Bilame Corkscrew | The Durand

The Durand — Precision Opening for Mature Wines

When a bottle has been aging for decades, the wine may be exceptional, but the cork can become extremely fragile. The Durand was specifically designed for this delicate moment: removing older, compromised corks while minimizing the risk of damaging the cork or pushing it into the bottle.

Introduced in 2007, The Durand combines two complementary techniques: a traditional helical worm and a two-pronged Ah-So opener. Its patented design allows the cork to be securely held during extraction and removed as intact as possible.

A Wine Opener Designed for Older Vintages

The Durand is particularly suited to bottles that have been aged for many years, including mature Bordeaux, Burgundy, vintage Port and other collectible wines whose corks may have become dry, brittle or compromised over time.

Unlike a conventional corkscrew designed primarily for firm corks, The Durand is specifically intended for older and fragile corks.

Combining a Worm and Ah-So Blades

The Durand’s distinctive design combines two opening systems.

The helical worm is positioned in the center of the cork, while the two Ah-So blades are inserted between the cork and the glass. Once both components are in position, they work together to grip the cork and gradually remove it through a controlled twisting and lifting motion.

This combination provides additional control when opening mature bottles where the cork no longer has the strength of a new closure.

For Collectors, Sommeliers and Fine Wine Enthusiasts

The Durand is particularly suited to people who regularly open older or valuable bottles:

• wine collectors
• sommeliers and wine professionals
• fine wine and vintage enthusiasts
• private cellars and mature wine tastings
• restaurants and establishments specializing in aged wines

It is also a thoughtful gift for anyone with a collection of mature bottles.

How Do You Use The Durand?

The opening process involves several precise steps:

1. Center the worm and screw it into the cork until the stabilizer bar rests against the cork.
2. Insert the two Ah-So blades between the cork and the glass, starting with the longer blade.
3. Gradually work the blades downward by alternating pressure on each blade.
4. Hold the stabilizer bar and handle together, then twist while slowly pulling upward.

Very old corks may require additional care during removal. The Durand is designed for fragile cork closures and should not be used with non-cork bottle stoppers.

The Durand at Vin & Passion

At Vin & Passion, The Durand naturally complements our selection of specialized wine accessories for collectors, sommeliers and fine wine enthusiasts.

For a young bottle, a conventional corkscrew may be all you need. For an older bottle with a fragile cork, The Durand provides a tool specifically engineered for this challenging type of wine opening.

FAQ — The Durand

What is The Durand?
The Durand is a specialized wine opener designed to remove older and fragile corks from wine bottles.

What is The Durand used for?
It is primarily used to open mature wines and bottles where the cork could crumble, break or fall into the bottle when using a conventional corkscrew.

Why does The Durand combine a worm and Ah-So blades?
The combination uses two complementary opening techniques: a helical worm and two blades that grip the cork between the cork and the glass.

Is The Durand an Ah-So wine opener?
The Durand incorporates the Ah-So principle but combines the two-pronged system with a helical worm and stabilizer bar in a patented design.

What wines are best suited to The Durand?
It is particularly useful for mature wines, including aged Bordeaux, Burgundy, vintage Port and other wines that have been cellared for many years.

Can The Durand be used on a new cork?
The Durand is specifically designed for older, fragile corks. A conventional corkscrew is generally more appropriate for a young, firm cork.

Can The Durand remove every cork?
No. The manufacturer specifies that it is intended for older, fragile corks and should not be used with non-cork bottle stoppers.

Who uses The Durand?
It is designed for collectors, sommeliers, wine professionals and enthusiasts who regularly open mature bottles.

Why choose The Durand over a conventional corkscrew?
Its patented design is specifically engineered for situations where an older cork has become fragile and may break during extraction.