If you have ever purchased wine before, it is likely that you don’t even consider the wine closure that the bottle is paired with. While it might seem like the closure for a bottle of wine is meaningless, it can actually make a significant difference in several ways. So it is important that you consider all the options before buying your next bottle. Since there are pros and cons to each type of wine closure, understanding all there is to know about these closures will allow you to make an informed and knowledgeable purchase decision.
How Wine Closures Can Affect Wine
Before delving into the many different kinds of wine closures, you should first know more about how different wine closures can affect wine. While wine closures are designed to be neutral and without any distinct aroma, they can actually alter the aroma of a wine to a certain degree. It is therefore important to select the right closure type.
For instance, natural corks can have a slight rotten-wood or wet-cardboard smell to them, which can change the aroma of the wine. A technical cork is glued together and may create a chemical aroma if you’re particularly sensitive to smell.
As for synthetic corks, they are created with elements that use petroleum, which means that the cork can have an almost imperceptible gas-like smell to it. This smell can be especially noticeable with lighter red and white wines.
Since nearly every type of cork will add an aroma to the wine, it is highly recommended that you try each cork type to determine which you prefer. When considering the petroleum smell that can come with synthetic corks, it is important to note that many people would not even notice the smell. On the other hand, some individuals will find the smell to be too strong for their liking. The only way you can be certain of your preference is by sampling each option available to you.
Different wine closures are also used with different wines depending on how they affect the aging of the wine. To understand how corks can affect aging, keep in mind that the main accelerator of wine aging is oxygen. Different corks affect the exchange rate of oxygen through the closure. The amount of oxygen that reaches the wine can alter the color of the wine, the aroma of the wine, and the taste of the wine. For instance, a high amount of oxygen reaching the wine can lead to early browning, which is very similar to what happens when you cut an apple and don’t eat it for 20 minutes. The inside of the apple will begin to brown because of the oxidizing effect.
As for aroma, the right amount of oxygen reaching the wine can actually be great for the smell of a wine. However, too much oxygen will eventually cause oxidation, which leads to an aroma that’s more subdued and flattened. When considering the mouthfeel of a wine, the right amount of oxygen reaching the wine can soften the wine, which enhances the flavor.
Because of how oxygen affects wine, wine manufacturers attempt to make sure that the wine that you open after purchasing tastes as good as is possible. Many winemakers will select corks based on when they think the wine will be purchased. If they want the wine to peak in six months, they may choose a type of cork that lets in slightly more oxygen. If they want the wine to peak two years after release, they would choose a cork that hardly lets in any oxygen.
Natural Cork
Natural cork stoppers are the most commonly used stoppers around. Since this is the original type of cork that was used to close bottles of wine ages ago, it is prized by purists who want their wine to be exactly how it would have been hundreds of years ago. Nearly 80 percent of wine bottles are plugged with this type of cork, which is made from the bark of a cork tree. A unique aspect of this kind of cork is that the tree it is made from must be at least 25 years old before the bark can be effectively harvested.
The best aspect of using a natural cork is that it offers ideal breathability. If you want your wine to age even when the cork is plugged into the bottle, this type of closure lets in a small amount of air, which can help with the aging process. This is also the perfect type of closure for anyone who enjoys the popping of a cork when opening a bottle of wine. The main issue with this type of closure is that you will need a corkscrew to open it.
Technical Cork
A technical wine cork is made with discs of natural cork. The aim of this cork design is to properly replicate the feel and look of a standard cork. One notable benefit of using this closure is that you can choose how breathable you want it to be. Some of these corks will offer a high amount of breathability while others hardly let in any air. This type of closure is great if you want to avoid TCA, which is a compound that is responsible for adding an undesirable aroma to the wine. While natural corks are susceptible to TCA, technical corks are considered to be TCA-free.
If you want a cork that doesn’t negatively affect cork forests and the indigenous wildlife within, this would be perfect for you. These corks are also recyclable. One potential issue with some of these corks is that low-end technical corks can sometimes be affected by TCA, which means that you need to specifically search for high-end corks. The pieces that make up this cork are glued together, which can be particularly noticeable by anyone who is sensitive to the smell of glue. There are also times when these corks are difficult to place back into the bottle.
Synthetic Cork
A synthetic cork is entirely man-made and is created from two different materials, which include a polyethylene material for the exterior skin and renewable fibers for the interior foam. When you purchase a bottle of wine that’s stoppered with a synthetic cork, you can be confident that the breathability of the cork will be consistent, which isn’t true of most other closure types. A great aspect of this type of cork is that it can come in a wide variety of prices because of the many materials that can be used in its manufacturing.
This cork can also be printed on and can be manufactured in an array of different colors, the latter of which can make for a truly unique bottle of wine. When you purchase a bottle of wine that comes with one of these corks, keep in mind that the corks can be tapered, which makes them easy to reinsert into the bottle. One downside of using a synthetic cork is that the polyethylene material can add a slight aroma to the wine, which may affect the wine’s natural aroma.
Screw Cap
If you don’t want to deal with the potential frustrations that come with opening and closing bottles of wine that are stoppered with corks, you should consider choosing wines that come with screw caps. Aluminum screw caps are commonly used by winemakers that are based out of New Zealand and Australia. These caps are typically paired with premium red and white wines. The opening of the bottle is sealed by a foam-like liner, which helps to keep oxygen out. The main benefit of using this type of closure is that it’s easy to open and close. You also don’t need to worry about TCA being introduced to the wine, which ensures that the true aroma of the wine remains intact.
When using a screw cap, it will not deteriorate over a lengthy period of time, which is an issue that affects natural corks. If you want to age a red or white wine, this is the perfect closure for you. The primary issue of using a screw cap is that it’s possible for the strong aroma of a wine to be reduced over time. While the natural aroma will still be there, it won’t be as strong.
Zork
This is a very distinct stopper that is typically used in Australia and can pop away once you peel the protective casing. The Zork closure is synthetic and comes with a very long shelf life since it is foil-welded. When using this type of cork, you will find that it is easy-to-open and does not change the aroma of the wine. However, this closure is likely the most expensive type, which means that the wines paired with this closure will be more expensive.
Vinolok
This is a glass sealer that comes with a plastic o-ring and is commonly used with flute-shaped bottles. The use of this type of closure will hermetically seal the bottle, which reduces the possibility of oxidation. If you want to effectively preserve the original aromas of your wine, this is a great stopper to use. The main issue with this closure is that it needs to be inserted manually into the bottle, which adds to the cost.
Now that you’re aware of the many types of wine closures and how they can affect your wine, you should be able to select the closure that best suits your preferences.
Tags: bottle, closure, cork, wine, wine bottle, wine closure
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