What is a wine keeper?

Answered by Rodney Landry

A keeper is a device that is designed to preserve opened bottles of wine by preventing oxidation. It does this by using nitrogen gas, which is inert and will not react with the wine, to create a protective barrier between the wine and the air. This helps to maintain the wine's flavor, aroma, and overall quality for a longer period of time.

One of the key benefits of a wine keeper is that it allows you to enjoy a glass or two of wine from a bottle without having to worry about finishing the entire bottle. This is especially useful when you have guests over for a meal or when you are hosting a wine tasting. Instead of feeling pressured to finish the entire bottle, you can simply pour the desired amount and know that the rest of the wine will be preserved for future enjoyment.

The wine keeper typically consists of a dispenser that is attached to a nitrogen gas cylinder. The gas is then used to displace the oxygen in the bottle once it has been opened, ensuring that the wine remains fresh. Some models can preserve as few as four bottles of wine, while others can accommodate up to twelve bottles.

Using a wine keeper is incredibly easy. Once you have opened a bottle of wine, you simply place it into the wine keeper and attach the dispenser. The nitrogen gas is then released into the bottle, creating a protective layer. When you are ready to pour a glass of wine, you can easily dispense it from the bottle using the wine keeper's built-in tap or spout.

One of the great things about a wine keeper is that it allows you to explore different wines without the fear of wasting any unpoured wine. As a sommelier, I have often found myself wanting to try multiple wines in one sitting, but not wanting to open multiple bottles and risk them going bad. With a wine keeper, I can open several bottles and confidently pour small amounts from each, knowing that the wine will be preserved for future tastings.

In addition to preserving opened bottles of wine, a wine keeper can also be used to store unopened bottles. This is particularly useful if you have a collection of wines that you want to keep in optimal condition for an extended period of time. By storing the bottles in the wine keeper, you can ensure that they are protected from oxidation and maintain their quality until you are ready to enjoy them.

A wine keeper is an invaluable tool for any wine enthusiast or professional. It allows you to enjoy wine at your own pace, without the worry of wasting any unpoured wine. Whether you are hosting a gathering, conducting a tasting, or simply want to savor a glass of wine over a few days, a wine keeper is a must-have device for preserving and dispensing wine with ease.