There has always been the question of which closure is preferred with wine: cork versus screw-top (RO – roll on) closures. The comparison is probably much like the phrase “comparing apples and oranges” since they are differing means of providing the same result and have similar but not identical purposes and effects.
Cork closures have several desirable features:
– Cork is the closure of choice for the majority of producers, having literally hundreds of years of experience with them.
– Cork is a renewable resource and environmentally sound.
– Cork was originally employed by the Greeks and Romans as closures for their amphoras. Tradition is part of the features associated with cork and lends authenticity to its use.
– Modern cork usage began in the 17th century with the development of glass bottles, again a tradition.
– Physico-chemical properties of cork make it particularly well suited for bottle closures. Corks are compressible, resilient, chemically inert, impervious to most liquids and chemicals, and have a high coefficient of friction.
– Corks can be compressed without uncontrolled sideway expansion, a rare feature, allowing cork to spring back to its original size and structure – so inserting the cork into the neck of a wine bottle will not break the neck of the bottle.
– The low moisture content of cork has anti-bacterial properties
– There are, however, occasional problems with leakage, especially if the cork is not allowed to expand in the bottle neck for an adequate length of time. Keeping the bottles upright for a day is preferred.
– Cork can absorb some off odors if exposed for long periods, something not well controlled.
Screw-cap closures have other interesting features:
– Roll-On closures (screw-caps), on the other hand, are tamper proof. You know when the bottle has been opened.
– Screw-caps are superior to cork in retaining SO2 concentrations and minimizing oxygen entry, thus preventing oxidation.
– Screw-caps obviate the need to lay bottles of wine on their sides in order to maintain a seal, as is needed with cork or to keep them upright for a day before inverting them to maintain a seal.
– Screw-caps do not absorb aromatic compounds and are completely inert.
– Screw-caps do not require a corkscrew for extrusion or removal. Of course, this eliminates the romance and event of opening a fine bottle of wine….who said that ??!!!
– Unfortunately, screw-cap closures have been historically associated with inexpensive mass produced wines and other similar drinks, making the experience at times sophomoric.
A word about “Synthetic Cork Stoppers”. The major disadvantage of Synthetic Cork(like) stoppers has been their frequently less than stellar performance relative to oxygen permeability and associated oxidation of wines, especially white wines. Also, some of the synthetic corks composed of actual cork materials seem to do well for briefer periods of time; however, a good quality cork is always preferred for a good quality wine and longevity.
At Ardiri we have always used quality natural corks with few defects because we want our wines to be enjoyed whenever one wishes and for as long as one wants to retain them in their wine libraries. The wines are ready to drink when we release them; however, you can retain them for as long as you wish knowing that the closure is effective and will remain effective indefinitely.
