The best thing since …
Posted on Sunday 5th April 2009
Come to think of it, who decided that sliced bread was mankind’s greatest achievement. Perhaps I’m over-thinking this one. Anyway, before this becomes too tangential, here is the point.
The wine drinkers amongst you will have probably noticed that an increasing number of winemakers and vineyards are sealing bottles with Stelvin closures rather than traditional cork. This seems to be predominantly popular with New World producers, but even the French are catching on. This small little detail seems to be the source of much controversy amongst purists.
The arguments against include:
- many drinkers associate screw caps with cheap mass-produced cooking wine rather than quality vintages
- the plastic seal is unreliable and cracks with time
- the thin metal is prone to dents
- opening lacks the ceremony of a “popping cork”
- a certain amount of oxygenation of wine is essential to develop some of the complexities of taste
However, I favour the Stelvin closure over natural or even artificial corks for the following reasons:
- it is deeply frustrating to discover that expensive wine you cellared carefully has corked
- corks are notoriously susceptible to environmental conditions and variations
- you no longer have to store bottles horizontally
- they are cheaper
- cork still has to be sourced from a diminishing natural source
- natural flavours can still develop – you just have to be patient
- the subtleties of ageing are not dependent on oxidation
Or just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, perhaps they each have a place!
I agree totally!
Murray Walker decided “It’s the best thing since sliced bread.”
Yes, the Grand Prix man in a previous life was an advertising man.
His other famous slogan was:
“A Mars a day helps you work, rest and play.”
Cheers Vicki