Cork or thread? Why are wine bottles closed differently?

It is common to find wines closed with cork and even screw caps on the market. Many people are unsure whether sealing is directly linked to the quality of the wine.

Taste I spoke with sommelier and wine consultant, Arlindo Brito, to understand the differences and why bottles are closed differently.

According to the professional, it is increasingly common to find wines sealed with screws since the stopper is made of cork, a spongy material extracted from the bark of the cork oak, a typical tree of the Mediterranean region in danger of extinction. The bark is extracted every 10 years.

“Cork has the advantage of being waterproof, elastic and resistant, as well as allowing the micro-oxygenation of the wine, which is important for its ageing”, explains Arlindo.

The cork stopper is the oldest and most traditional method for sealing wine bottles.

“It began to be used in the 17th century, when glass bottles became more uniform and resistant. Before then, wines were stored in barrels, amphorae or ceramic bottles, which were sealed with wax, oil or cloth,” he explains .

The screw cap is a more modern and practical method for closing wine bottles. It emerged in the 1950s, in Australia, as an alternative to corks.

“The screw cap is made of metal or plastic, with an internal lining that prevents direct contact with the wine. It has the advantage of being cheaper, easier to open and close and guarantees total sealing of the wine.”

The sommelier explains that the shape of the sealing does not affect the quality of the wine and is more linked to the cost-benefit ratio for the producers. “And even when it comes to wine, Europeans are perfectionists, they have years of experience,” he concludes.

Discover the 12 best Brazilian wines, according to an international competition

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.