Shopping Around...
Preservation Gadgets -
wine saver or time waster?
SHOP - March 11, 2010
By Michelle Locke
We've talked about aerators and the importance of introducing some air to wine. But this is a case where too much is too much. If you've opened a bottle and are only pouring a glass or two you've got a problem. Naturally, gadget makers have an app for that.
Devices aimed at slowing oxidation, the process in which good wine goes bad, generally fall into two categories - vacuum pumps and inert gas spray cans.
What do experts think?
Ronn Wiegand, master sommelier and industry consultant, loves to "hit it with gas. Gas will keep it for at least two-to-three days (unless it's already a mature wine)." He's tried the vacuum devices but wasn't impressed. "You're as well off putting the wine in a cool, dark place."
But Kevin Boyer, cofounder of BOYANCI wines, is positive about the pumps. He's used Vacu Vin systems in his career as a restaurant beverage manager and "my experience with them is they work just fine provided they're used correctly and not over-pumped." (On Vacu Vins, for instance, a "click" tells you to stop.)
University of California, Davis, enology professor Roger Boulton notes that when you drink half a bottle of wine, you've introduced a half-bottle's worth of air, 20 percent of which is oxygen. The oxygen quickly dissolves so any device can only reduce or minimize further damage. His advice? Invite friends over.
Preservation preferences aside, wine generally lasts longer if you keep it away from air, light and heat. But it won't last forever. So, here's to helping wine put on airs - just not too much.
Want to learn more?
Vacuum pumps:
www.Metrokane.com
www.VacuVin.com
Sprays:
www.PrivatePreserve.com
www.WineLife.com
Ronn Wiegand's tips for getting the most out of a spray:
After pouring wine, inspect and clean the cork. If there is mold cut off a thin layer to remove any possible impurities. Spray gas into bottle according to directions, recork, cleaned or cut side down, and immediately store bottle in a cool, dark place.
Are You a Wine Enjoyer?
Check out the options we have for wine lifestyle and
travel ideas delivered in small bites via email.
