Natural Cork vs Synthetic vs Screw Cap: What Pro Winemakers Actually Choose

The closure debate never ends. Cork enthusiasts defend tradition; screw cap advocates cite reliability; synthetic partisans claim the best of both worlds. Here is what professional winemakers actually choose—and why.

Natural Cork: The Traditional Choice

Cork has sealed wine bottles for centuries. Its cellular structure allows microscopic oxygen exchange, which many believe helps wine age gracefully.

Pros:

• Traditional appearance and ritual
• Micro-oxygenation may benefit some wines
• Proven track record for long aging
• Biodegradable and renewable

Cons:

• Cork taint (TCA) affects 2-5% of bottles
• Variable oxygen transmission rates
• Requires proper storage (horizontal, cool, humid)
• Quality varies by grade and supplier

Best for: Premium wines intended for aging, traditionalists, special occasions

Screw Caps: The Modern Standard

Stelvin closures (screw caps) dominate in Australia, New Zealand, and increasingly worldwide. They provide consistent, reliable sealing with zero cork taint risk.

Pros:

• No cork taint
• Consistent oxygen barrier
• Easy to open and reseal
• Store bottles upright
• Less expensive than quality cork

Cons:

• Perceived as “cheap” by some consumers
• No oxygen transmission (debated whether this matters)
• Reduction issues in some wines (sulfurous odors)

Best for: Everyday wines, whites, wines for near-term consumption

Synthetic Corks: The Compromise

Plastic corks mimic natural cork appearance while eliminating taint risk. Quality has improved dramatically, though they still have limitations.

Pros:

• No cork taint
• Traditional bottle appearance
• Consistent manufacturing

Cons:

• Higher oxygen transmission than natural cork
• Difficult extraction (sometimes)
• Not recommended for long-term aging
• Environmental concerns (plastic)

Best for: Wines consumed within 2-3 years, when cork appearance matters but aging does not

What Professionals Choose

Industry surveys reveal:

• Premium reds for aging: High-grade natural cork dominates
• Mid-range wines: Mix of all three, trending toward screw cap
• Entry-level whites/rosés: Screw cap increasingly standard
• New Zealand/Australia: 90%+ screw cap for all tiers
• France/Italy: Cork still dominant, especially for traditional regions

For Home Winemakers

Consider your wine and timeline:

• Drinking within 1-2 years? Screw cap is easiest and most reliable
• Aging 3-10 years? Quality natural cork is worth the investment
• Entering competitions? Cork is usually expected
• Giving as gifts? Cork adds perceived value

Quality Matters More Than Type

A cheap natural cork fails more often than a good synthetic or screw cap. If using cork, buy from reputable suppliers. Grade matters—avoid the cheapest options for wines you care about.