Cork or
screw cap?
Which is better?
Focus on the right wine stopper
A conversation with Johannes Gross (Winery Gross) about one of the most discussed questions in the wine world
For generations, winemakers and wine lovers have been grappling with the question: Which closure is the right one for my wine? While natural corks were long considered the only true solution, more and more winemakers are now opting for screw caps. But is there a “better” choice or does it all depend on the type of wine?
Johannes Gross from the renowned Winery Gross in South Styria talks to Andreas Muster about the advantages and disadvantages of the different closures – and why the decision is often more complex than you might think.
<p
The video!
Andreas Muster in conversation with Johannes Gross
…about the question of whether a cork or a screw cap is better for the wine? This topic has been on the minds of generations of winegrowers and about 20 years ago, attempts were made to find an alternative closure to the cork, such as the plastic cork. What does a winemaker rely on today?
The fasteners
Cork or screwdriver?
...alternative wine closures
Around 20 years ago, winemakers began looking for alternatives to cork. The main reason: cork defects. Due to the chemical compound TCA (trichloroanisole), corks can affect the wine with a musty, damp cellar odour. Plastic corks were an initial alternative, but were not able to gain widespread acceptance – they often sealed worse and had no positive effect on wine ageing.
Today, two closures in particular dominate the market: natural corks and screw caps.
The classic with tradition
For many wine lovers, the natural cork is the concept of quality. It conveys a certain romanticism and exclusivity, as the sound of a cork being pulled is part of the wine experience for many. But does it have other advantages besides tradition?
Advantages of natural cork:
- Enables micro-oxidation, which is desirable in the ageing of premium wines
- Especially beneficial for high-quality, storable red wines
- Traditional and appreciated by wine lovers
- Sustainable natural product
Disadvantages of natural cork:
- Risk of cork defects (up to 3-5% of wines affected)
- Differences in cork quality possible
- Higher costs for the winemaker
Modern, practical and effective
The screw cap was long regarded as a “cheap solution” for mass-produced wines. Today, however, it has established itself – especially for young, fresh white wines that should have as little contact with oxygen as possible.
<p
Advantages of the screw cap:
- No cork defects, so guaranteed consistent quality
- Perfect seal, especially for fruit-orientated white wines
- Practical, easy to open – no corkscrew required
- Good for medium-term storage, as the wine retains its freshness
Disadvantages of the screw cap:
- No oxygen exchange, therefore less ageing potential for long-lasting wines
- Less traditional image, especially for high-quality red wines
- Non-biodegradable (although recyclable)
The innovative wine closure solution in South Styria
Glass cork is becoming increasingly important in South Styria. In addition to the renowned Lackner-Tinnacher and Tement wineries, other top winemakers are also opting for this elegant alternative to the classic cork or screw cap. The taste-neutral, reusable and leak-proof closure offers decisive advantages: It prevents cork faults, preserves the variety of flavours and underlines the high quality of South Styrian wines.
The glass cork is particularly ideal for purely varietal, terroir-influenced wines, as it enables precise ageing and at the same time complements the precious design of the bottles. More and more wineries in South Styria are following this trend and opting for glass cork as a sustainable and stylish alternative.
What is the right choice?
According to Johannes Gross, there is no only correct solution – it all depends on the style of wine:
.
- Fresh, fruity white wines (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc or Welschriesling) benefit from the screw cap, as it preserves the flavours unadulterated.
- Aged wines (e.g. Chardonnay or strong red wines) often mature better with a natural cork, as controlled oxidation can take place.
“We use screw caps for our fresh wines – it’s more practical and preserves the fruit. For more mature, full-bodied wines, we choose cork because it allows the wine to breathe and contributes to its development,” says Johannes Gross.
<p
Wine is poetry in bottles.
Cork, screwdriver or glass cork
Conclusion: There is no one right choice
The “cork or screw cap?” debate is likely to continue for many years to come. While cork scores with its tradition and is ideal for storable wines, the screw cap impresses with its practical handling and protection against cork faults.
.
Winemakers today weigh up exactly which closure best suits the respective wine. The good news for connoisseurs: both closures have their place – and ultimately what counts is what ends up in the glass. So: cheers!
News & Events from the Ratscher Landhaus
Our highlights of the year - events & news not to be missed! Experience unforgettable moments in southern Styria!
