You’ll agree with me that one of the things we’ve seen our whole lives in our parents’ kitchen drawer is the corkscrew—the little kitchen utensil that seems immortal. Likewise, when you buy one you expect it to last just as long in your drawer, and to meet such important criteria as being easy to use, not requiring strength—nor any special knack!—and removing the cork in perfect condition. That’s why it’s important to know the options and choose well.
Today I’m going to tell you about Screwpull, one of the world’s best corkscrew brands. It’s a brand that belongs to Le Creuset, which already inspires total confidence; and if you’ve tried any of their corkscrews, I’m sure we can agree that opening a bottle with them is as satisfying as cooking in one of their cocottes.
From the very first Screwpull corkscrew, the design was based on the premise that it should open a bottle without effort or injury, and without damaging the cork. The result was an instant, resounding success—and it was beautiful, too! The ones that followed have always upheld those principles, and it’s definitely worth knowing about a few of them because they make that moment of opening the bottle easier and even better, or because they make the perfect, unexpected gift that many will appreciate.
Classic and lever corkscrews
The classic corkscrew works in two steps, using leverage. It includes a foil cutter* and also a bottle opener. It’s a safe bet—robust and timeless. As the name suggests, it’s the classic corkscrew. Sommelier. I think the special model they've made is a great idea with wooden handle, which makes it even more classic and elegant.
Sommelier corkscrew with wooden handle and GS-300 Triology corkscrew
The other big classic is a traditional corkscrew, but revamped. It's the GS-300 Triology corkscrew, with which you only have to turn the handle in the same direction until the cork comes out: as you turn, the worm penetrates the cork and it keeps rising along the same worm until it comes out of the neck of the bottle. There is no force needed beyond just turning, no doubt about when to remove it because the cork will come out on its own, and no fear of the cork breaking.
Another strong point of this corkscrew is that it includes the new technology “Activ Ball,” which prevents the spiral from piercing through the cork and ensures the wine stays in perfect condition. It also includes a foil cutter that works with a simple motion.
Finally, a gem from Screwpull: LM-150 Lever Corkscrew. Why is it a gem? Because there isn’t a corkscrew that’s easier or that will leave guests more impressed: you place it over the cork, push the lever forward and pull the lever back, "et voilà!", the bottle is uncorked. I invite you to watch the following video to see for yourself.
Corkscrew for cava or sparkling wines
These corkscrews are ideal for opening our bottles of cava or sparkling wine with ease, comfort, and safety.
The one I find a delight is the SW-105. To use it, you must insert the corkscrew into the mouth of the bottle and twist it slightly. The very pressure you apply to hold it will help pull out the cork, which will remain trapped in the corkscrew itself.
The other sparkling wine corkscrew worth considering is the star of cava. Elegant, space-saving, practical, and it lets you open the bottle easily since it holds the cork perfectly and you just need to twist it while applying a little pressure.
Corkscrew SW-105 and cava star corkscrew
Gift sets and other accessories
If you're thinking of gifting a corkscrew, it's worth considering some of our bundles and also accessories that really help you enjoy a good wine or cava.
One of the most popular accessories is the cooling sleeve. It's a shame that photographs don't capture what they convey when you see them in person: Screwpull sleeves are of exceptional quality and design, with a great finish that makes them very elegant; they cover the bottle from its base to the neck and keep it cold for a long time. There's the more classic version (the plain sleeve, of black color, elegant and always a safe bet, or the stately burgundy) and the more laid-back or bold designs: one with the Eiffel Tower design, paying tribute to the country of wine and where Le Creuset comes from, and the Viticulture design, which pays tribute to everything that surrounds the world of wine.
The second accessory isn't as well known, but it's a great ally for those who tend to have a half-open bottle. It's the vacuum pump: with no more complication than placing it on top of the accompanying stopper and staining 5 or 6 times, it extracts the air from the bottle so that the wine does not oxidize, thus extending the life of that wine.
If you like the idea, buy the corkscrew, vacuum pump, stoppers, and foil cutter set is a more than spot-on idea — even more so for the price at which it is offered. Everything comes presented in a beautiful box, and the whole Set is always very exciting.
Corkscrew, vacuum pump, stoppers, and foil cutter set and pack of cava corkscrews with crown
The other Set that comes in pack is the cava corkscrew with the crown**, another great invention: it's a stopper that you It lets you seal the bottle airtight, helping to keep the effervescence of wine or cava for longer. A great pair to impress!
*The term "capsule" refers to the foil that surrounds the cork, usually made of tin. The foil cutter is the tool that helps you cut it to remove it easily.
