Coravin Wine Preservation Systems: The Ultimate Guide for Wine Lovers
For true wine enthusiasts, savouring a glass of your favorite bottle without committing to the whole thing is a dream come true. In this Coravin Wine Preservation Systems Review, we will explore how you can make that dream a reality.
Coravin offers different systems at different price points. But the common factor is introducing a layer of Argon gas as a barrier to oxygen or Carbon Dioxide in the system designed to preserve champagne and sparkling wines. The use of Argon is particularly interesting because it is an inert gas. Inert gases do not react chemically with wine. As a result, the wine maintains its complex flavors.
This is where Coravin steps in as a game changer. Known for its innovative approach to wine preservation, Coravin allows you to pour wine without ever removing the cork, preserving the rest of the bottle for weeks, months, or even years. This is now a common site in restaurants, bars and is used by sommeliers to prolong the enjoyment of some of their top bottles of wine. It also allows for really valuable wine to be enjoyed one glass at a time.
In essence, Coravin lets you pour wine on demand without worry of spoilage. As a wine enthusiast, I quickly realized how practical this approach can be. The system lets you sample multiple bottles or savor a single bottle slowly across several days without compromising quality.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the most popular Coravin wine preservation systems, exploring their features, pros and cons, and which model might be the best fit for your wine-drinking habits.
1. Coravin Timeless Three+ – A Classic That Delivers
Price: $199-$250
Type: Argon Gas Preservation System
Best For: Casual wine drinkers looking for an easy-to-use preservation system.
The Coravin Timeless Three+ is an excellent entry point into the world of Coravin. Designed with simplicity in mind, this model allows you to pour wine without uncorking the bottle, preserving it for months. It comes with argon gas capsules that create a protective blanket over the wine, preventing oxidation. The easy-to-use design ensures that even beginners can master it quickly.
Pros:
- Keeps wine fresh for months.
- Includes accessories like a carry case and additional capsules.
- User-friendly design.
Cons:
- Argon gas capsules need to be replaced, adding to ongoing costs.
- Higher initial investment compared to traditional stoppers.
Verdict: If you’re just getting started with Coravin, the Timeless Three+ offers a great balance of performance and price.
2. Coravin Pivot+ – Pour and Preserve with Ease
Price: $99-$120
Type: Argon Gas Preservation System
Best For: Wine enthusiasts who love to switch between bottles.
The Coravin Pivot+ simplifies the wine preservation process while maintaining Coravin’s high standards. By replacing the cork with a specially designed stopper, this model allows you to pour wine freely and preserve what’s left for up to 4 weeks. The argon gas cartridges ensure that your wine’s flavors and aromas remain intact.
Pros:
- Affordable compared to other Coravin systems.
- Quick and easy setup.
- Argon gas preserves taste and aroma.
Cons:
- Limited preservation time (up to 4 weeks).
- Not compatible with sparkling wines.
Verdict: For those who drink a variety of wines, the Pivot+ offers flexibility and ease without the premium price tag.
3. Coravin Model Six – For the Stylish Sipper
Price: $300-$350
Type: Argon Gas Preservation System
Best For: Wine lovers who want performance and style.
Combining sleek design with top-notch performance, the Coravin Model Six is a favorite among serious wine drinkers. It features SmartClamps™ for easy bottle attachment and comes in a range of colors to suit your style. The model also integrates Coravin’s argon gas preservation to keep wine fresh for months.
Pros:
- Stylish design with multiple color options.
- SmartClamps™ for secure bottle attachment.
- Keeps wine fresh for extended periods.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
- Requires replacement argon gas capsules.
Verdict: If you’re seeking a blend of luxury and performance, the Model Six delivers on all fronts.
4. Coravin Sparkling – A Game Changer for Bubbly Lovers
Price: $299-$350
Type: Carbon Dioxide Preservation System
Best For: Champagne and sparkling wine enthusiasts.
One of Coravin’s most impressive innovations, the Coravin Sparkling is designed specifically for champagne and sparkling wines. Using carbon dioxide cartridges, this system maintains the bubbles and freshness of opened bottles for up to 4 weeks. It’s the only preservation system that effectively works for both still and sparkling wines.
Pros:
- Preserves sparkling wines for up to 4 weeks.
- Includes a universal fit for various bottle shapes.
- Easy to use with no loss of bubbles.
Cons:
- Requires CO2 cartridges.
- Premium price point.
Verdict: For fans of sparkling wines, the Coravin Sparkling is a must-have investment.
5. Coravin Model Eleven – The Smart Choice
Price: $600-$700
Type: Automatic Argon Gas Preservation System
Best For: Tech-savvy wine drinkers.
The Coravin Model Eleven is the world’s first Bluetooth-enabled wine preservation system. It connects to the Coravin app to monitor gas usage, track wine pours, and provide system status updates. With its automatic operation and LED display, the Model Eleven offers a futuristic approach to wine preservation.
Pros:
- Bluetooth connectivity with app support.
- Automatic pouring and preservation.
- Elegant and modern design.
Cons:
- High cost compared to other models.
- App dependency may not appeal to everyone.
Verdict: If you love integrating technology into your wine experience, the Model Eleven is the ultimate choice.
Coravin Accessories: Elevate Your Experience
- Coravin Aerator: Enhances the flavors of wine by aerating as you pour.
- Coravin Capsules: Refill argon gas capsules for long-term use.
- Coravin Carry Case: For wine lovers on the go.
Conclusion: Is Coravin Worth It?
Coravin really offers something different. By preventing exposure to oxygen from the onset, it maintains the wine’s original flavor profile.
I found that its design is both robust and user-friendly. The ease of setup and maintenance contributed to my overall satisfaction. When it comes to preserving wine, Coravin’s range of products stands out for their innovation, ease of use, and effectiveness. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a serious collector, there’s a Coravin model that fits your needs.
The combination of these features makes the Coravin system compelling for both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors who want to preserve the integrity of their favorite wines. From the budget-friendly Pivot+ to the high-tech Model Eleven, Coravin proves that keeping wine fresh doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste or aroma.
Have you tried a Coravin system? Share your experience in the comments below! 🍷
This is the first time that I have heard of the Argon Gas Preservation System. This would be a game changer, as often we have a glass out of one bottle with a meal and then change to another bottle the next night. Luckily wine does keep, but it also gets bitter if kept too long if you forget about it.
I am going to explore the model 11 further as being blue tooth enabled you are able to track the wine better and remind yourself to drink it before it gets too old.
Which is the most cost-effective if you are the only wine drinker in the house?
Hello Michel. I have the timeless and the pivot. It depends how often you may have one glass. The timeless will let you tap into a bottle, of even your special ones knowing that they will last for years. The pivot will allow you to have a glass, and the rest of the bottle will last up to 4 weeks.
Hello Max!
I’ve always been curious about the Coravin wine preservation system, especially for preserving that half-finished bottle without losing flavor! The idea of being able to pour a glass of wine without removing the cork is brilliant, and I love how it helps you savor your wines over time rather than rushing through them.
I’ve heard mixed things about the price, though—is it truly worth the investment if you’re someone who only opens a bottle once in a while, or do you think it’s better suited for regular wine drinkers? Thanks for sharing such a detailed review!
Angela M 🙂