Extracting old corks

I recently tried – and failed – to extract a cork from an old Port. The cork completely crumbled into the wine which I had to sieve out. Is there a special device I can use? James Hill, Manchester Paul Symington, chairman & joint managing director of Symington Family Estates, replies: As cork is the bark of a tree, it is susceptible to natural deterioration over time, even though we find any cork deficiency very frustrating when it occasionally does happen. That said, it is extraordinary how well most corks perform over the decades in vintage Port.

When a cork does occasionally crumble, this will not normally result in any reduction in the wine’s quality and just means that you have to use a sieve. An alternative is to use what is known as a Butler’s Thief. The best-known brand is called an Ah-so. This gadget consists of two short blades that are inserted on either side of the cork which embraces the old cork without damaging it during extraction. We use them often and they normally work very well.