Those stuck corks and vintage values

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Last week I was asked what are the most frequent questions you get from readers. There are many, and I will cover others in future columns, but these two are a good start.

I have an old bottle of wine. How can I sell it and how much is it worth?

This may be one of the most asked questions. The answer is not always what they want to hear, but my advice is this: It is either priceless or worthless.

The wines we hear of being sold at auction for thousands of dollars are unique. In addition to being from sought-after vintages, the wines must meet a very specific set of criteria. From particular storage conditions (temperature, bottle movement in storage, cellar lighting) to meticulous records of bottle ownership. With recent cases of bottle fraud, many buyers are scrutinizing potential purchases even more. Buyers are also looking at how many cases were bought to have aging comparisons.

When it comes to single bottles, because there are many variables, the only way of knowing the condition of the wine is to pull the cork. I always recommend not putting much emphasis on the value and simply enjoying the wine. Invite a few friends over for a relaxing dinner and share and enjoy the wine. (I'd be happy to fill in if you need another taster for that $1,000 bottle of Chateau Lafite.)

Are there tips for getting stuck or broken corks out of the bottle?

Cork is a natural product and is susceptible to age and environmental conditions. Older bottles will be more likely to have a cork that crumbles or breaks when opening. When it happens in a newer bottle it's usually caused by bending the cork as it is removed.

The most effective way to deal with this problem is to prevent it from happening. This is best achieved by using the right tool. There are many fancy gadgets on the market but, by far, the traditional waiters corkscrew is your best bet. It offers several tools in one -- a lever for control, a 2-inch worm (the metal spiral section) and a small knife to remove the foil. If the cork breaks or is stuck in the neck, re-insert the worm at a 45-degree angle and pull slowly.

Finally, it may not be the most elegant solution, but if all else fails use the worm to slowly push the remaining cork into the bottle. Then decant the wine using cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove the cork.

Lorri Hambuchen is a member of London's Institute of Wines and Spirits. Contact her at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email:

[email protected]

Food on 08/13/2014