Closure is a term used in the wine industry to refer to a stopper, the object used to seal a bottle and avoid harmful contact between the wine and oxygen.[1]
They include:[2]
- Traditional natural cork closures ('corks');
- alternative wine closures, such as screw caps, synthetic closures, glass closures.
- Historical applications no longer in use, such as wooden stoppers with cloth or wax
The choice of closure depends on issues such as the risk of cork taint, oxygen permeability and desired life of the wine.[3] Another factor is consumer reaction, with the wine-buying public in Australia and New Zealand positive to alternative closures, while opinion is divided among consumers of the United States.[4] In Europe, perceptions that associate screw caps with low-quality wine may be declining.[3]
Synthetic wine bottle closures may allow for a controlled oxygen transfer rate.[5]
Some natural cork closures may be "easy open, easy recork", removing the need for a corkscrew.