Wine lovers know that uncorking an old bottle of wine is a special, but also delicate, moment.
Aged wines can be exceptional on the palate, but opening them requires special care to avoid spoiling the precious contents. Oeni, a wine cellar management app available on iOS and Android, offers its step-by-step guide on how to uncork an old bottle of wine with care.
1. Preparation
Before even touching the cork, make sure the bottle of wine has been stored under the right conditions, ideally in a temperature- and humidity-controlled wine cellar. It's crucial to let the bottle rest upright for 24 hours before opening. This allows sediment to settle to the bottom of the bottle, avoiding the need to stir it up when uncorking.
2. Choice of corkscrew
The condition of the cork can vary considerably with the age of the wine. Cork stoppers can become brittle and crumble easily. For older bottles, the use of a blade corkscrew, also known as a "double-bladed sommelier's corkscrew", is recommended. This type of corkscrew allows you to remove the cork without piercing it, thus minimizing the risk of breaking it.
3. Removing the plug
Gently insert the two blades of the corkscrew on either side of the cork, between the cork and the neck of the bottle. Use gentle leverage and start pulling the cork upwards very slowly. If the cork starts to disintegrate, it may be best to filter the wine as you pour it, to avoid bits of cork in your glass.
4. Serve the wine
Once the cork has been removed, it's time to serve the wine. If sediment is present, it is advisable to decant the wine. This involves gently pouring the wine into a decanter, stopping before the sediment starts to run out of the neck. This operation not only separates the sediment, but also oxygenates the wine, releasing its complex aromas and flavors.
5. Enjoy with respect
Once you've taken care of opening and serving the wine, all that's left is to enjoy the fruit of the labor of winemakers who, often decades before, bottled what you're about to taste. Serve the wine at the right temperature, which generally varies between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius for most aged red wines, and enjoy it with a good dish for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Uncorking an old bottle of wine is an art that requires patience and precision. By following these steps, you'll maximize your chances of enjoying your wine to the full, while respecting its history and heritage. Whether it's for a special occasion or for the simple pleasure of discovering a wine from another era, every old bottle you open is a journey back in time and into the culture of winegrowing.
