¿Existe realmente un debate entre la tapa de rosca y el corcho?
Mientras que las tapas de rosca ofrecen ventajas prácticas en términos de frescura, consistencia y facilidad de uso, el corcho sigue siendo valorado por su potencial de envejecimiento, percepción de calidad, estética y sostenibilidad.
BODEGA MATRIARCADO
In Australia, the transition from cork stoppers to screw caps on wine bottles has become common practice, especially in the production of young wines. This is due to several factors, such as the reduction of the ‘cork defect’, which can occur in some bottles with cork stoppers and cause the wine to become contaminated with odours. In addition, screw caps are cheaper to manufacture and allow better preservation of the fruity aromas of the wines.
We will summarise the advantages of the screw cap as follows:
Preservation of wine freshness and quality: screw caps provide an airtight seal that prevents premature oxidation of the wine. This is crucial for white and some red wines that benefit from maintaining their freshness and fruit character.
Consistency in storage and transport: Screw caps are easier to handle during storage and transport, ensuring greater consistency in wine quality from the winery to the end consumer. There is no risk of contamination by TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), a substance that can cause the characteristic ‘cork taste’ in wines bottled with natural cork stoppers.
Global acceptance: The adoption of screwcaps has gained acceptance around the world, including in major markets such as the US and UK. This means Australian producers can export their wines with confidence, knowing that the sealing method is well received by international consumers.
Sustainability and cost: Screwcaps are cheaper than natural corks and can be recycled more easily. In addition, as a more consistent material, the risk of bottling defects and product loss is reduced, contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of the wine industry.
In terms of climate change in the environment while wine is being transported and stored, screwcaps offer an advantage over corks in that they provide a more consistent seal, which can help protect wine from temperature fluctuations, especially when shipping wine from Australia to America.
While screwcaps offer practical advantages in terms of freshness, consistency and ease of use, cork is also still valued for its ageing potential, perceived quality, aesthetics and sustainability, so some consumers still prefer the ritual experience of removing a cork when opening a bottle of wine.
In many markets, cork has historically been associated with high quality and prestigious wines. Natural corks allow for minimal oxygen permeability, which can benefit certain red wines for cellaring. This small amount of oxygen can contribute to the wine's ageing process, allowing for a more gradual and complex evolution of aromas and flavours over time.
In the end, the choice between cork and screwcap ultimately depends on the style of wine, the consumer's preferences and the producer's objectives.
References
https://www.grandesvinos.com/blog/importancia-tapones-corcho-conservacion-vino/
http://www.aasommeliers.com.ar/novedades/n/364/CORCHO-vs-ROSCA-la-falsa-pelea