Almost 90% of wine made in New Zealand is sealed with a screwcap, which is the fastest uptake and most extensive use of screwcaps of any winemaking region in the world. But is that a good thing?

The primary argument (from a New Zealand perspective) for the use of screwcaps is that they have been sold such bad quality cork for so long that “cork Taint” was severely damaging the wine industry. The main cause of cork taint is a chemical called TCA (or 2,4,6-trichloroanisole for those who know a bit of chemistry), which produces very nasty smells and tastes, and can only be detected after bottling, ageing and opening.

Cork , however, has been used successfully for over 400 years and, where wines need or could improve with age, cork is a far better closure as it lets the wine “breath”, meaning that the cork allows the wine a gradual exposure to oxygen.

Another argument in favour of cork is that screwcaps are external seals, which can easily be broken through rough handling, after which the wine needs to be consumed immediately.

Finally, a reason that has nothing to do with practicality and everything to do with romance: when I splurge for a great Pinot for $50+ I like to experience that grand ‘pop’ sound that only a cork can make!

Now, a couple of nicely priced & wonderful drinking winter reds…

Yalumba ‘Patchwork’ Shiraz 2007 Barossa

I recently came across this little beauty at an industry tasting for a local wine distributor. A perfect blend and balance of Aussie power and restrained elegance – this wine has a supple, silken texture & fine-grained tannins. The nickname ‘Patchwork’ comes from the fact that the grapes for this wine come from an assorted ‘patchwork’ of Yalumba vineyards. This wine was named in a well-known NZ food magazine (Cuisine) as one of the top 5 in a Shiraz tasting. $17.99

Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale

Kiwi wine maker Samantha Connew puts out another cracker of a Scrubby Rise - and this one may be the best one yet. It has always been one of my regular great value reds that deliver on all the right fronts – beautiful, luscious blackberry fruit & jam, exceptional balance & ready for immediate consumption. An every day red that exceeds your expectations and mos def a pleasurable quaffer!! $15.95

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