Making Wine? Buying Wine? Tasting Wine?

So, what is a foil cutter? First we need to talk about the foil itself. The foil is a modern day manifestation of the protective capsule that covers the cork. Originally the capsules were made of lead and were a protective measure to prevent mice from chewing on the cork as well as protecting the cork form insect infestation. As time goes on- wax, metallic foil, and most recently plastic capsules have replaced the toxic lead covering. For terms of this article when we refer to ‘foil’ we are referencing the capsule covering the cork.

Traditionally, some corkscrews come with a knife built in to the handle casing or with a stand-alone knife that is used to cut away the capsule. A foil cutter serves the same purpose, however foil cutters seem to be safer than a knife as there is less risk of slipping a blade off the bottle and into a finger. 

There are a few different types of foil cutters, but most work on the premise of having metal wheels built in to the cutter housing that act as blades that remove the foil in a clean, easy way. Just slip the cutter over the top of the bottle and give the tool a squeeze while twisting it about a half turn around the lip of the bottle. Presto! The top of the capsule pops right off a leaves a nice clean edge.

You can find a foil cutter as a stand-alone accessory or in package combinations that include corkscrews and other things like bottle stoppers.

What is the importance of a foil cutter?

Having spent some time picking out a nice bottle of wine, and possibly spending a pretty penny on it in the process, you will surely want to serve wine properly. A foil cutter provides a clean edge so the foil doesn’t get in the way of the pour and spill the wine.  Not only does this prevent a mess, but it also keeps the wine’s taste and bouquet from being tainted from the foil.

The cutter removes the foil cleanly in order to give access to the cork’s top. It is critical that the corkscrew not be used to pierce through the foil (though it is ok to pierce the top of a wax covered cork), as this will dramatically dull the tip of the screw and thus will decrease the ease with which it may be manipulated into the cork.

Being that a foil cutter makes a clean edge- it is safer for your hands, as it wont leave sharp torn metal edges that can cut your fingers.

What should you look for in a good foil cutter?

-       Comfortable ergonomic design- something that fits nicely in your hand

-       Durable- usually strong plastic, stainless steel, and even wood

-       Try to find one with 4 cutting wheels, as they tend to cut better

-       Some even come with a magnet to attach to refrigerator

-       Most are only a few bucks so there really is on reason to be without one

        

The range of foil cutters and combination packages is astounding. You can find just a plain foil cutter for a few dollars or you can buy extravagant sets for $200 and up! 

For a nice ergonomic, inexpensive cutter you might look at the Arch Foil Cutter from Vacu Vin. It is easy to operate and has a housing that is easy to grip. Or if you are looking for something for a wine enthusiast, then you can look at the Costa Brava St. Germain Foil Cutter that has a natural wood housing and even has a magnet to stick to your wine refrigerator so you always know where it is.

What next?

Now that you know all about foil cutters and their importance, go find one that you like and use it when you next open one of your favorite wines! They make great Gifts to bring along side a bottle of wine for party hosts or to add into Gift Baskets for any occasion.

If you are looking for ideas on unique Wine Gifts please feel free to visit http://mywinegiftbasket.org/unique-wine-gift-baskets/ for inspiration and information.

Chris Van Oosten is the Creative Director of mywinegiftbasket.org, which is your source for information about things relative to wine gifts.

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