Stores
Magazine
We have gathered together the main wine accessories here, so that you can understand the use of each one and the importance of each one:
1) CAPSULE CUTTER
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Remove the capsule that surrounds the bottle's spout and the cork.
Before we can remove the cork, we need to remove the capsule that surrounds the spout and part of the neck of the bottle.
The accessory resembles a horseshoe and must be fitted onto the bottle's nozzle, pressed and turned.
The result will be a quick and precise cut in the capsule using the small steel wheels found on the inside of the utensil.
2) CORKSCREW
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Remove the cork from the bottle.
This one needs no introduction, as it is the most basic of wine accessories.
The best value for money ones are perhaps:
- Two-stage corkscrew: perhaps the most widely used in restaurants and by sommeliers. With this accessory, the cork is removed in two stages, adjusting two support points on the bottle's spout;
- Lever Corkscrew: As the spiral pierces the cork, its side 'arms' are raised. By lowering the arms simultaneously, the cork is removed.
There is also the electric corkscrew, which requires less effort.
3) THERMOMETER
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Accurately measure the temperature of the drink.
To enjoy everything that wine has to offer, both in terms of aromas and flavors, it is extremely important to serve it at the right temperature.
A thermometer can be useful for this purpose, however, it is a bit of an exaggeration to think that a certain wine will only be enjoyed if it is served at exactly 15 degrees, for example.
Sparkling wines - We can serve them very cold, in ice buckets if necessary.
White wines - Serve cold. Less cold than sparkling wines and colder than reds.
Red wines - Serve slightly chilled. If the glass fogs up, it is because it is colder than it should be.
Fortified and dessert wines - It depends on the style. Extremely sweet wines should be served at the same temperature as white wines. Dryer wines should be served at the same temperature as red wines.
4) AERATOR/OXYGENATOR
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Subject the wine to a greater quantity of air so that it evolves quickly and awakens its best aromas.
Contact with air accelerates the oxidation process of wines.
For some of them, exposure to oxygen for a certain period of time can be beneficial, as it awakens their best qualities.
5) DROP SAVER
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Prevent liquid from running down the bottle.
It takes a lot of skill to pour wine without letting a single drop spill. So if you don't have that skill, you'll need this type of ring that has an absorbent material on the inside. The ring is placed on the neck of the bottle and, if the liquid spills, it will be quickly absorbed. It's a very useful and hygienic item.
6) DECANTER
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Separate the lees from the drink and expose the wine to a greater amount of oxygen, allowing it to 'breathe' and develop.
A decanter is a glass container to which we transfer wine that was sealed in its original bottle, before serving it in glasses.
It's worth having a decanter at home.
7) GLASSES
WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
The glass is not simply used to drink wine. Its shape was designed with the following purposes in mind:
- The wide, oval glass has the perfect diameter so that, as the wine is swirled, it becomes oxygenated and expresses all its aromas;
- The stem, or foot, allows you to hold the glass without heating the drink and without leaving finger marks, avoiding compromising the visual analysis of the wine.
The material the glass is made from also influences the perception of the drink’s aromas and flavors.
Each style of wine has a suitable glass to serve it and, like the corkscrew, it is one of the most basic wine accessories.
8) BOTTLE CAPS
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Prevent oxygen circulation in the bottle and prevent possible odors from permeating the drink.
We often don't consume all the wine, leaving some left over that could easily be drunk at the next meal or the next day.
But it is essential to close the bottle well before storing it.
For some wines, it is possible to use the cork itself, however sparkling wine corks expand as soon as they are removed, so the solution to the problem is to place a special wine bottle cap.
9) VACUUM PUMP
WHAT IS IT FOR?
Close the bottle and remove all the air from inside.
It would be the most modern alternative to bottle caps and also the most effective.
This accessory, in addition to closing the bottle tightly, removes all air from the container, ensuring less oxidation of the remaining drink and increasing its shelf life with minimal loss of its characteristics.
10) COOLERS AND THERMAL BLANKETS
WHAT ARE THEY FOR?
Chill your drink faster and keep it cold longer.
The blanket, which usually has gel on the bottom, is placed in the freezer until it reaches the desired temperature. Then, it is wrapped around the bottle, quickly freezing it and maintaining the temperature for longer.
See all the Wine Accessories we have available for you here .