Cork vs Synthetic vs Screw Caps

In the wonderful world of wine, we are at an impasse.  Wine is a very romantic entity with a long and illustrious past.  Wine is entrenched in traditions.  The French, Spanish, and, now, even the Americans have created strict laws and codes of conduct regarding wine.  Wine is a pretentious and fickle lady.  The wine never lies.  Or, does it?!

 

Everything in life evolves.  Modern technology dictates and demands change.  Old-fashioned ways fade into obscurity for newer, more innovative, updated versions.  Do younger generations even know what a percolator is or a sweeper or hootenanny? Who has 8-tracks anymore?  Or, watches black & white TV's?  It only stands to reason that wine should be no different!  It comes down to cork vs. synthetics vs. screw caps.  Those of us who grew up with Boonesfarm, Riunite on Ice, "That's nice!" and, even, Mad Dog 20 (yikes, did I just admit to knowing about that?!  Soo, it was just one New Year's Eve a very long time ago!) know exactly what I'm talking about.  How can any serious wine even dream of adorning an exquisite creation with a screw cap atop?

When my husband and I first met, I was so disappointed to find that he had gasp! sold out, in my book, and was using synthetic corks.  We debated.  He was patient and explained all of the advantages of using the synthetic corks over a natural cork.  Reluctantly, I had to agree that it made sense.  And, it still makes the neat little POP when it's pulled out AND you still get to use the cork screw.  After all, that's part of the whole ceremony that takes place every time you open a bottle of wine.  I was somewhat placated. 

Immediately following this discussion, he popped the rest of the story on me….screw caps are the best and most dependable seal you can put on a wine bottle.  I fainted.

The fact of the matter is….a screw cap is the most evolved form of packaging wine. It always seals perfectly, doesn't add or take anything away from the wine, and doesn't lose its integrity over time.  Let's look at the evidence.  True corked wine can become…well, CORKED!  Did you know that about 1 in 20 bottles pick up a musty, wet cardboard taste from natural cork?  How many times have you anxiously opened a long-anticipated bottle of wine to accompany your meal only to find the cork was dried out? It crumbled into your wine? It allowed air to seep in? It has a funky smell and putrid vinegar taste?  Now what do you do?

We still have far to go on the acceptance of the screw cap.  It's coming, though.  Prepare yourselves.  In the tradition of watching the last steam engine roaring past (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmtvA0yJyTU) to giving up your Erica phone for push button to cell, albums to cassettes to CD's and i-tunes, the screw caps are coming.  Make way for progress.



The Erica Phone



Lots of great wine related activities surround us during the summer months.  The Temecula wineries are knocking themselves out to power pack fun and wine for your summer pleasure.  Check out http://www.temeculanightout.com/

THE place to go for All the places to go!

Get out there and support our local wine industry! 

Cheers & Joy!!