Coravin One - The "Budget" Model (or the Coravin dressed in blue jeans)
The Coravin Model One Wine System is the Third Iteration model from Coravin (along with the model 2 Elite which is also new this year). This Model One is the least of expensive of all the Coravins, but it does exactly the same thing as the other costlier models. If you opt for this model, you are not giving up on any functionality at all so far as I can tell. It just looks different and feels different, the most obvious differences being the color scheme and that fact that it is made almost entirely of plastic (the model 2 is also mostly plastic, but with nicer finishes) That is not to say that it feels "cheap", in fact it seems pretty durable. The levers and parts that are handled during operation are texurized (the blue parts), and the plastic used seems of good quality and strength. It is a bit lighter than the other models and for that reason just feels easier to use somehow. Its size is just a little bit bulkier than the others.
*Highlights, Pros & Cons
>Pros<
-UNIQUE: One of a kind device to extract wine from it's bottle WITHOUT removing the cork.
-SIMPLE to use: Insert syringe-like hollow needle through the cork, pressurize and pour wine out through needle, remove needle and the cork reseals itself.
-COST SAVINGS BENEFIT: Waste less wine when you cannot drink a full bottle within a short period.
-DIVERSIFY your wine drinking: Freedom to sample more and different wines, costlier wines, etc. without fear of waste.
-Collectors and Aficionados: Makes the impossible, possible. Sample and test aging and cellared wines at different times as desired without opening bottle (with a caveat, see cons). Spread out the time period in which you enjoy special wines.
- "Budget Model"- This is the least expensive Coravin but you do not lose any functionality over the other models.
>Cons<
-Coravin system uses PROPRIETARY Argon capsules which are priced at a premium.
-BUILD QUALITY of this model is a bit reduced from the other models (see differences below), although ergonomics is improved over the original (Model 8).
-There is NOT a 100% success rate of corks resealing, making use a bit of a gamble sometimes. I have had some older bottles not reseal and the wine oxidized within days. Successful preservation of wine is highly dependant on the age, condition and health of the corks.
*In Depth Review*
On The Concept
This unique new product introduces a new phrase to the lexicon of wine drinkers. With the Coravin Wine System, I will usually no longer be opening bottles of wine, but instead "accessing" wine from my bottles.
This is a good device for me because I am the only wine drinker in my household. I am not a wine aficionado or a character from the film "Sideways", but I do enjoy and appreciate a good glass of wine at least two or three times a week, (especially with a meal). I can't remember exactly how many partially full bottles of stale wine were dumped down my kitchen sink, but it was an awful lot. I just don't drink all that much at a time, and often several days will pass between glasses. Even with the $20-$40 or so bottles that I normally buy, that is a lot of money poured down the drain. Of course the proprietary Coravin argon capsules cost $10 each which puts the cost of use at about $2.50 per bottle, but it is still cost effective even with a $20 or so bottle of wine. I find though that now that I own the Coravin, I feel the freedom to sometimes indulge in better, pricier wines without fear of them going to waste.
Of course the Coravin isn't aimed only at someone like me as its target consumer. The much more serious wine drinker and collector would probably appreciate this system even more so. I don't have more than a few bottles of wine in storage that I am cellaring or saving for a special occasion. But if I did, I certainly would love the opportunity to sample or enjoy them on more than just one day or occasion. That is something that is only made possible by the Coravin. In that regard, it does open up a whole new world and new way of collecting and drinking finer wines.
Impressions and Usage
The price point here is more reasonable than the other Coravins. I think it was wise to make the system more accessible to people. Of course there is still a bit of premium placed on the fact that this is a unique, one of a kind product, (especially the capsules), but this will likely be viewed as a welcome step by many interested consumers. The lever and moving parts all feel decently tight and function smoothly. It also looks pretty good and is intriguing enough that it is almost certain to arouse the curiosity of those who see it and are unaware of what it is (which will probably be most people).
In my intial experience with the Coravin system, I found operation to be simpler than I expected and it was clearly described and illustrated in the accompanying guide. You simply "clip" the Coravin onto the neck of the wine bottle and press the extraction needle into and through the cork. Briefly depress the gas lever to pressurize the bottle a bit. Now you are ready to extract, and that is done simply by pouring the wine through the hollow needle and out of the spout. As you pour, you will periodically depress and release the argon gas lever (just briefly and in short bursts, especially when the bottle is still full) to displace the air and wine in the bottle with the gas. Whenever the wine stops flowing out, you just let a little more gas in to resume the flowing. Simple and easy. The wine flows when you release the lever, not while you are pressing it. This is counter-intuitive at first, but you quickly get the hang of it, as well as get familiar with how long to press and hold. It's always safer to press too short than too long, since you can always press it again to get more wine flowing,
This Coravin comes with the device itself, two argon capsules and a wine sleeve. It is recommended out of an abundance of caution that the wine sleeve be placed on the bottle that you are tapping, just in case there is an unseen defect or crack in the bottle, in which case the pressure of the argon gas could cause it to break apart. I imagine that this is an extremely rare occurrence, and I have not used it except at first. It does not come with a stand, but it does not really need one since it can stand on it's own.
Summary
Since using the Coravin, I have begun enjoying wine more, enjoying wine more often, and buying better wines. I have learned, however, to be very careful about using the Coravin on older and potentially delicate wines/corks, since there is a possibility that they will not reseal properly and become oxidized. The major caveat, and it bears repeating, is that successful preservation of wine is highly dependant on the age, condition and health of the cork.
I am the only one in my family that drinks wine and I only drink one or two glasses at a time, this device has already saved me money by not wasting wine and will pay for itself very quickly. Very well designed and manufactured I do not think you will be disappointed if you purchase one.
Love, love, love my Coravin!!!! I'm doing WSET classes and it's perfect for me to analyze 6 or 7 wines at a time without having to open all of the bottles. At a later date then I actually open the bottle and enjoy it with my husband for a meal! What a great invention!!!
I just received my Coravin Model 1 and YES, I am very excited!
First things first, the "unboxing" is optimal, just enough information and the how to use guide proved very helpful. I really liked that they also included a little bag to put my model 1 away after using it!
I also went to the website to ensure I was not missing a point. I am glad I did as it showed me how to use the needle with extra care. I would advise future buyers to do the same.
And now about the experience: setting it up was easy (follow the very visual very helpful how to guide provided with the box. I heard the little pop, meaning it is ready to use.
The final part! I am a huge wine drinker, wine is just my thing and when I first saw this device existed, I was very hesitant, questioning the technology. But now after trying it, I must saw I am impressed. I tried it on a wine I am very familiar with and the taste was exactly the same as when I just put the cork out. I want to read more about how this work because this is really ground-breaking.
Finally, the possibility to enjoy the rest of my bottle another day is clearly a game-changer, it redefines the way I will consume wine and the way I will buy it. I will, for sure, venture into new bottles now.
I usually don't take the time to write reviews (you know, life happens) but it has been a long long time since I was impressed by technology so I decided to pour myself a single class of a non-opened bottle and take a second to share my enthusiasm for this very cool invention!
Cheers to you!
Works exactly as advertised. CO2 goes in, wine comes out, cork re-seals. I’ce been able to keep some more robust red wines for a week or so and keep them tasting very fresh. Only downside is that the CO2 capsules are not cheap. I can go 3 bottles or so on one capsule but I take out nearly one glass at a time.
Feature Product
- ENJOY WINE ON YOUR OWN TERMS - the Coravin wine system lets you pour wine effortlessly without removing the cork, so you can enjoy the rest of the bottle another day.
- POUR WITHOUT OPENING - when you pour wine without removing the cork, you have the freedom to drink what you love - not just the wines you have open.
- ADVANCED WINE OPENER - specially designed with Teflon coated wine needle made to be gentle on your wine cork and pour wine both quickly and smoothly.
- SUPERIOR WINE STORAGE & PRESERVATION - filled with ultra-pure argon gas (99. 99%), Coravin capsules are designed with patented technology to ensure that no argon escapes, and that nothing will spoil the taste of your wine, even after many years.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED - comes with model one wine Preserver and 2 Coravin Argon Capsules (Each capsule allows you to pour up to (15) 5-ounce glasses of wine).
Description
You love a glass of wine in the evening, and now you don't need to worry about drinking The entire bottle or limiting yourself to only one kind of wine - Whether you're craving Red or white (or both) Coravin gives you complete freedom to enjoy wine on your own terms. Utilizing proven Coravin technology and featuring a friendly and functional design, the Coravin model one wine system lets you pour wine effortlessly without removing the cork, so you can enjoy the rest of the bottle another day. Includes 2 Coravin capsules to pour up to 30 glasses of wine. Coravin wine needle – specially designed to be gentle on your corks and pour wine both quickly and smoothly. Soft touch grips – the system’s easy-to-squeeze clamp that fits around the bottle neck, ensuring a secure hold and effortless pour. Load cell technology – the capsule-loading chamber creates the perfect amount of force for an airtight seal, ensuring no gas escapes. Premium Coravin capsules – contain more than 99. 99% pure argon gas to protect the remaining wine from oxidation.
I use this product several times per week. It’s great that you can have a glass wine of expensive wine without having to uncork the whole bottle. I’ve had bottles sit for several months after using this and they are still perfect. This does not spoil the wine in any way. There is no need to buy the more expensive models, this one performs the same task.
I purchase to one as a gift and one for me. We both love it. We're both single as far as wine in our families. This gives us a chance to have wine as we want it. Very easy to use. You need to look at the video the actual picture directions are very confusing.
We love this product. We are no longer tossing half bottles of unfinished wine down the drain. We can pour one glass at a time and the rest stays fresh. We also can easily match the wine to our food or mood! I bought another one as a gift for mother, who lives alone, and she LOVES it. I have also given Coravin as a wedding present, and my niece was thrilled. Coravin is the best!
This has been amazing!! I am a white wine drinker – my husband drinks red. We NEVER argue anymore about what wine to have and we ALWAYS have what we want. It has been incredible when entertaining as we can offer anything that we have to our guests – and we never have to through wine away! My only wish is that the capsules were a bit less expensive – but its given a new way to have fun with wine!
awesome keeps wine fresh
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