If you’re a wine enthusiast with a collection of older bottles, you may have faced the frustrating issue of crumbly corks. While this doesn’t indicate that the wine has spoiled, opening such bottles can be quite the hassle. Nobody wishes to strain their cherished wine through cheesecloth or fish out cork pieces from their glass.

Nearly two decades ago, Atlanta engineer and wine collector Mark Taylor realized the need for a better tool to handle fragile corks. This led him to create The Durand, a remarkable corkscrew designed to extract even the most brittle corks without causing damage.

The Durand is a unique, two-part device that combines a traditional corkscrew with an Ah-So opener. The Ah-So features two slender metal prongs that fit between the cork and the neck of the bottle, providing support as the corkscrew lifts the cork out, ensuring it comes out intact. This method simplifies the process compared to relying solely on the Ah-So, which often requires practice to master.

Priced at $145, The Durand is undeniably an investment. For most bottles, a basic waiter’s corkscrew suffices, but The Durand’s weight and sculptural design attract admiration among wine connoisseurs who appreciate their mature vintages.

The product’s name carries significance as well. Taylor chose to name it after Yves Durand, a prominent master sommelier and restaurateur from Atlanta, known for his entertaining presence in the wine community. He was a larger-than-life figure in the international wine scene until his passing in 2019.

Janet Taylor, Mark’s daughter and co-manager of the company alongside her sister, recalls how her father’s passion for wine was nurtured through his connections with Durand. Mark Taylor often vacationed in France, joined by his parents, famous for their wine-tasting trips.

Yves Durand’s credentials were impressive: he was awarded Best Sommelier of French Wines in the U.S. in 1985, excelled as a blind taster, and authored "The Connoisseur’s Guide to Bordeaux Wines," among other achievements.

Not only does The Durand come in an elegant cork box, but it also carries a rich legacy in the world of wine appreciation.

The Durand is available at various wine retailers, including Bonde Fine Wine Shop in Cambridge, Marty’s in Newton, Lighthouse Wine and Spirits in Beverly, and Post Road Liquor in Wayland. You can also find more details at thedurand.com.