Cutting the capsule tingIn the past, it used to be customary to cut the capsule below the ring, or even in the middle, to avoid any contact with the lead/pewter alloy which could give the wine a funny taste.
Nowadays, you can also cut the capsule above the ring and very often, the new plastic or aluminium capsules that are used have a pull-tab underneath the ring around the neck of the bottle.
It is also possible to use a special capsule-cutter, especially if a very neat cut is required.

Uncorking the wine
Use a wide-spiralled corkscrew that has at least 5 turns.
Make sure you screw the corkscrew in deep enough so as not to break the cork when pulling it out.
The corkscrew should never go right through the cork.