What is a Coravin?
Coravin is an easy-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, works 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?
Coravin 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 pressurised 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 argon 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 for specifically old or vintage wine and its less pliable corks.
Coravin systems have a solid construction and a sleek look. It 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 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 oxidation that could prematurely spoil the wine. Each Coravin capsule will allow you to pour up to fifteen 150ml glasses with the Timeless model or twenty 150ml with the Pivot model.
The innovative sparkling wine Coravin 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 Devices
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, aerators, 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 sparkling Coravin.
- Insert and align the smart clamps 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 to pour.
- The needle is self-cleaning once it comes back out of the cork!
- Place the wine bottle back into stable storage.
How to take care of your Coravin?
Looking after a Coravin is remarkably easy. Regular 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 preserving wine. 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, specialised 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 colour, or you have been eyeing up that bottle and waiting for the perfect occasion with friends but just can’t resist a little sip. For us, the Coravin system has revolutionised this issue and is a must for any household of wine lovers.
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Coravin Sparkling
£379.00
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CORAVIN Standard Needle
£23.50
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CORAVIN Vintage Needle
£23.50
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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