Few wine myths are as stubborn as "screwcap equals cheap". It's time to put it to bed.
Why screwcaps exist
Cork can carry a fault called cork taint (TCA) that leaves wine smelling of damp cardboard. It ruins a noticeable percentage of cork-sealed bottles. Screwcaps eliminate that risk entirely.
They keep wine fresher
For the crisp, fruity whites and easy reds most of us drink day to day, a screwcap keeps the wine fresher and more consistent than cork.
Plenty of top wines use them
Some excellent producers — particularly in Australia and New Zealand — use screwcaps by choice, not to cut costs.
The takeaway
Judge the wine, not the closure. A screwcap on a bargain bottle is a feature, not a warning sign.
Quick Questions
Are screwcap wines lower quality?
No. Screwcaps prevent cork taint and keep wine fresher. Many excellent producers use them by choice. Judge the wine, not the closure.
Why do some expensive wines still use cork?
Tradition, expectation, and the fact that cork can suit wines built for long ageing. For everyday drinking, screwcaps often perform better.
