When it comes to enjoying a bottle of wine, sometimes one glass is all you desire. That's where wine stoppers come into play, allowing you to seal the bottle and maintain its freshness for future enjoyment. If you're on the hunt for the best wine stoppers, look no further. We've curated a selection of top-notch options.

What is a wine stopper?

A wine stopper is a device used to seal a bottle of wine after it has been opened, helping to preserve its freshness and prevent oxidation. It is typically made of materials such as cork, synthetic materials, or stainless steel and is designed to fit securely into the bottle's neck, creating an airtight seal. The primary purpose of a wine stopper is to prevent air from entering the bottle, which can negatively impact the wine's flavor and quality over time. Wine stoppers come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, ranging from traditional corks to modern and innovative designs. They are a practical accessory for wine enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy a glass of wine and keep the remainder for later enjoyment without compromising its taste and character.

Why do you need a wine stopper?

Gone are the days of feeling obligated to finish an entire bottle in one sitting. With a wine stopper you are able to seal a bottle of wine after it's been opened, helping to preserve the freshness, flavor and quality.

Types of wine stoppers

1. Cork stoppers

Cork is the traditional and most widely used material for wine stoppers. It provides a tight seal and allows a small amount of air to interact with the wine, facilitating gradual and controlled aging.

While it is possible to reuse the same cork to reseal a bottle of wine after it’s been opened, it is generally not recommended. Once a cork has been removed from a bottle, it undergoes expansion and deformation, which can compromise its ability to form an effective and airtight seal upon reinsertion.

2. Screw caps

Screw caps are becoming increasingly popular, especially for wines intended for immediate consumption. They consist of a metal cap with a threaded closure that screws onto the bottle neck. They are convenient to use and eliminate the risk of cork taint, a fault sometimes associated with natural cork.

3. Synthetic stoppers

An alternative to natural corks; synthetic stoppers are made from materials like plastic or rubber. They are an alternative to natural corks and offer consistent quality and performance. Synthetic stoppers can provide an airtight seal and are generally more affordable than natural corks. However, they don't allow for the same gradual aging process that occurs with cork.

4. Vacuum stoppers

Vacuum stoppers are used to preserve wine once the cork or screw cap has been removed. These work by removing air from the bottle to create a partial vacuum. Vacuum stoppers usually include a pump that extracts air, reducing oxidation and extending the wine's freshness. Vacuum stoppers are useful for short-term preservation, typically up to a few days, but are not suitable for long-term storage.

Sparkling wine stoppers

Sparkling wine stoppers are designed specifically for bottles with carbonation, such as Champagne, Prosecco, Cava or sparkling wine. They typically consist of a plastic or metal cap with a pressure-resistant seal. These stoppers help retain the bubbles and carbonation in the bottle after opening. They work much better than the silver spoon method, but will only keep bubbles intact for a few days.

While sparkling wine stoppers can help maintain the carbonation and effervescence of the wine to some extent, it's important to note that the wine may not be as bubbly as when you first opened it. Over time, the natural release of carbon dioxide will gradually reduce the level of carbonation in the wine.

Generally speaking, when you pour wine from a bottle and reseal it with a cork, the remaining wine in the bottle will continue to be exposed to a small amount of oxygen. Each time you open the bottle and pour a glass, some oxygen enters the bottle, leading to gradual oxidation of the remaining wine.

As you continue this process over multiple days, the cumulative effect of repeated exposure to oxygen can cause the wine to undergo changes. The extent of these changes will depend on several factors, including the wine's characteristics, the length of time between openings, and the effectiveness of the cork seal. But ultimately lead to the wine spoiling, and you having to pour the remaining contents down the drain.

How does Coravin compare to traditional wine stoppers?

With their innovative technology, Coravin offers a remarkable solution to extend the life of your opened wine bottles. By pressurizing the bottle with argon gas (or CO2 for Coravin Sparkling), these wine stoppers (or “preservation systems”, as they're most commonly known) prevent oxygen from coming into contact with the remaining wine. This process effectively stops oxidation in its tracks, ensuring that your wine stays fresh and flavorsome for weeks, months or even years to come.

Coravin allows you to pour a single glass without committing to finishing the entire bottle. This makes it a popular choice among wine professionals, connoisseurs, gift givers and anyone who appreciates the ability to savor wine by the glass while preserving the remainder for later enjoyment.

Let’s take a close look at the Coravin range…

• Timeless
  The Coravin Timeless offers a unique and innovative way to enjoy wine without removing the cork. By inserting a thin needle through the cork and pressurizing the bottle with argon gas, it creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from interacting with the remaining wine. This method allows you to pour a glass without disturbing the rest of the bottle, making it perfect when you want to enjoy just a portion of wine.
  
  What sets the Coravin Timeless apart from the above mentioned stoppers is its ability to preserve and sample wines over time. It's particularly beneficial for wine collectors and enthusiasts who want to taste and monitor the development of their wines without fully opening the bottle. This is especially valuable for wines that improve with aging.
  
  

• Pivot
  To maximize the freshness and longevity of the wine after opening a bottle, we recommend the Coravin Pivot™+; the ultimate tool for reducing waste, and enjoying every sip of your favorite still wines.
  
  The beauty of the Pivot™ stopper lies in its versatility and reusability. You can insert the device into the stopper, releasing the precisely measured argon gas, and preserving what remains in the bottle for up to 4 weeks. The Coravin Pivot device is your ticket to a world of wine enjoyment on your own terms. Whether you're indulging in a glass after a long day, hosting a casual gathering with friends, or simply exploring different wine styles at your own pace, the Pivot device provides the ultimate convenience and flexibility.
  
  

• Sparkling
  Coravin Sparkling™ is a game-changer for those who appreciate the finesse and allure of sparkling wines. With this remarkable device, you can unlock the full potential of your Champagne, Prosecco or Cava, allowing them to retain their effervescence and liveliness for up to 4 weeks after popping the cork.
  
  With Coravin Sparkling, you can create your own tasting flights, sampling a variety of sparkling wines over time, all while preserving their unique characteristics and keeping the excitement alive. Simply pop open your bottle, pour a glass and place the Coravin Sparkling™ Stopper on the bottle. Charge the bottle with the CO2 using the Coravin™ Sparkling charger, and place your Champagne bottle in the fridge (upright or on its side) for the next time you’re ready to indulge, or simply to brighten an ordinary day with a glass of bubbly.
  
  

• Coravin Aerators
  Some wines, particularly those that have been recently bottled or have undergone extended aging, may benefit from exposure to air to reach their full potential. Aeration can help the wine's flavors integrate, evolve, and become more harmonious.
  
  If your wine calls for decanting, the Coravin Timeless Aerator and Pivot Aerator were designed to pour a silky, smooth and aromatic glass of wine, equivalent to decanting for 60-90 minutes. The aerator softens tannins, opens up the wine’s aroma allowing it to breath and evolve. Exposing the wine to oxygen resulting in a more expressive and aromatic profile.

When it comes to wine stoppers and long-term preservation, Coravin preservation systems rise above the competition. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, collector, or simply enjoy the occasional glass, Coravin offers a range of options to suit your needs.

Whether you're preserving prized vintages, everyday favorites, or celebratory bubbly, Coravin provides the perfect wine stopper options for maintaining the integrity, flavor, and freshness of your wines. So go ahead, invest in a Coravin device, and elevate your wine experience to new heights.

Cheers to long-lasting enjoyment!