Through a pinprick-sized hole, the delicate Coravin needle draws wine out of unopened bottles and into your glass. The cork remains unscathed, letting you savor the same bottle of wine over months, or even years. Swift and seamless, the Coravin system has won over wine enthusiasts, restaurants, wineries, and bars worldwide.
If you’re considering the Coravin for yourself or as a gift, read on for a review and step-by-step photos on how to use the Coravin Timeless and Timeless Aerator. This guide covers:
- Review of the Coravin
- How long do Coravin-opened wines last?
- Key considerations when buying a Coravin
- How to use the Coravin: a step-by-step guide with photos
- A test of the Coravin Aerator: aerated vs. un-aerated wine
- Favorite ways to use the Coravin
Coravin Review: Perspectives of a Power User
As a wine industry professional, I rely on the Coravin every day to sample new wines. I often receive many wines to sample at once, and will draw wines from up to 5 bottles in a sitting. Every bottle would oxidize without this tool!
The Coravin is very easy to use, is small and portable, and successfully preserves wine for extended durations. Over time, this investment will more than pay for itself by saving many bottles from going bad.
How Long Do Coravin-Opened Wines Last?
I find that the Coravin preserves most wines very well for short periods of 1-3 months. After three months, it’s more of a toss-up. The white wines tend to preserve slightly better, as they do not contain tannins. However, for red wines, I can usually taste light oxidation, and the aromatics seem to fall flat.
The wine’s ability to preserve itself will depend on its cork’s ability to re-seal around the hole created by the needle, and cork quality varies by producer. As a whole, I would view this as a tool to keep wine fresh for a few months, rather than sample precious cellar-aged bottles over many years.
The screw cap accessory works brilliantly on white wines, keeping them crisp and fresh for months. Even though you must fully uncap the wine to place the Coravin cap on, it succeeds in preserving the flavors afterwards.
Key Considerations When Buying a Coravin
Whether you choose to purchase a Coravin comes down to two main factors:
- How quickly you finish a bottle of wine. Whether you’re an industry professional sampling multiple wines, or an individual enjoying a glass at night, the Coravin is great if you usually pour just a few ounces of wine. It will save the rest of the bottle from going bad before you can finish it. However, if you usually finish a bottle within two days, it’s not necessary to use a wine extraction tool.
- How much the wine costs. Each argon capsule costs about $7-$8, so each 5 ounce pour costs about $0.50. In short, it only costs a few extra dollars to be able to enjoy the flavor of your wine entirely intact. However, if you are drinking wines that cost below $20, a Vacuvin will suffice.
How to use The Coravin: A Step-by-Step Guide with Photos
For such an intricate technology, using the Coravin Timeless is quick and simple. The below steps apply to all models except the Pivot, which uses a different process where the cork is removed entirely, and replaced with a special stopper.
- Unscrew the Capsule Cup. Insert the Argon Capsule, and screw the Capsule Cup back on. Tighten it until you hear a click, indicating the capsule has been punctured and is ready to use.
- Remove any unwanted oxygen from the Coravin needle by depressing the trigger once. If oxygen is left in the needle, it can oxidize your wine.
- Remove the foil from your wine bottle. The Coravin needle is not designed to pierce foil. Note: the Coravin only works with natural cork. Do not use it on synthetic or rubber stoppers.
- Lower the Smart Clamps by pushing the hinge up while pulling down, then align it on top of the wine bottle.
- Push the hande down into the cork, until the needle is no longer visible.
- Lift the bottle at a 45 degree angle, and tap the trigger gently until you have the amount you want.
- To use the aerator, just attach the extension to the spout.
To note: you will use more gas as you reach the end of the bottle. At that point, just use a standard corkscrew to uncork the bottle and pour the remaining wine.
A Test of the Coravin Aerator: Aerated vs. Un-Aerated Wine
The Coravin Aerator is nothing short of jaw-dropping. As pictured above, it is akin to a miniature shower head, but with a fine spray of wine instead of water. This vigorous spray is ideal for softening youthful, tannic red wines. However, avoid aerating wines with delicate aromatics, such as mature wines, lighter-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir, or white wine.
I compared aerated vs. un-aerated glasses of the the 2015 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. In the un-aerated wine, Silver Oak’s signature American Oak aromatics are dominant, almost akin to the sensation of opening a cedar chest. Its tannins are more robust, and it is more structured on the palate. By contrast, in the aerated Silver Oak, rich, dark fruit aromatics come to the forefront. Its tannins are softer and more supple.
Our take: in seconds, the Coravin Timeless aerator accomplishes what might take a decanter an hour. It opens up the full bouquet of aromatics in youthful red wines, and helps take the edge off of their tannins.
Favorite Ways to Use the Coravin:
- Taste test wines ahead of special occasions or meal pairings
- Sample a particular wine or vintage before buying more bottles
- Allow a group with different wine preferences to drink from multiple bottles, without having to finish them
- Perform side-by-side tastings of multiple wines
In short, the Coravin breaks the conventions of how we drink wine – and opens up infinite possibilities. In fact, they just released a game-changing sparkling wine preservation system. Now, instead of having your Champagne go flat after a few hours of being open, you can keep it as fresh as the first pour. We are excited to see what future innovations they continue to release.
The Coravin Timeless Six Plus is currently on sale for just $230! Purchase through our affiliate link here.
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Interested in starting your own wine cellar? Get expert tips from Porch.com here.