+++ Advertisement: This post was created in cooperation with zzysh. Thank you for the products! +++

zzysh – Wine and Champagne Stopper I don't know about you, but I (unfortunately) often throw away half-full or at least not completely empty bottles of wine. Not because the wine doesn't taste good, but more because I either fancied a glass of good wine the night before and the rest of the bottle was left over, or because I was enjoying myself with friends and acquaintances, leftover wine, and I wasn't home the following evenings to finish it. The result is always the same: wasted wine. This is obviously a shame, and it's especially unfortunate with really good wines, or even just your favorite wine from the local wine merchant. After what felt like the tenth bottle of which I had to throw away the last drop, I'd had enough and started looking for an alternative. Smaller wine bottles or drinking more weren't options, so I quickly came across zzysh.

What is zzysh and how does it work?

zzysh is a Swiss market innovation. The system utilizes protective atmosphere packaging technology. While this might not sound familiar, it has been used for years in the food industry. This technology envelops wine, champagne, and sparkling wine in a thin, natural atmosphere of noble gases. Simultaneously, the process expels any additional, harmful air from the opened bottle, or, in the case of champagne or sparkling wine, creates the necessary overpressure within the bottle. In other words, the wine retains the aroma, color, and flavor present when the bottle is opened. This works because the zzysh process protects the wine from oxidation. As a result, the wine tastes great for days after opening, and the champagne or sparkling wine retains its lively bubbles. This is also possible because the atmosphere contained in the wine cartridges, including the noble gas argon and the special blend of argon and carbon dioxide created specifically for champagne cartridges, is completely colorless, tasteless, and odorless.

The zzysh wine stopper in the test

zzysh offers two different stoppers. One for wine – which I tested since I drink more wine than champagne – and one specifically for champagne. Both versions are easy to attach and seal the bottle tightly until it's next opened. Whether that's the following evening or perhaps the weekend with friends, thanks to zzysh, it doesn't matter. Cool, right? And it actually works. Quite by chance, I happened to have some wine on hand. 😉 I opened it, enjoyed two glasses with my companion, and tried the zzysh stopper on the open bottle. I then waited three days to test whether it had worked, and it did. The wine tasted like it had just been opened. Because I wanted a thorough test, I tried it again with the aforementioned bottle of wine, as well as with a second bottle. The first opened bottle of wine still tasted neither old, "open," nor stale the next day (so after almost five days in total) and after the second application of zzysh. I opened the second (new) bottle of wine, took out only a small glass, and sealed it for six days using the zzysh technique. After reopening it, I was really curious. I noticed a slight difference in the wine's acidity, but was still thrilled with the result.

The starter set

Prices, refill options, and more

The system is unique, works very well with wine (according to my test), and is also affordable. The wine stopper in the starter set (i.e., with one handle, one zzysh wine stopper, and one wine cartridge) costs a one-time fee of €59. When the cartridge is empty, five new cartridges in a refill pack cost just €24.50. Compared to the wine you'll be keeping delicious, it's definitely a worthwhile investment, wouldn't you say? The stopper (included in the starter set) is also available separately for a one-time fee of €17.90. It's pretty obvious, but I'd like to reiterate: the zzysh system only works with the zzysh stopper. This means the handle only works in combination with the stopper. To try it out, I recommend buying the starter set, testing it like I did, and when your cartridge is empty, you'll only need to buy the refill packs. Since one cartridge lasts for approximately six to eight uses with wine and three to four with champagne, the system is not only technically but also financially worthwhile. If you have several types of wine open and want to keep them fresh, the lids compatible with the system are also available separately, as mentioned. This is also the case with the champagne set, with all components priced the same; only the (5-piece) refill set for the cartridges costs €19.90. The handle, into which the zzysh cartridge is easily and simply screwed, is comfortable to hold during use and features a sleek, minimalist design with high-quality stainless steel components. It can also be conveniently stored in any drawer.

My personal conclusion

The zzysh system is highly recommended, both for private and commercial use. It's incredibly easy to use, and it keeps wine (or champagne) tasting fresh for several days longer. Waste is avoided, and your favorite wine can be enjoyed for longer. The ongoing costs for additional cartridges are also reasonable. In my opinion, zzysh is the ideal gift for any wine and/or champagne enthusiast. Thumbs up!

Intrigued? Then you can watch the video below, including an application example, and in the Webshop Buy your starter kit.