E&J Gallo trials screwcap wine bottle closure

One of the UK's leading wine brands is making a switch from cork closure to screwcap in an attempt to eradicate the problem of tainted wines.

In a move that will no doubt be frowned upon by traditional wine buffs, Ernest & Julio Gallo (E&J Gallo) has decided to replace the time-honoured pop with a twist across its popular Turning Leaf brand.

Although the Californian wine producer is keen to stress that it is only trialling the idea, it is significant that one of the biggest players in the sector is contemplating such a change.

Many wineries have considered making the switch in the past but have persevered with cork due to the perceived negative consumer reaction to screwcaps derived from their association with so-called "value for money" wines.

A particularly guarded statement from E&J read: "Ernest & Julio Gallo uses natural cork in the majority of its brand portfolio. However, E&J Gallo is continually exploring new developments within wine, such as plastic corks closure and screwcaps but there are no plans to introduce screwcaps across the broader E&J Gallo range."

Although tainted wine is the subject of fierce debate among wine producers, it is generally estimated that eight to 10 per cent of all wine with a cork closure can be tainted and a further 30 to 40 per cent can be dulled or oxidised by imperfect corks.

The relatively recent advent of plastic closure has reduced this number but many insist that screwcap closure is by far the most reliable.

However, John Anderson, trade marketing manager for wines and spirits at Greene King, believes that it will take time to convince pub-goers. "If a wine in a screwcap bottle was good enough we wouldn't be entirely put off but it would be more difficult to sell than an identical product using a plastic or cork closure.

"People seem to have accepted plastic closure but among UK consumers there is still something cheap about screwcaps," he added. "People may realise in time that there are no sinister implications but I'm not sure the market is quite ready."

A number of New Zealand producers such as Villa Maria have made the switch while Jacobs Creek recently introduced a screwcap for its Riesling varietal in the off-trade.