What Does Smelling the Cork Really Tell Us?

Have you ever been in a restaurant where the sommelier or waiter carefully places the wine cork next to your plate? And then, the classic question pops up: “What now? Should I smell it, touch it, or just ignore it?”

I love shedding light on these situations because they often reveal the charm and history of wine culture.

A Tradition Rooted in the 18th Century

Believe it or not, the practice of presenting the cork dates back to the 18th century! Back then, some restaurateurs would refill empty bottles of expensive wines with cheaper substitutes, reseal them with new corks, and sell them as premium wines. To combat this fraud, wineries began branding their corks, and restaurants started placing them on the table as proof of authenticity.

Should You Smell the Cork?

The truth is—smelling the cork won’t reveal much. Flaws like moldy, musty aromas from cork taint (TCA contamination) won’t necessarily be noticeable on the cork itself but will be evident in the wine’s aroma and taste.

However, the cork can provide some clues:
✔ A completely dry cork may indicate poor storage conditions.
✔ A wet cork suggests that the bottle was stored upright, potentially allowing oxygen contact, but it’s not a definitive sign of spoilage.

What should you actually do? Just check if the name on the cork matches the label on the bottle. This small tradition still holds symbolic value, but today, we rely more on our senses when tasting wine.

So, the next time you receive a cork at your table, feel it, glance at it, but remember—the final judgment is in your glass, not on the table.

Cork vs. Screw Cap: How the “Humble Twist-Off” Took Over the Wine World

Cork and wine have a long love story—the sound of uncorking a bottle, that signature “pop,” evokes old-world charm, tradition, and romance. But in the late 20th century, the humble screw cap arrived and started challenging this idyllic scene.

How did this happen?

The Rise of the Screw Cap

It all started with TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), the main culprit behind cork taint (commonly known as “corked wine”). This chemical compound, caused by fungal interaction with chlorine or natural compounds in cork, results in the musty smell of damp newspapers in wine.

Imagine the frustration of winemakers and consumers opening a high-end bottle only to find it undrinkable! By the late 1990s, the issue had peaked—an estimated 5-7% of wines were affected by TCA contamination.

A Game-Changer: Australia & New Zealand

The Australians decided to take action. In 2000, winemakers in the Clare Valley, famous for high-quality Rieslings, collectively switched to screw caps. New Zealand quickly followed.

Today, these countries lead the world in screw cap usage:
✔ 45% of Australian wines use screw caps
✔ 85% of New Zealand wines come with screw caps

Why Screw Caps?

Eliminate the risk of TCA contamination
More cost-effective and practical
Great for everyday wines—easy to open and reseal
Consistency—no unexpected cork issues

But here’s what you might not know:

Screw Caps & Wine Aging – Once thought unsuitable for aging, research now shows they can preserve wine for decades through controlled micro-oxidation—a game-changer for fine wines!

Eco-Friendly Choice – Screw caps, made from recyclable aluminum, are considered more sustainable. While cork comes from renewable sources, its harvesting and processing are more resource-intensive.

Marketing Influence – Younger generations in markets like the U.S. and Europe have embraced screw caps as a modern, laid-back approach to wine—no corkscrew needed, just twist and enjoy!

Not All Screw Caps Are the Same – Some allow oxygen exchange, while others create airtight seals, making them adaptable for different wine styles.

What About Cork?

The cork industry isn’t backing down. Millions have been invested in producing TCA-free corks, including “technical corks” made from recycled, sterilized cork—offering tradition without risk.

The Future: A Mix of Both

Will screw caps completely replace cork? Probably not.

Cork remains a symbol of tradition, prestige, and luxury, while screw caps offer practicality and reliability. The best closure is the one that suits the wine itself.

So, what’s your preference? Cork or screw cap? Tradition or modern convenience?

Whatever your choice, enjoy your wine—one sip at a time!

Cin Cin!