The Rise of Alternative Wine Closures- Are Corks on the Way Out?

If you're a wine lover, you know how disappointing it can be to open a bottle only to discover that it has a musty or moldy odor. This is caused by a problem in the wine industry called cork taint, which occurs when natural corks become contaminated with pollutants like TCA (Trichloroethane). The reality is that no winery is immune to this issue, and even the highest-quality corks can be impacted.

Cork taint not only affects the taste and aroma of wine but also has an impact on our sense of smell, dulling our ability to enjoy the full experience of the wine. Recent studies have shown that the presence of TCA in heavy amounts produces an unpleasant odor, while in smaller quantities, it can simply dull the aroma and flavor, causing the wine to appear bland and unexciting.

The impact of cork taint on wineries and consumers alike is significant. Consumers open over 90 million bottles of corked wine annually, resulting in a significant loss of revenue for wineries and disappointment for consumers. Wines that appear unimpressive may actually be contaminated by cork taint, and critics and wine enthusiasts may be impacted, as consumers may attribute the unpleasant taste and aroma to a bad recommendation.

Luckily, there are solutions to combat cork taint, including alternative closure options such as synthetic corks (like we use in our bourbon and rye whiskeys) and screw caps like we use in all of our wines. Screw top wines, in particular, offer the benefit of being virtually immune to cork taint. This means that every time you open a bottle, you can be sure that you're getting the full, rich flavor and aroma of the wine without any musty or moldy odors.

As a consumer, it's essential to be aware of the impact of cork taint on the wine industry and take proactive steps to ensure that the wine you're purchasing is of the highest quality. By choosing screw top wines like we use on our fruit wines, you're not only protecting yourself from the disappointment of cork taint but also contributing to the eradication of the problem in the wine industry. So, next time you're in the market for a bottle of wine, consider choosing a screw top option for a consistently high-quality and enjoyable experience.