(Extract from the Clef du Vin user guide in 5 languages)

Clef du Vin is dipped repeatedly into a glass of wine.
In a 10 cl* glass, one second of contact modifies the tannin structure, as well as the organoleptic qualities (taste and aroma), by the equivalent of one year of laying down time in a wine cellar.
Begin by pouring a glass of wine (10 cl.). Taste and memorise.
Dip the Clef du Vin disk into the glass for one second, taste again and compare.
Repeat the operation until the wine deteriorates.
Attention! This process is very fast. Be aware!
*For the model for "Bottle", use a bottle of 75cl.

Which wine to buy? How to select a wine?
If after several dips (or a continuous dip of a few seconds), the wine remains pleasant or improves, you can buy with confidence, it will age well.
If the wine deteriorates after one or two seconds of contact, the wine has little or no ageing potential, and should be drunk within a year or two.
The Clef du Vin reassures you in your selection and purchase of wines.

When should I drink this wine? How long should I lay it down for?
If you prefer the wine after dipping Clef du Vin in for 3 seconds, you may lay it down for three years, then you will most probably appreciate the wine at its peak (according to your personal taste, of course).
There is no absolute rule; everyone should drink wine the way they like it, when they like it, neither too soon, nor too late!

How to taste and appreciate a young wine?

With the Clef du Vin you will be able to appreciate the real potential of an immature wine, in a matter of seconds.
Clef du Vin speeds up the aromatic development of the wine�s flavours and softens its structure. You could say that the wine is �opened up� with the key.

- Red wines will see their tannins becoming softer, and their roundness being expressed.
- The acidity of dry white wines will be reduced, revealing the subtle flavours of the fruit.
- With sweet white wines expect an explosion of flavours in your mouth!

The Clef du Vin allows you to enjoy today the full potential of a wine needing to be laid down, which otherwise would have needed years to mature.


Care and cleaning: Simply rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth.
Do not place Clef du Vin in the dish washer, as this could damage it!