SOMMELIER'S KNIFE

The sommelier's knife, more commonly known as a corkscrew, is no accident for Coutale. From its origins as an ancient and decorated vineyard knife to the design of tools for wine professionals, and now for you, it's a long story that culminates in your hands.

A rich wine heritage

It is in the heart of the Quercy hills, in southwestern France, that the story of Clos la Coutale begins. The birthplace of Cahors wines, powerful reds emblematic of the Malbec grape variety (also called Auxerrois or Côt), this region with its white cliffs gives rise to what would be nicknamed “black wine.” Testifying to a success that dates back to the 12th century, the terroir has supplied the tables of many historical figures and, through many struggles, remains popular throughout the world.

In 1860, when the Cahors vineyards were going through a difficult period due to the phylloxera parasite, a young graduate named Charles Bernède took the reins of the vineyard. Determined and visionary, he put the estate on the right track, culminating in his first award at the Paris regional agricultural competition in 1895. He bequeathed to Clos la Coutale his determination and innovative spirit, as well as a diploma that can still be seen in the estate's cellars today.

Our tradition: innovation.

In 1985, the estate was entrusted to the care of Philippe Bernède. Even then, the estate was exporting 80% of the 450,000 bottles produced annually. The conclusion was clear to Philippe: the whole world already trusted the innovations introduced over the decades; it was time to share this spirit of invention.

It all started with a sketch drawn at his desk: a double-lever corkscrew that would revolutionize the age-old technique. No more broken corks, dropped glasses, or irreparable stains on the white tablecloth. An ergonomic tool that, with a controlled push, could uncork even the most stubborn bottles.

With the help of a designer, the lemonade maker was created and the patent was filed in France in 2000. This first model is still available in our shop today. Other, increasingly sophisticated corkscrew models followed, as well as innovative tools designed for winegrowers.

Our values

Coutale Sommelier embodies a culture of rigor and quality. Our corkscrews are designed by professionals , for professionals, patented, and distributed exclusively. This youthful, innovative spirit is in our DNA, in the lineage of generations who have elevated the Clos la Coutale vineyard far beyond the borders of France.

The respect shown to the vine, its product and those who appreciate it is reflected in our requirements for quality and reliability.

As a friendly and centralized company, we don't delegate excessively. We handle both design and distribution: a single point of contact to ensure the product reaches you.

A global reach

With 20 million corkscrews sold worldwide, our pioneering status is undeniable. The quality of our products has convinced sommeliers and other wine professionals for 20 years , and it's now in your hands.

Coutale personalized lemonade dispensers now allow you to benefit from this quality by making the tool your own, whether for your personal collection or to proudly display the colors of an event or your brand.

We are a regular sponsor in the world of wine. It was in Zurich in 2015 that we entered the Guinness Book of Records. Indeed, it was the world's largest corkscrew , enlarged from a Coutale model, that opened the largest bottle of wine ever uncorked.

While we are proud of this title today, it is to you that we will lend our colours and entrust the quality of our products from tomorrow.

Contact us

Our team is available by phone and/or email for any information from Monday to Friday.

Distri Coutale

The Chamber

46700 Vire sur Lot

Email: info@coutale.com

Tel.: +33 (0) 5 65 36 51 47