Torque out with your cork out

Open that bottle like you mean it

By TYLER BALLIET

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The only real obstacle standing between you and an intoxicated social evening are a few corks. Yes, screw caps are becoming more popular, especially with New World wines, but until they are more prevalent every wine drinker needs a good opener. As far as styles and varieties go, there are a ton of options. In the end, however, it's important to have a wine pull that you like and, let's face it, that you can operate after a few glasses.

RABBIT PULL

This is the Cadillac of wine pulls. The only smoother way to open a bottle is by having your own personal sommelier do it for you. These pulls are nearly foolproof. Simply pinch the plier-like handles around the neck of the bottle, push down on the plunger and then pull out the cork. Even if you're having a hard time getting the wine into the glass, this pull will be a cakewalk. The only downsides are that they're a bit too bulky for travel and more expensive than simpler pulls.

[Available for $69.95 at Crate and Barrel, 777 Boylston St., Boston. 617.262.8700. cratebarrel.com]

MONOPOL (AH SO)

This pull slyly slips between the cork and the inside of the bottle, thereby removing the cork without a mark. It's simple, small and lightweight. The benefit to this type of pull is its ability to replace the cork back into the bottle, giving it the nickname "The Dishonest Butler." Take a few swigs of your grandfather's '64 Petrus, replace the cork and no one (except his ghost) will ever find out.

[Available on Ebay, ebay.com]

WAITER'S CORKSCREW

As the workhorse of the restaurant industry, this pull is transportable, inexpensive and will take care of any wine-opening situation you might come across. It is double-hinged and comes complete with a small foil-cutting blade. It might be a little tricky to use at first, but, like riding a bike, you'll soon be opening bottles like a pro—until carpal tunnel syndrome sets in. If you can, use a pull with a Teflon-coated corkscrew, which comes in handy with older or damaged corks.

[Available for $7.99 at Bauer Wine + Spirits, 330 Newbury St., Boston. 617.262.0363. bauerwines.com]

SCREWPULL

This pull is effective but makes a better backup. Insert the corkscrew into the cork and, as you twist the leverage, wings will unfold. Then just push the wings down and the cork will pop out. At least that's what's supposed to happen. In our experience, the cork eventually comes out, but not without a little finesse.

[Available for $4.99 at Brookline Liquor Mart, 1354 Comm. Ave., Allston. 617.734.7700. blmwine.com]

PUSHING THE CORK IN

Whether the TSA confiscated your corkscrew or your bartender roommate grabbed it, there is always a backup plan. Knocking off the top of a bottle results in glass shards, so your best bet is to push the cork enough inside the bottle. Shoving a pen—or better yet a Sharpie—into the top of the cork works best. Push it down all the way into the bottle until you can splash some wine out. It's not the classiest move, but it'll get the job done.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: THESECONDGLASS.COM