Screwcap vs Cork
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Fri, 12 February 2016
A question of the modern age and one frequently asked of our Cellar Door team; “Why are some bottles screwcapped and others corked?” This question is of course unambiguous and if I were to tell you there was a clear-cut answer, I would most likely be misleading. Market trends, especially in New World countries such as Australia and New Zealand, are leaning toward the preference of the screwcap. New Zealand is now one of the top screwcap advocates in the world, with an estimate of only 1 out of every 20 bottles sealed by Cork.
Screwcaps are pretty much a modern prodigy, occurring in prominence over the last 30 years. The main purpose of the cork/screwcap is to seal the wine and keep oxygen out, ensuring the wine remains preserved.
For the screwcap, the benefits are far too abundant to ignore:
- 1) Convenience – Let’s be honest, it is far less time consuming twisting a screwcap than struggling with a cork, especially if the cork breaks!
- 2) Less contamination – ‘Cork Taint’ can occur through the presence of TCA in the cork (chemical compound 2,4,6-trichloranisole).
- 3) Perseverance – Corked wines are often stored on their side to prevent the cork from drying out. The screwcap eradicates this problem ensuring your wine is delivered in premium condition.
- 4) Ageability – There is no way a winemaker can test every single cork used in the production of their wine. If it is a good cork it won’t let air in, if it is a bad cork you run the risk of a corky or badly aged wine. Often consumers cannot tell the difference and blame the winery. Screwcaps almost completely diminish this possibility.
Drawbacks of the screwcap vs cork:
- 1) Image – For a long time, screwcaps were often associated with cheap, jug-styled bottles of wine. Although this negative image has now diminished, there is no doubt that the appearance of a corked, sealed and hand-waxed bottle of wine adds an element of style. Although now few, there are still some strong supporters of the cork, regardless of the countless benefits of screwcaps.
- 2) Traditional – There is nothing more gratifying at a time of celebration than hearing the ‘pop’ of your favourite wine bottle. The cork, which has been used for thousands of years, has become an iconic symbol. Is moving away from the cork killing our traditions?
- 3) Sustainability – In this modern age, there is increasing awareness of sustainability and carbon footprints. Plastic screwcaps are just another item to add to the long list of non-perishable items on this universe.
Have a read of this article published by Washington State University in support of the screwcaps movement, and make a decision for yourself:
https://news.wsu.edu/2015/04/17/just-screw-it-why-wsu-winemakers-ditched-cork-for-caps/#.VW_OzOfDXhM