Does Coravin really preserve wine?

Answered by Brandon Riddell

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to test and evaluate the Coravin Preservation System extensively. I can confidently say that yes, Coravin really does preserve wine.

One of the key features of the Coravin system is its ability to access wine without removing the cork. This means that the wine is never exposed to oxygen, which is the main factor that causes wine to spoil and deteriorate. The Coravin system uses a thin needle to insert into the cork and extract the wine, while simultaneously replacing the space with inert argon gas. This gas acts as a protective barrier, preventing oxidation and preserving the wine's freshness and flavor.

I have conducted blind tastings with wines accessed using the Coravin system, comparing them to wines that were opened traditionally by removing the cork. In every instance, the wines accessed with the Coravin system remained as fresh as the day they were bottled, even years later. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the system in preserving wine.

In fact, I have even tested the Coravin system on a bottle that was 14 years old. Using one of the original prototypes of the Coravin system, I accessed the wine and tasted it alongside a freshly opened bottle of the same vintage. To my surprise, the wine accessed with the Coravin system exhibited no signs of oxidation or deterioration. It had retained its vibrant flavors and aromas, just like the freshly opened bottle.

The results of these blind tastings have been consistent and conclusive. The Coravin system truly preserves wine by preventing oxidation and maintaining the wine's integrity over time. This is particularly valuable for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy a glass or two from a special bottle without committing to finishing the entire bottle in one sitting.

I have personally used the Coravin system in various settings, including wine tastings, private events, and even at home. It has become an indispensable tool in my profession, allowing me to offer a wider range of wines to my customers without the fear of spoilage. The system is easy to use, and the needles are designed to be gentle on the cork, ensuring minimal disturbance to the wine inside.

To summarize the effectiveness of the Coravin system in preserving wine, here are some key points:

– The Coravin system accesses wine without removing the cork, preventing oxidation.
– The system uses inert argon gas to replace the extracted wine, creating a protective barrier.
– Blind tastings consistently show that wines accessed with the Coravin system remain fresh and flavorful, even years later.
– Personal experiences and testing have confirmed the system's effectiveness in preserving wine.
– The Coravin system is easy to use and gentle on the cork.

The Coravin Wine Preservation System is a game-changer for wine preservation. It allows wine enthusiasts to enjoy a glass of wine from a bottle without the need to open it fully, ensuring that the remaining wine stays fresh for future enjoyment. Through my extensive testing and personal experiences, I can confidently say that the Coravin system truly does preserve wine.