Cork´s Alternative Closures

You are just about to begin a big dinner party. You open the wine only to discover that the bottle of Burgundy you have been saving since last summer is ruined from corked wine. What a frustration for you; and, it certainly doesn't show well for those wine makers who want their bottle of Burgundy to be part of your successful dinner gathering. There is a remedy on the market; but some of the traditionalists may not be pleased with this solution.

The Problem

Wine disorders happen, and the traditional cork is usually left "holding the bag". The cause of this faulty wine is called TCA, or trichloroanisole, a bacterium or mold organism that lodge in the crevices of the cork. Cork mold is difficult to detect before bottling at the winery. Once the afflicted cork is rammed into the bottle and becomes wet, the mold grows and taints the wine, giving it a pronounced musty smell, like old decaying cardboard.

When this happens to a wine, it is called "corked". Some professional tasters estimate that 2 to 5 percent of wines are ruined because of defective corks, and many feel this problem is escalating.

This is certainly opening the door for the battle that is waging regarding cork taint. Many leading wine authorities are suggesting that it is time to move to a synthetic cork or metal screw cap.

Synthetics

Synthetics now seal about 10 percent of the nearly 20 billion bottles of wine produced each year. That amounts to some 2 billion synthetic corks a year. This method cannot harm the wine's aroma through cork taint since cork is not used. Opening the wine is easier and no daunting opening gadgets to learn how to use. Additionally, bottles cannot leak since caps fit snugly against the bottle lip, and bottles may be stored upright since there is no need to keep the cap moist.

Screw Caps

For decades, the use of metal screw caps on wine has been associated with cheap wine. Screw caps are coming to the upper end of the wine world but many consumers are unaware it presents the mark of quality. The benefits are very similar to synthetics, it is airtight, easier to open/reseal, and the wine can be stored upright.

Wrap Up

So, the next time you open a bottle of good wine do not be surprised if the cork is blue, green, orange or purple or you have to unscrew the cap. And, given the potential for a marketing opportunity, expect to find branding messages on the artificial solutions.

Contributor: WineDefintions Staff Writer

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