To screw top or put a cork in it

The cork-versus-screw top subject is a highly-debated one, which is forever cropping up in the discussions of wine lovers today.
Typically, wine aficionados swear by the cork whilst other, perhaps less traditional, wine drinkers insist that the move from the natural cork to the plastic screw cap is simply an evolutionary transition to ease and practicality.
Aesthetically, the cork is clearly the more pleasing option; whether it’s thanks to the ritual of battling with the corkscrew to subsequently create a joyful ‘pop’, or whether it’s as a result of the celebratory connotations.
What’s undeniable is that when celebrating a special occasion with family, friends and a good bottle (or two) of wine, a little ‘pop’ of the cork will always add a little extra ‘oomph’ to the festive atmosphere.
And if you want to get technical, connoisseurs will also argue that natural cork allows in just the right amount of oxygen to mix with the wine to ensure that it ages properly.
Let’s now move the spotlight over to the screw cap. Its star attribute is that a plastic screw cap ensures that the wine tastes exactly how the winemaker intended. In other words, with a screw cap there’s no risk of the wine suffering from a mouldy taste and smell that is known as ‘cork taint’.
Instead, the purity of the wine’s fruity character remains unharmed and intact. This is crucial for a winemaker as, if a consumer notes a ‘cork tainted’ wine, they will forever associate that awful taste with the brand of wine and consequently will choose to never purchase a product from that brand again.
Our wine supplier, Brian Howell of Fine Wines Direct, explains:
“Screw caps are a big plus point for the wine trade in general due to the freshness and less returns from ‘corked’ wines”.
“Let’s also not forget that with a screw cap, there’s no such ordeal as with a cork. There’s less of a risk of losing your favourite white shirt due to the red wine splashes and spillages that come as a result of impatiently yanking on the cork screw a little too hard.”
However, paying no attention to the quality of the wine, we have to admit that there’s something about a screw cap bottle which cheapens the product as well as making it look more industrial.
Here at Oscars we think that the verdict on the subject is still out for debate as, evidently, there are two strong and very valid sides to the argument.
So, where do you stand on the screw top versus cork debate? Are you a traditionalist, a modernist or quite simply, not bothered – as long as the wine is good and it keeps flowing? Let us know what you think!

Oscars of Cardiff is located in the heart of Canton/Pontcanna. Opening times are Tuesday – Saturday Midday – 11pm and Midday – 6pm on Sundays.