (or carbon dioxide for sparkling wines) from a little replaceable cylinder screwed into the system.
When the needle is removed, the springy cork reseals itself, leaving only a small pinprick in the foil as the only trace of use. Coravin has a system with an even thinner needle, designed specifically for old or vintage wine and its less pliable corks.
Coravin systems have a solid construction and a sleek look. The Coravin technology is used by wine professionals internationally and has been championed by wine luminaries such as Jancis Robinson MW and Oz Clarke.
What are in the Coravin capsules?
The replaceable Coravin Pure Capsules include a noble, non-reactive gas called Argon. The Coravin will help preserve the wine by extracting wine and replacing the dead space with an inert gas that blankets the wine and prevents wine oxidation that could prematurely spoil the wine. Each Coravin capsule will allow you to pour up to fifteen 150ml glasses with the Timeless system or twenty 150ml with the Pivot system.
The innovative Coravin Sparkling includes CO2 instead, which not only preserves the wine but helps to maintain the bubbles in sparkling wine.
When to use a Coravin?
There are a range of great reasons and occasions to use a Coravin system:
To enjoy a glass without committing to the entire bottle
It’s perfect for when you want to enjoy a glass of wine from an expensive or aged bottle without committing to the entire bottle. This works just as well at home with your collection as it does in bars and restaurants which place fine wines on the ‘by the glass’ lists without the previous fear of wastage just a few days after opening.
To keep an eye on your wine collection
For those of you who enjoy collecting wines for ageing, it is a perfect way to check on the ageing process of the wines without having to open a full bottle. It’s now possible for regular checks for evolution and quality without depleting your stocks.
To host a dinner party with a wine crowd
Wine clubs and dinner party moguls alike can enjoy the ability to sample multiple wines in one sitting without worrying about having to finish off the full bottles each time.
Coravin Models
There are a few different models of Coravin that you can choose from and each has a different purpose depending on your needs:
Coravin Pivot: Best for everyday wines, with any type of closure, that can be enjoyed over a few days or weeks.
Coravin Timeless: Preserve for Years; best for wines with natural corks or screw tops that you want to last for months or even years.
Coravin Sparkling: Preserve Sparkling; best for keeping Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and Sparkling wines for up to 4 weeks.
Limited Edition: Furthermore, you can get your hands on one of the limited-edition collaborations such as the Keith Haring model, the same brilliant Coravin but with the distinctive recognisable works of Keith Haring patterned onto the device. Or the Gemstone collection, a sophisticated charcoal and gold model.
Evolving Models: Over the years the innovation of Coravin has been ongoing, meaning there have been numerous different systems released. Consumers can either keep up to date with the latest model or they can grab a great deal with one of the original models.
Accessories: You can also find different accessories for each Coravin model such as a case, Coravin aerator, and a base to hold the Coravin.
How to use a Coravin?
- Coravin works on all cork-sealed wines or cork-sealed sparkling with the Coravin Sparkling.
- Insert and align the SmartClamps over the neck of the bottle and push down firmly on the Handle in a fluid motion.
- Tilt the bottle until the spout is over the glass, and quickly press and release the trigger for wine pouring.
- The needle is self-cleaning once it comes back out of the cork!
- Place the wine bottle back into stable wine storage.
How to take care of your Coravin?
Coravin maintenance is remarkably easy. Regular Coravin cleaning involves running warm water through the spout after each use to prevent residue buildup. You can easily replace the needle if it becomes bent or dull, ensuring smooth wine extraction, and the replacement argon cylinders are widely available.
Like any other gadget, it’s important to store your Coravin in a cool, dry place to avoid any damage. Cases and stands are available as optional extras. Finally, regular inspection of the device for signs of wear or damage will help ensure a long life, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and part replacements.
What are the alternatives to Coravin?
There are, of course, several alternatives to the Coravin for wine preservation. The main benefit is that these are usually cheaper in terms of upfront cost, but lack the long-lasting benefits of what the Coravin offers.
The VacuVin Wine Saver
It uses a vacuum pump to remove air from the bottle, slowing oxidation. It’s affordable and simple to use, making it popular among casual wine drinkers, but only extends the life of the wine by a matter of days.
Explore The VacuVin Wine Saver
The Eto Wine Decanter
It works by removing the air that has access to the wine and can extend the life of the wine by a couple of weeks. The drawback is that the wine has to be removed fully from the bottle.
For sparkling wines, specialized stoppers retain carbonation and prevent spoilage, but once again this will only extend the wine’s life for a matter of days.
Our Conclusion:
There are plenty of occasions in your wine-loving-life where you will need a wine preservation tool. Whether you just want the odd glass, or perhaps you and your partner want a different style or different color, or you have been eyeing up that bottle and waiting for the perfect occasion with friends but just can’t resist a little sip. In our Coravin review, we find that the Coravin system has revolutionized this issue and is a must for any household of wine lovers. Its compatibility with various wine types and ease of use make it an essential tool for wine enthusiasts looking to enhance their wine experience and manage their collection effectively.
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Coravin Sparkling
£379.00 -
SALE
CORAVIN Standard Needle
£23.50 -
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SALE
CORAVIN Vintage Needle
£23.50
Frequently asked questions
1. What is a Coravin and how does it work?
Coravin is a wine preservation system that lets you pour wine without removing the cork. It uses a thin needle to access the wine and argon gas to replace the poured liquid, preventing oxidation. This keeps the rest of the wine fresh for weeks, months, or even years, depending on the model.
2. Why should I use a Coravin?
Use Coravin to enjoy a single glass without opening the full bottle, sample aged wines, or offer multiple wines at a dinner party. It’s ideal for collectors and casual drinkers alike who want to preserve wine quality and avoid waste.
3. Which Coravin model should I choose?
- Pivot: For everyday wines, keeps them fresh for weeks
- Timeless: For long-term preservation (months/years)
- Sparkling: For Champagne and sparkling wines (up to 4 weeks)
Choose based on your wine habits and preferences.
4. How do I maintain my Coravin?
Rinse the spout with warm water after use, store it in a dry place, and check the needle for wear. Replace the argon capsules as needed. Maintenance is easy and ensures long-term performance.
This Blog post is updated and written by Mike Turner
Freelance wine writer, presenter and judge
Mike is a regular contributor for The Buyer magazine and is a certified educator and ambassador for Bordeaux, Rioja, Ribera Del Duero, Barolo and Barbaresco, running trade and consumer events across the UK from his base in the East Midlands.
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