How to Open Merlot Bottles

A corkscrew removes a wine cork easily.

Merlot is a red wine traditionally harvested from France's Bordeaux region. It is comparable to cabernet sauvignon. Merlot has a softer and fruitier flavor and it is often in season earlier than cabernet. The popularity of Merlot has increased throughout the United States in recent years and merlot grapes are increasingly grown in the United States. According to Drinkwine.com, California had 4,000 acres of merlot grapes in 1998 and 50,000 in 2010. When it comes to drinking merlot there are steps that you can follow to safely remove the cork from your wine bottle. Does this Spark an idea?

Print this article

Bottle of merlot
Scissors
Corkscrew

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cut and remove the foil from the top of the wine bottle.
- 2
  
  Place the spiral of the corkscrew over the center of the cork.
- 3
  
  Turn the corkscrew firmly once to set it into the cork. Make sure the corkscrew digs into the top of the cork.
- 4
  
  Turn the corkscrew, without pushing down, until it is completely inside the cork.
- 5
  
  Push the lever or ring of the corkscrew down to the top of the wine bottle.
- 6
  
  Pull the corkscrew carefully until the cork comes out.

Tips & Warnings

You can use the cork to seal the wine for later use if you do not finish the bottle, or purchase plastic bottle stoppers to reseal your wine bottles.
Do not push down on the corkscrew while twisting. This can make the cork break or push it deeper into the wine bottle.