Cork vs. Twist Off Wine Seals: Does it Make a Difference?

Wine makers have chosen the classic cork as the preferred method to seal a wine bottle for centuries. There has been a great debate over the topic of twist off wine seals, also known as a screw cap, versus the traditional cork. Exploring the topic further will help wine enthusiasts choose to include or exclude either one from their wine collection.

Pros

• Corks are a natural renewable resource.
• Corks provide long term aging.
• Twist off seals is affordable when compared to cork seals.
• Twist off seals has no risk of cork taint.

Cons

• Corks are more expensive compared to twist off seals.
• Corks breathe at variable rates.
• Twist off seals does not allow the wine to breathe.
• Twist off seals is often made of non-renewable resources.

After considering the pros and cons, it seems that differences between the two sealants focus is on whether the seal is able to allow the wine to breathe. While the cork seems to provide this important aspect, the twist off wine seal clearly is not able to, or is it? The traditional twist off seal is not able to allow the wine to breathe, but there is a different type of twist off seal in the market today that with calculated levels of oxygen ingress over time. Many may argue that this type of twist off seal may be able to provide a better balance of oxygen exposure than the cork, making the twist off seal equally or even more improved than the classic cork option.

Breathing

Many may wonder why wine has to breathe at all. Allowing the wine to breathe and oxidize while still sealed in the bottle softens the flavor of the wine, creating a more desirable taste. If the wine is sealed with a twist off cap that does not allow this process, it lessens the experience and flavor once opened and served.

Many wine enthusiasts may also feel that the traditional cork removal and that incredible “pop” sound is part of the entire wine drinking process and therefore the cork is still preferred by the majority of wine consumers worldwide.