Broken cap? DON'T PANIC! Here's how to save your evening
Opening a bottle of wine should be a moment of pleasure, but what to do if the cork breaks? This situation, although common, can happen especially with old or poorly stored corks. Fear not: here are some practical ways to remove a broken cork and save the wine so it doesn't ruin your evening.
1. Screw and clamp
Insert a long screw in the center of the cap and screw it in, making sure to leave a part protruding enough to grab with pliers. Gently, pull the screw upward along with the cork. This method is especially effective in the case of broken caps.
2. Heating the neck of the bottle
Carefully apply heat to the neck of the bottle using hot water or a hair dryer. The heat helps to expand the glass, making it easier to loosen the cap and easier to remove.
3. Wine pump
A wine pump creates a vacuum inside the bottle, making it easier to remove a broken cork. Simply insert the nozzle of the pump into the bottle, operate it a few times, and the cork will be pushed up effectively. This method is especially suitable for natural corks.
4. Push the cork into the bottle.
If the cork is too damaged to remove, an extreme solution is to push it back into the bottle . Use a clean tool, such as a spoon handle or pen. To avoid the presence of cork fragments in the wine, remember to strain it before pouring.
More tips if you have broken the bottle cap
- Strain the wine: After removing the broken cork, use a fine-mesh strainer, colander, or even clean gauze to carefully remove any cork residue. This is essential to preserve the purity of the wine and ensure an optimal tasting experience.
- Be patient and precise: Deal with the situation calmly and act gently. By moving carefully, you will not only avoid compromising the quality of the wine, but also reduce the risk of injuring yourself when handling the bottle or utensils.
- Consider using a decanter: If the cork has completely shattered and the residue is abundant, transfer the wine to a decanter. In addition to separating the cork fragments, the decanter helps oxygenate the wine, improving its aroma and flavor. This step adds a touch of elegance and allows you to fully enjoy your bottle.