Screwcap
Screwcap refers to a type of wine closure consisting of a metal cap with a plastic or tin liner, designed to seal bottles in place of traditional cork. It has become one of the most significant alternatives to cork in modern winemaking, particularly valued for its ability to reduce faults related to oxidation and cork taint[1].
Origins and development
The use of screwcaps for wine bottles began in the mid-20th century, but widespread adoption only followed later. Australia and New Zealand pioneered their introduction on a large scale during the 1970s and 1980s, responding to high incidences of cork taint[2]. Their successful use in these countries influenced other producers worldwide, although European markets remained slower to adopt them due to cultural attachment to cork traditions[3].
Technical performance
Research has shown that screwcaps can provide highly consistent oxygen transmission rates, contributing to predictable ageing and reducing spoilage risk[4]. In comparative studies, wines sealed under screwcap have often maintained fresher fruit aromas for longer than those closed with cork. However, some winemakers argue that extremely low oxygen ingress may lead to reductive aromas in certain wines, making closure choice a stylistic decision as well as a technical one[5].
Adoption and market perception
Acceptance of screwcaps varies greatly across the wine world. In Australia and New Zealand, they are now the dominant closure for both everyday and premium wines[6]. By contrast, European producers, particularly in France, Italy, and Spain, continue to favour cork, associating it with tradition and premium quality[7]. Consumer perception has also evolved: while screwcaps were once linked to inexpensive wines, they are now more widely accepted, especially among younger wine drinkers and in markets where freshness is prized.
Contemporary relevance
Screwcaps have become central to the debate about closure technology, highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation. They play a critical role in reducing the incidence of cork taint and ensuring consistency across bottlings[8]. Their adoption continues to grow, particularly in regions focused on export markets, while research into alternative liners and adjustable oxygen permeability suggests further refinement of the technology.
See also
References
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 694. ISBN 978-0198705383.
- ↑ Godden et al., “Closure performance: Australian Wine Research Institute study on screwcaps and cork”, Australian & New Zealand Wine Industry Journal, 2001.
- ↑ Jackson, Wine Science: Principles and Applications, Academic Press, 2020, p. 817. ISBN 978-0128161180.
- ↑ Australian Wine Research Institute, “Closures and wine quality (screwcaps)”, AWRI, accessed 2024.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, 2015, p. 694.
- ↑ Godden et al., “Closure performance: Australian Wine Research Institute study on screwcaps and cork”, 2001.
- ↑ Jackson, Wine Science, 2020, p. 818.
- ↑ Australian Wine Research Institute, “Closures and wine quality (screwcaps)”.