Viral Video Shows Dramatic Opening of Rare $15,000 Wine

Historic Opening Method from Portugal Applied to Exclusive 1961 Pétrus

2025-01-04

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A video showing the meticulous opening of a rare 1961 Pétrus, valued at approximately $15,000, has captivated wine enthusiasts on the social media platform X. The video, shared by a user known as Sarahh (@sarahhuniverse) on January 1, highlights a traditional technique known as the "Portuguese method" or "Port Tongs," used to open old wine bottles with fragile corks. The event took place at the renowned Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, Italy.

The Portuguese method involves using heated metal tongs, applied to the neck of the bottle until red-hot. The sudden application of cold water afterward causes a clean break in the glass due to thermal shock, allowing the neck of the bottle to be removed along with the deteriorated cork. This method minimizes the risk of cork fragments falling into the wine, ensuring a pristine pour of the valuable vintage.

Pétrus 1961 is considered one of the most prestigious and expensive wines in the world. Produced in Pomerol, France, Pétrus is made exclusively from Merlot grapes. The 1961 vintage holds a legendary status among collectors for its remarkable quality, often described as one of the best vintages of the 20th century. Market data indicates that the average price of a 750 ml bottle of Pétrus 1961 is around $9,500, though it can fetch much higher sums at auctions or in private sales.

The traditional Port Tongs technique originated in Portugal for opening very old bottles of Port, where aging corks often crumble, making standard corkscrew methods ineffective. While less commonly used today, this technique remains favored by sommeliers and wine experts when handling historic wines to preserve their integrity during opening.

Sarahh's video demonstrates the precision and care required to handle such a valuable bottle. The post has sparked widespread interest on X, with users expressing awe at both the technique and the exclusivity of the wine. Many commented on the significance of preserving the authenticity and experience of enjoying a wine of this caliber, which holds both historical and cultural value in the wine world.

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