Why use a screwcap?
Simple - C to protect against cork taint.

What exactly is ¡s 'cork taint'?
Cork taint or 'corked' are simple terms used to describe a wine that has been adversely affected once it has come into contact with a cork.

Cork , which is a natural product made from the bark of a tree is prone to developing mold. The mold itself, effectively creates a chemical infection know as 2,4,6 trichloranisole (TCA for short). The level of TCA varies from cork to cork which means the degree of cork taint varies from bottle to bottle.

At its worst the wine takes in musty smell which has been likened to the smell of wet cardboard. The taste of the wine is also affected as the varietals natural fruit flavors are suppressed. If only marginally tainted the natural fruit characters will be dulled, making the wine seem lifeless.

What is a screwcap closure made of?
The top and sides are aluminium. Inside the top is a polyethylene liner covered with a special tin foil.

How does a screwcap work?
The cap is machine applied to form an airtight seal. To open, hole the top of the bottle around the capsule in one hand and gently twist.

What about cellaring potential-will screwcaps allow both red & white wines to age?
Yes-ageing of all wines is a function of the natural chemical characters in the wine and will occur over time-irrespective of whether it's a screwcap or a corl.

"Some people have the idea that the development of wine with a stelvin closure will be artificially arrested. Not so, there is sufficient oxygen in the wine and in the head space to allow that part of development which requires oxygen to take place, and -what is more- much of the development will take place anaerobically (i.e, without oxygen). ( James Halliday, Australian wine writer )

How do I cellar my wines?
Your choice-either upright or laying down. Wines sealed with a stelvin closure are guaranteed against leakage.

REASON FOR
•  Elimination of cork taint
•  Elimination of wine oxidation
•  Wines which taste fresher and livelier
•  Prolonged and controlled ageing of both red and white wines
•  Consistency of ageing, from one bottle to the next
•  Convenience-easy to open
•  Upright storage
•  Re-sealable for convenience
•  Feel positive when pouring the wine knowing it won't be corked

REASONS AGAINST
•  Loss of ceremony surrounding removal of cork (traditional)