WTH?? Jacob's Creek has a screwtop wine bottle??

[AndrewR]

I bought three bottles of Australian wine that were on sale, all from Jacob's Creek. Two of them were red (Cabernet-Merlot, Cabernet-Syrah) and the other was a Reisling. I had the two reds last week, and they were decent especially for the price. The Reisling, however, I just opened tonight, and IT HAS A SCREWTOP! Now, I'll admit to being a winesnob, but I find it surprising that the same vineyard produces both corked (and not even the plastic corks, real ones) and then screwtop wines that are packaged the identically.

Very strange. The Reisling is decent though -- on my second glass now.

 

[chrisms]

It seals in the snob

 

[Fritzo]

I've noticed a lot of bottles going to screw tops lately. Wierd.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

 

[Riceball]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

What about putting wine in a box? Better preservation?

 

[FilmCamera]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

The industry is also having a hard time hiring enough cork soakers. Perhaps you would be good at that.

 

[Looney]

I prefer screw top myself.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

The supply of cork is not an issue -- it's the usage which is declining, not the supply. Certain portions of the industry, the mass production ones, have made a switch to plastic corks and screwtops, but the traditional areas have not for the most part. Those same mass production houses also use stainless steel aging tanks while the best wine makers use oak barrels since steel doesn't impart any good flavors to a wine (some use both for different parts of the process).

You could make the argument that MDF and metal are superior materials for making furniture because they are cheaper, can be made to look like anything with veneers, resist moisture (with a veneer or treatments), and can be easily pressed or molded into many shapes. Curiously, the best furniture is still made from wood.

Cork imparts a certain something to the entire enjoyment of the wine which is simply not present with a plastic cork or a screwtop. Ever try sniffing a plastic cork or a screwtop? You can get a good idea of the wine as soon as you open it with a regular cork, and the act of opening the bottle is a demonstration of skill. I learned wine appreciation in France so I'm more of a purist than most, and I just hate to see certain traditions disappearing, especially those from a cost perspective.

I found it amusing that Consumer Reports did a small piece on wine preservation (vacuum sealing, inert gases), and they stated that the superior solution is wine in a plastic/foil bag, ie. the box. That goes to my major criticism of Consumer Reports -- that wine is almost universally swill, and while it might last longer, they fail to acknowledge the foremost aspect of wine drinking -- TASTE! I'd rather have good wine that doesn't last that long than crap wine that lasts forever.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

The supply of cork is not an issue -- it's the usage which is declining, not the supply. Certain portions of the industry, the mass production ones, have made a switch to plastic corks and screwtops, but the traditional areas have not for the most part. Those same mass production houses also use stainless steel aging tanks while the best wine makers use oak barrels since steel doesn't impart any good flavors to a wine (some use both for different parts of the process).

You could make the argument that MDF and metal are superior materials for making furniture because they are cheaper, can be made to look like anything with veneers, resist moisture (with a veneer or treatments), and can be easily pressed or molded into many shapes. Curiously, the best furniture is still made from wood.

Cork imparts a certain something to the entire enjoyment of the wine which is simply not present with a plastic cork or a screwtop. Ever try sniffing a plastic cork or a screwtop? You can get a good idea of the wine as soon as you open it with a regular cork, and the act of opening the bottle is a demonstration of skill. I learned wine appreciation in France so I'm more of a purist than most, and I just hate to see certain traditions disappearing, especially those from a cost perspective.

I found it amusing that Consumer Reports did a small piece on wine preservation (vacuum sealing, inert gases), and they stated that the superior solution is wine in a plastic/foil bag, ie. the box. That goes to my major criticism of Consumer Reports -- that wine is almost universally swill, and while it might last longer, they fail to acknowledge the foremost aspect of wine drinking -- TASTE! I'd rather have good wine that doesn't last that long than crap wine that lasts forever.

the TASTE you so desire is already decided by the time the wine is put in the bottle or bag. The only thing that will change the taste (unless it is mis-handled) is time. The cork nor the glass of the bottle do anything for the TASTE.

 

[E equals MC2]

Anyone who's been to a professional wine tasting knows that screwtop vs cork makes NO DIFFERENCE in quality of the wine, perserving length, etc.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

The supply of cork is not an issue -- it's the usage which is declining, not the supply.

oh really?

Actually I suppose calling it a "cork shortage" isn't entirely accurate, but that the amount of cork suitable for corks is reduced. There is still plenty of lower quality cork for making flooring and bulletin boards.

Incidentally, the synthetic corks and screw tops are more expensive that natural cork, so that's not the reason for change.

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[imported_mateo]

Those same mass production houses also use stainless steel aging tanks while the best wine makers use oak barrels since steel doesn't impart any good flavors to a wine (some use both for different parts of the process).

My understanding is that they often add pieces of oak directly to the stainless steel tanks so that the wine can still develop an oak character if desired. Its not as classic or as aesthetically pleasing as a barrel, but if done right works.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

All vinyards want a screw top.

It's better for the wine. Most consistent. Corks add an element of uncertainty, screw tops don't.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

All vinyards want a screw top.

It's better for the wine. Most consistent. Corks add an element of uncertainty, screw tops don't.

That's part of the fun!

 

[imported_mateo]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
cork is becoming more and more in short supply. The industry did a lot of research on synthetic corks versus screwtops and found that screwtops actually preserve wine better than natural and plastic corks. Many vinyards have resisted the switch over the exact reaction you had, when in fact it is a superior solution.

All vinyards want a screw top.

It's better for the wine. Most consistent. Corks add an element of uncertainty, screw tops don't.

True...corks crack, screw tops dont. Nothing worse than spending $$$ on a bottle of wine with a cracked cork and spoiled contents.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: AndrewR
That's part of the fun!

Not if you want to make a consistently high quality wine. Just ask any distiller/wine maker - they hate them and only keep them around for the winesnobs. The wine isn't as good, but at least they get to smell their precious cork.

 

[RbSX]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: AndrewR
That's part of the fun!

Not if you want to make a consistently high quality wine. Just ask any distiller/wine maker - they hate them and only keep them around for the winesnobs. The wine isn't as good, but at least they get to smell their precious cork.

This isn't true, my dads quite the wine freak and doesn't mind screw tops.

Those that want cork.. well.. meh.

 

[krunchykrome]

A lot of wine makers are doing this lately.

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: AndrewR
That's part of the fun!

Not if you want to make a consistently high quality wine. Just ask any distiller/wine maker - they hate them and only keep them around for the winesnobs. The wine isn't as good, but at least they get to smell their precious cork.

That was my point, they prefer the screwtops for quality concerns, but because of reactions like the OPs, they keep the corks to avoid losing customers and hurting their reputation

 

[Fritzo]

Cork imparts a certain something to the entire enjoyment of the wine which is simply not present with a plastic cork or a screwtop. Ever try sniffing a plastic cork or a screwtop? You can get a good idea of the wine as soon as you open it with a regular cork, and the act of opening the bottle is a demonstration of skill. I learned wine appreciation in France so I'm more of a purist than most, and I just hate to see certain traditions disappearing, especially those from a cost perspective.

I wonder if everyone was laughing at you when you were sniffing corks in France...

5 Myths about wine

That whole cork sniffing thing used to be done to tell if the wine was spoiled- not to tell "what kind of quality it is".

 

[moshquerade]

Richard Branson thinks it's the next best thing.

Virgin Vines - Richard Branson Takes on Wine

As The Rebel Billionaire, Richard Branson, says, ?Wine, like life, is meant to be enjoyed.? It is no surprise that this celebrity-CEO has teamed up with Brown-Forman to launch the Virgin Vines wine line. I have yet to taste the wine, but I will comment on the barrage of marketing that has already ensued. Virgin and Brown Forman will likely spend a lot to brand Virgin Vines. Branson notoriously promotes the Virgin lifestyle, and wine offers an ideal compliment.

The wine?s motto is ?Unscrew it, lets do it.? This tag-line seems to challenge the wine establishment. Its pop-culture reference attempts to attract the next generation consumer. Similarly, one ad reads, ?Full-bodied Shiraz desires hookup. No commitments, baggage or corkscrew?? while another reads, ?Single White Chardonnay desperately seeks adventurous taste buds to join in soaking up life?? The Virgin Vines website, www.virginvines.com, includes a dictionary with traditional wine terms and the Virgin interpretation. This ?Virgin Vernacular? pages are amusing, again poking fun at traditional establishment. For example, ?Complex: A wine with many elements, none of which dominate the other. An elusive quality that separates a great wine from a good one? in Virgin Vernacular is ?A non-desirable trait in a partner. Usually leads to lots of serious talks and heart-wrenching debates.? A viewer can even submit his / her own definitions for terms, including Body, Depth, and Bouquet.

Virgin Vines will be screw top, priced at $9.99 a bottle, with a four-pack plastic bottle line priced at $8.99. This may initially be a hurdle for wine buyers who the quality of screw top wines. But, a long-run commitment to a consistent and high-quality screw top could help propel the practice across the industry. And, with ulta-luxury bottles, such as Plumpjack, also using screw tops, we may be witnessing the end of the traditional cork.

If you have already tried Virgin Vines, let me know what you think. I promise to post a follow-up as soon as I get a chance to try it.

http://www.winefetch.com/wine-blog/2005...n-vines-richard-branson-takes-on-wine/

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Originally posted by: moshquerade

Virgin Vines - Richard Branson Takes on Wine

The wine?s motto is ?Unscrew it, lets do it.?

:Q

ORLY?

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Cork imparts a certain something to the entire enjoyment of the wine which is simply not present with a plastic cork or a screwtop. Ever try sniffing a plastic cork or a screwtop? You can get a good idea of the wine as soon as you open it with a regular cork, and the act of opening the bottle is a demonstration of skill. I learned wine appreciation in France so I'm more of a purist than most, and I just hate to see certain traditions disappearing, especially those from a cost perspective.

I wonder if everyone was laughing at you when you were sniffing corks in France...

5 Myths about wine

That whole cork sniffing thing used to be done to tell if the wine was spoiled- not to tell "what kind of quality it is".

you mean his snobbish potrayal of his wine tasting skill is all a mis-directed fantasy? nevar! He's the best wine connoisseur evar!

 

[TheGizmo]

i've had a few bottles with screw tops and the wine is still of superb quality. no problems here. i am a bit of a wine snob myself.. you're just going to have to get used to it Andrew.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: moshquerade
Richard Branson thinks it's the next best thing.

Virgin Vines - Richard Branson Takes on Wine

As The Rebel Billionaire, Richard Branson, says, ?Wine, like life, is meant to be enjoyed.? It is no surprise that this celebrity-CEO has teamed up with Brown-Forman to launch the Virgin Vines wine line. I have yet to taste the wine, but I will comment on the barrage of marketing that has already ensued. Virgin and Brown Forman will likely spend a lot to brand Virgin Vines. Branson notoriously promotes the Virgin lifestyle, and wine offers an ideal compliment.

The wine?s motto is ?Unscrew it, lets do it.? This tag-line seems to challenge the wine establishment. Its pop-culture reference attempts to attract the next generation consumer. Similarly, one ad reads, ?Full-bodied Shiraz desires hookup. No commitments, baggage or corkscrew?? while another reads, ?Single White Chardonnay desperately seeks adventurous taste buds to join in soaking up life?? The Virgin Vines website, www.virginvines.com, includes a dictionary with traditional wine terms and the Virgin interpretation. This ?Virgin Vernacular? pages are amusing, again poking fun at traditional establishment. For example, ?Complex: A wine with many elements, none of which dominate the other. An elusive quality that separates a great wine from a good one? in Virgin Vernacular is ?A non-desirable trait in a partner. Usually leads to lots of serious talks and heart-wrenching debates.? A viewer can even submit his / her own definitions for terms, including Body, Depth, and Bouquet.

Virgin Vines will be screw top, priced at $9.99 a bottle, with a four-pack plastic bottle line priced at $8.99. This may initially be a hurdle for wine buyers who the quality of screw top wines. But, a long-run commitment to a consistent and high-quality screw top could help propel the practice across the industry. And, with ulta-luxury bottles, such as Plumpjack, also using screw tops, we may be witnessing the end of the traditional cork.

If you have already tried Virgin Vines, let me know what you think. I promise to post a follow-up as soon as I get a chance to try it.

http://www.winefetch.com/wine-blog/2005...n-vines-richard-branson-takes-on-wine/

hehe, excellent marketing.