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Wine screw caps are usually not solely a legit bottle closure different to cork, however preferable in sure conditions.
Just like the current cicada hatch, we have now just lately emerged from our COVID-19 cocoon and have cautiously reengaged with a number of of our buddies, so we have been thrilled when my spouse and I obtained an invite from our neighbor to hitch him for dinner. Naturally, I introduced alongside a bottle of wine to open and revel in with our meal, however not figuring out precisely what our host most well-liked, I performed it secure and introduced a flexible white wine that’s normally a crowd pleaser.
As quickly as we arrived, I handed the wine to our host with a contact of ceremony and was shocked when a glance of what can solely be described as disappointment unfold throughout his face. Uh oh, I assumed, did I deliver a wine that reminded him of a nasty expertise, or worse, his ex-wife? I couldn’t resist. I needed to know what was behind his apparent misery. I used to be relieved, but considerably aggravated, by his response.
“Effectively,” he replied, “I assumed that you just have been an informed wine man who was going to deliver some fancy wine to dinner. I’m just a bit shocked that you just introduced a wine with a screw cap.” And there it was. I used to be standing face-to-face with a screw cap chauvinist. I knew I used to be in for a protracted night.
Luckily, he was extra curious about studying than debating, so I took the chance to clarify why I assumed screw caps weren’t solely a legit bottle closure different to cork, but additionally why they have been preferable in sure conditions. Whereas cork — processed from the bark of a specific oak tree species that grows primarily in Portugal — has been the front-runner for maintaining wine in bottles for hundreds of years, it isn’t with out some drawbacks.
In the beginning is “cork taint,” or 2,4,6 Trichloroanisole (TCA), which occurs when naturally occurring fungi within the cork comes into contact with Chlorophenol compounds, such because the bleach used to scrub corks. TCA imparts a musty, dank, moist cardboard character to wine, actually masking all different aromas and flavors. Whereas cork producers have lowered the frequency of tainted corks, wine trade analysis signifies that 3% to five% of all wines sealed with a cork are affected to some extent by TCA contamination.
Second is a phenomenon referred to as “taste scalping” the place the cork absorbs flavors from the wine. As well as, the porous nature of corks permits a miniscule alternate of air out and in of the bottle which, in lots of instances can truly support within the growing old course of, however in extra can result in untimely oxidation of the wine.
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Lastly, screw caps require no particular instruments to open, and may be simply resealed.
Nevertheless, screw caps aren’t good. As a result of they don’t seem to be porous, wines sealed with a screw cap don’t age as effectively — if in any respect — the best way wines sealed with corks do. And in uncommon instances, screw caps can impart a burnt or rubberized taste to the wine because of defective course of.
By the tip of my discourse, our host gave the impression to be appeased, however simply to be secure, I made a decision to let the wine converse for itself and win the closing argument. After a twist of the wrist, time was had by all as we raised our glasses and toasted to screwing off.
For the report, the wine that I introduced over for dinner was the 2019 Caymus Conundrum white wine mix from California. This intriguing mix of Chardonnay, Muscadet, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grapes are sourced from numerous vineyards all through California and is a superb worth. It options aromas of honeysuckle, peaches and apricot and mouth-filling flavors of melon, pear and creamy vanilla. Citrus notes sneak in on the crisp, semi-dry end. $12
Elena Walch was a profitable architect from Milan when she fell in love with Werner Walch, the proprietor of the Wilhelm Walch property, which had been in his household since 1869. Her marriage took her to the vineyards of Alto Adige in Italy, the place she ultimately found her personal knack for making wines of distinction and finesse. Right this moment, she is taken into account the Queen of Pinot Grigio and her 2020 Elena Walch Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, Italy is proof. The bouquet is bursting with aromas of orange blossom, grapefruit and pineapple. Crisp notes of nectarine, peach and lemon/lime fill the mouth whereas bracing acidity retains the end contemporary and vigorous. $24
A bottle with a screw cap enclosure was a warning signal {that a} wine may be of lesser high quality, however not at this time. Take exhibit A, the 2018 Alexana “Revana Winery” Riesling from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The fruit is grown on a cool microclimate winery that persistently produces a decidedly dry wine with aromas of apple blossom, orchard fruit and lemon zest. On the palate, the substantial acidity gives a beautiful platform for flavors of grapefruit, nectarine, and lemongrass up entrance whereas notes of tangy kumquats file in on the again. The bone-dry end retains the palate refreshed. Take pleasure in with grilled zucchini or eggplant. $32
Whereas it’s my remark that almost all wines below screw cap are white wines, there are certainly just a few crimson wines with a twist-top, together with the 2019 d’Arenberg The Stump Bounce is a mix of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre from McLaren Vale could also be among the best crimson wine values popping out of Australia at this time. This line-up of three muscular grapes possesses an enormous nostril filled with blueberries and blackberries. On the palate, it delivers a lush but balanced mouthful of black fruit flavors and spices that pair completely with summertime dinners like barbeque ribs or lamb burgers. $10
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