Wine Closures Explained: Should You Choose Cork or Screw Cap?

Corks and screw caps both do the same thing: they keep wine from going bad. But choosing one over the other can be quite the hot topic. 

Indeed, many people think corks are the best way to help wine age well, while others say screw caps are easier to open, to use and to keep. 

So, what's the deal with these two common wine stoppers? Keep reading to explore all the details you need to make a decision !

A Brief History of Wine Closures

Before choosing one of them, you have to know their history to better use them !

The Origins of Cork

Cork is a natural material with a history dating back to 3000 BC that has found its way into countless products, from shoes and flooring to bags and, most notably, wine bottle closures. 

Derived from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), cork products are sustainably harvested through a process that involves carefully stripping the bark from mature trees. These trees typically take 25 years to reach maturity and develop the thick, textured bark that is ideal for harvesting.

While cork has been used for centuries, it’s only in the 17th century that it began being used as a wine stopper.

Before this time, winemakers relied on less effective methods like oil-soaked rags or glass seals, which often resulted in broken bottles. The advent of standardized bottle designs with narrower necks, combined with the refined art of glassblowing, created the perfect opportunity for cork to shine.

Indeed, by combining cork with wire, you can get a reliable and efficient method for sealing wine bottles, preserving their quality.

Interestingly, the corkscrew was invented almost a century later in 1795.
Before that, people were accustomed to opening the bottles with a gimlet, which was originally used to open the wine barrels.

Check out our colorful corkscrews available here :

The Introduction of Screw Caps

In 1889, Dan Rylands, a British inventor, patented the screw cap. However, it would be another 70 years before the wine world would fully embrace this innovation. 

Inside the screw cap lies a secret: a protective coating called polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC). This "wine-proofing layer" is paired with either a tin or Saranex backing, depending on the winemaker's preference. 

Tin linings, though slightly more expensive, are excellent at preventing oxygen exchange, preserving the freshness of a wine.
These wine stoppers  are often used for white and rosé wines. Saranex linings, on the other hand, allow for a controlled amount of oxygen exchange, making them popular for red wines.

The first wine bottle to feature a screw cap was in 1959, courtesy of the French company Le Bouchage Mécanique. In the following decades, screw caps gained traction, with notable early adopters being Bordeaux wineries in the 1960s and the Swiss wine industry in the 1970s.

Ever since then, screw caps have become increasingly popular worldwide, gaining both industry and consumer support.

The Wine Caverns offers a selection of Italian-designed wine stoppers that you can check out here :

Cork: The Classic Choice

As a classic and traditional choice, this wine stopper has many advantages that are listed here:

• One of their primary advantages is their ability to enhance the flavor and aroma of wine. The porous nature of cork allows for a controlled exchange of oxygen, which can help to soften tannins and reduce harsh notes, resulting in a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
• Cork's flexibility makes it ideal for sealing wine bottles, as it can adapt to changes in temperature and pressure without compromising the seal.
• Beyond their functional benefits, cork wine stoppers also offer an aesthetic appeal. Their natural texture and the satisfying "pop" they make when removed contribute to the experience of enjoying a glass of wine. 
• Cork is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material that makes it a responsible choice for wine enthusiasts. While cork stoppers may not be completely foolproof, their combination of benefits makes them a popular and enduring option for preserving the quality of wine.

Screw Cap: The Modern Alternative

There has always been a war between tradition and modernity. Alongside the traditional cork stoppers, here is a list of benefits to using screw caps :

• One of the most significant benefits of screw caps is their ease of use. Unlike corks, which require a corkscrew to open, screw caps can be easily removed with a simple twist. This eliminates the hassle and potential frustration associated with traditional wine closures, making the experience of enjoying a glass of wine more convenient and enjoyable.
• Screw caps wine stoppers are often a more affordable option compared to natural cork stoppers. This cost-effectiveness can benefit both wineries and consumers, as it allows for lower wine prices without compromising the quality of the closure.
• Screw caps excel at preserving the freshness and quality of wine. Screw caps provide a secure seal that helps to maintain a consistent taste profile. This is especially beneficial for young, fresh wines, whose vibrant flavors and aromas can be easily compromised by oxidation. With screw caps, wine enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite wines at their own pace without worrying about spoilage.

The Debate: Cork vs Screw Cap

Both screw caps and cork stoppers have their advantages and disadvantages. The main question is which one is better?

Aging Potential and Wine Quality

Screw cap wine stoppers offer a significant advantage in preserving the freshness of wine compared to cork stoppers. Indeed, wines sealed with screw caps often exhibit a greater level of fruitiness and vibrancy.

However, certain wines require extended aging to be fully developed. The breathability of cork stoppers can play a role in this process, allowing for the gradual interaction of oxygen with the wine, which can contribute to the development of complex flavors and textures.

For wines intended for long-term cellaring, the choice between screw caps and cork stoppers may depend on individual preferences and the specific characteristics of the wine.

Environmental Impact

The cork harvesting process to make wine stoppers is sustainable and beneficial for cork oak trees, potentially extending their lifespan while providing economic opportunities for rural communities in Mediterranean regions. Moreover, it can easily be recycled as mulch or compost.

As for screw caps wine stoppers, their aluminum and plastic can be used in the making of new products.

Consumer Perception

The choice of wine closure can significantly influence consumer perceptions of quality. Traditional cork closures have long been associated with premium wines, but alternative options like screw caps and synthetic corks are gaining acceptance due to their convenience and ability to preserve wine effectively.

A study conducted by the International Journal of Wine Business Research found that consumers are willing to pay the same prices for red and white wines sealed with screw caps compared to those sealed with cork.

While this research suggests that consumers are increasingly open to alternative wine stoppers, the perception of tradition and prestige associated with cork closures persists. Wineries that use cork may be viewed as more traditional or high-end, while those using screw caps might be seen as more modern or accessible.

Conclusion

The debate between corks and screw caps is all about how effective they are and how people perceive them. Corks have been used in winemaking for ages and can enhance the wine's taste. On the flip side, screw caps are all about convenience and preserving the wine’s bouquet. 

At The Wine Caverns, both types of wine stoppers are available for your different occasions. No matter where your preference lies, The Wine Caverns have all you may need !