San Marcos Wine: Cork or Cap?
Usually when people talk about wines, an image of a big bottle with a cork comes into mind. Indeed, traditional wines are sealed through the use of a cork. These corks play an important role in terms of preserving the taste as well as the integrity of the wine.
Through the use of corks, moisture is maintained inside the wine and oxygen is kept from entering. Using corks in wines is now considered as an old and outdated practice. Nowadays, wine makers and producers have decided to make use of screw caps in exchange of the traditional use of cork. Screw caps are commonly being used in covering bottled juices and other beverages. This new practice of using screw caps has caught the attention of wine enthusiasts. It has garnered different criticism, depending on whom you ask.
However, wine companies have defended their part and given reason for their use of screw caps. Nonetheless, amidst the popularity of screw caps, some wine making companies are still hesitant when it comes to the use of the said item.
The main purpose of corks is that it helps in the aging process of wine. Aging wine is commonly done over a span of several years. And this kind of process is not possible with the use of the modern screw cap. On the other hand, by using corks, moisture in wines is locked in. Equally important, oxygen is prevented from coming in and spoiling the wine. Aside from that, by using screw caps, the cork producing industry has been greatly affected.
On the other hand, by using screw caps, wine making companies can save a great deal of money. This is true as usage of corks in sealing wines can be quite expensive. Additionally, screw caps are a common preference as they can be easily opened when compared to corks. Other than that, instances of floating cork bits in wines can be prevented from happening again.
Another feature people greatly appreciate from the use of screw caps is the possibility of storing wines in an upright position. Amidst these advantages, it is said that usage of screw caps can gravely affect and destroy the natural fruity taste of wines. This is possible as the metal component of screw caps can affect the wine itself. With this, a change in taste can be expected.
Basically, the use of screw caps was brought about by the excessive cost of using corks in wine. However, one would come to wonder if saving money is worth exchanging for the quality and taste of a wine. Indeed, there is no concrete proof that the taste of wine are altered with the use of screw caps. But then, this is the fears being expressed by wine enthusiasts: hence the ongoing debate.
Screw caps versus corks?
In the end, whether to use cork or screw caps will depend on the consumers. If consumers dictate that using screw caps would be impractical, then, corks will continue to be the material to be used in sealing wines. However, it would be fair and beneficial if both wine maker and enthusiasts would keep an open-mind when it comes to this issue.
