Winged Corkscrew Double

The Winged Corkscrew Double is a bar and table tool from Esplanda, built on the winged corkscrew pattern: a screw (the worm) at the center and two side levers that rise as you turn it down into the cork. Pressing the levers back down lifts the cork out. The "Double" in the name most likely refers to a two-stage lever action, which on tools of this type usually means the cork comes out in two smooth motions. The product details don't confirm the materials, finish, or how the lever mechanism works, so check the product images for those. The winged design suits people who open bottles only now and then. The levers give you leverage without the wrist twist a basic waiter's-style corkscrew needs, and the body stays centered over the bottle neck, which helps keep the worm straight. Before you start, cut the foil below the lip of the bottle so no foil catches on the cork. Center the worm on the cork and turn it until the levers are fully raised. Then press them down evenly and finish with a gentle pull. For an older or crumbly cork, go slowly and stop the worm short of the cork's base, so it doesn't push crumbs into the wine. It handles standard natural and synthetic wine corks. It isn't made for sparkling wine, whose wired and caged stoppers are removed by hand, or for screw-cap bottles. Because it's a simple hand tool, it stores easily in a kitchen drawer or a bar kit and needs only a quick wipe after use. For serving once the bottle is open, reds are usually best a little below room temperature, whites and rosés chilled, and a wide-bowled glass gives the wine room to open up. A tool like this also fits a wine-lover's gift basket alongside a stopper or a decanter.