Modern closures

Modern technology, prompted by an increasing awareness of the extent of cork taint and bottle-to-bottle variability, offers a range of alternatives to the traditional cork. To present a viable alternative to this natural substance they have to offer a reliable seal, present an inert substance to the wine, be easy to remove and reinsert, and be capable of being produced at a relatively low cost. Few have proved as successful as cork for long-term bottle ageing, however, and there is still considerable attachment on the part of many wine drinkers to the ritual of pulling a cork. For more details, see crown caps, particularly screwcaps, and other alternatives below.