Wine preserves keep it smooth.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? argon gas preservatives - Brief article

Connoisseurs of fine wines long have been faced with the dilemma of how to preserve the remainder of an open bottle. Even if finished the next day, the off-taste can be apparent. In fact, as soon as wine is uncorked, air comes in contact with the liquid and oxidation occurs, causing it to begin to spoil. Vintners agree that the best way to offset oxidation is to reduce the contact with air and blanket the surface with argon gas. Argon--a "noble" gas--does not react chemically with anything and has been shown to be more effective than carbon dioxide in retaining the flavor of the wine. Solutions to this problem take many forms, and we've sampled a couple of them.

The VineyardFresh Wine Preservative, Bath, Ohio, comes in a burgundy-colored aluminum canister which feels completely empty, yet preserves up to 50 bottles. To use, insert the tube into the bottle, give a one- to three-second spray of the 100% pure nitrogen and argon blend, and recork. This protective barrier seals the oxygen out...