Alternative wine closure

Vinova synthetic wine closure

Methods of sealing wine bottles other than traditional corks

Alternative wine closures are methods of sealing wine bottles other than the traditional cork closures. These alternatives have been developed to address various issues associated with natural cork, such as cork taint and inconsistent sealing properties. The most common types of alternative wine closures include screw caps, synthetic corks, and glass stoppers.

Types of Alternative Wine Closures

Screw Caps

Screw caps, often made from aluminum, are a popular alternative to natural cork. They provide a tight seal that prevents oxidation and are easy to open and reseal. Screw caps are widely used in countries like Australia and New Zealand and are gaining acceptance globally.

Synthetic Corks

Synthetic corks are made from plastic compounds designed to mimic the properties of natural cork. They are consistent in size and sealing ability, reducing the risk of cork taint. However, some critics argue that synthetic corks do not allow the wine to age as well as natural cork.

Glass Stoppers

Glass stoppers, also known as Vino-Seal or Vino-Lok, are a premium alternative to cork. They provide an airtight seal and are reusable. Glass stoppers are often used for high-end wines and are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Each type of alternative wine closure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

• Screw Caps:

 * Advantages: Consistent seal, easy to open and reseal, prevents oxidation.
 * Disadvantages: Perceived as less traditional, may not allow for long-term aging.

• Synthetic Corks:

 * Advantages: Consistent size and sealing, no risk of cork taint.
 * Disadvantages: May not allow for proper aging, environmental concerns.

• Glass Stoppers:

 * Advantages: Airtight seal, reusable, aesthetically pleasing.
 * Disadvantages: Higher cost, less common.

Related Pages

• Wine bottle
• Wine tasting
• Wine storage
• Wine fault
• Wine aging

See Also

• Cork (material)
• Wine production
• Wine packaging