The Durand
The Ultimate Tool for Opening Vintage Wine Corks
The patented two-part device that combines corkscrew and ah-so technology to safely remove aged, fragile wine corks whole and intact. Essential for serious collectors opening wines 20+ years old.
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Sophie's Take
Right, darlings, let's talk about one of the most brilliantly engineered tools in the wine world. The Durand isn't your typical corkscrew—it's the answer to a problem that's been plaguing wine collectors for generations: how on earth do you open a 40-year-old bottle without turning the cork into dust? This is the tool that separates the casual wine drinker from the serious collector, and frankly, if you're dealing with aged, delicate wines regularly, it's an absolute game-changer.
The Genius of Dual-Mechanism Design
Here's where The Durand gets absolutely bonkers clever. Invented by wine collector Mark Taylor and named after the legendary sommelier Yves Durand, this patented device combines the best of two worlds: a traditional corkscrew AND an ah-so (two-prong) opener working in perfect harmony. The corkscrew grips the cork from the centre while the prongs grip along the sides, creating a brilliant support system that prevents the cork from fragmenting. You get whole, intact corks every single time—no more watching vintage corks crumble into your precious liquid gold. Unlike a traditional ah-so, which can accidentally push corks into the bottle (a nightmare scenario), The Durand's engineering prevents that entirely. It's stainless steel, beautifully made, and comes with a cork storage case so you can actually save those gorgeous old corks as mementos. Très chic, non?
When You Actually Need This
Be honest with yourself: if you're cracking open a 2019 Pinot Noir, The Durand is overkill. But if you're regularly opening wines from the 1980s, 90s, or earlier? This is non-negotiable. Those corks have been drying out for decades—they're brittle, they're fragile, and they deserve respect. Whether you're a serious collector, a sommelier, or that friend with an absolutely mental wine cellar, The Durand is the tool that protects your investment and your peace of mind.
Quality & Practicality
- Premium Construction—Stainless steel throughout means it'll outlast your entire wine collection
- Proven Track Record—Been the industry standard since 2007, trusted by sommeliers worldwide
- Thoughtful Packaging—Comes gift-boxed with storage case, making it brilliant for collectors who actually know what they're doing
- Specialist Tool—Not for everyday use, but absolutely essential when you need it
Cheers,
Sophie
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