Corks or screwcaps?

Initially, and as was to be expected, not every experience was successful. Regardless of the polemic about whether wines breathe through corks, regardless of whether in a vertical or horizontal position, and disregarding the effect of a lead or plastic seal, some very clever people developed a system that allows wine to breathe through screwcaps via a tiny, controlled oxygen exchange using liners inside the cap. These liners are designed to allow minimal air permeability, which mimics the slow oxygenation process that occurs with traditional corks.

WINE OF THE WEEK

• Keininger AMARA 2023 Sierras de Málaga

• Only 2,000 bottles of this Ronda white are made each year from organically-grown Chardonnay grapes from the estate Attractive yellow hue with an interesting nose. Very balanced and with a nose reminiscent of tropical fruits and white flowers. Around 24 euros.

That's the good news. The bad is that, against popular belief, screwcaps, even the 'intelligent' ones, are not necessarily suitable for all wines, not even cheap ones. Nor do premium quality corks necessarily improve superior wines. Indications are that some very expensive wines benefit from screwcaps or cork conglomerate, and the kneejerk reaction which dictates that all top class wines must use expensive corks is not proven. And to make matters more complicated, current investigations are revealing that while one vintage may benefit from a premium cork closure, another year's may show off its qualities best under a screwcap.

One of the most expensive wines with a screwcap is New Zealand's. Villa Maria Ngakirikiri The Pinnacle Cabernet Sauvignon, retailing for around 200 euros. Wines from top-tier producers like Penfolds (Australia) can sell for over 120 euros per bottle.