Screw tops have long been associated with cheap wine, but today this is not a fair assumption. Wine experts have conceded that perception is really is no discernible difference in taste between corked and screw topped wines, only the perception is different.
Technology
Modern packaging technology has introduced screw tops that can be calibrated to effectively seal wine. Cork is not essential to bottling wine, it's actually a remnant of the traditional winemaking process.
Regions
Most European wineries are traditionalist and continue to cork their wines. Screw tops are more common in New World countries like New Zealand, where all wines are sealed using the modern method.
Cork Taint
The screw top has been praised because it does not carry the risk of cork taint. Cork taint occurs when a cork is contaminated by mold and spoils the wine it seals.
Sulphidisation
When screw tops are fastened too tightly, they can prevent the wine from absorbing oxygen. As a result, sulphidisation can occur and give wine a putrid taste.
Bottom Line
Corking wine is considered to be more of a customary measure. The sealing method does not determine wine quality; that depends mainly on grape harvests and the aging process.
Tags: