Screw top vs cork champagne debate set to be re-ignited

THE screw top versus cork debate was set to be re-ignited as it emerged yesterday that a new metallic cap has been developed for champagne.

The cap will be unveiled at the London International Wine Fair in May by family-owned company Duval-Leroy.

The traditional firm, founded in 1859 and producing more than five million bottles annually, will launch the metallic cap for a limited number of Clos des Bouveries bottles.

Noemie Ravel D’Estienne, spokeswoman for Duval-Leroy, would not divulge details of the new design. It is being kept tightly under wraps by Alcan, the company that has developed it.

Screw caps are now a common feature of non-sparkling wines, despite initial reservations about whether it would spoil the quality.

Wine professionals agree that between 2% and 10% of wines are rendered undrinkable by corks, which can contain a chemical that taints the wine.