August 05, 2008 - Oak Barrels
What is corked wine?
Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine...
Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine. A cork is essential, as it keeps oxygen out of the wine bottle. If a bottle of wine is not airtight then it may become oxidized and undrinkable.
Different types of cork
Traditionally, the only corks worth considering were those actually made of cork. Recently, however, many wine experts have recognized that cork may actually cause more problems than it solves.
Cork, due to its malleable nature may have imperfections; these can result in the seal of the bottle not being as airtight as it could be and the wine being spoilt. In an attempt to avoid this problem, modern cork manufacturers may treat the cork with a chemical called TVA. Unfortunately, this chemical can cause the wine to taste and smell a little damp and musty.
Having said this, cork is able to expand to fully fill the neck of the bottle, which therefore, still makes it the preferred option for special wines that need to be stored, over a long period of time.
Plastic corks are becoming increasing popular, of late. One of the main problems associated with traditional corks is that the wine becomes 'corked'. Plastic corks prevent this occurring. Great! I hear you say. However, there can be minor irritations with plastic corks. A plastic cork can sometimes be difficult to extract from the bottle and virtually impossible to fit back into a half drunk bottle.
Another recent development is the widespread use of screw-top bottles. Until recently, this type of seal was used for only the cheapest of wines. Wine producers across the globe are now recognizing the benefits that screw tops provide. This type of seal ensures that wine is kept fresh; there is no chance of the wine becoming 'corked' and the bottle can be easily resealed. In reality, the only reason that screw tops are not more popular is because of the ingrained snobbery associated with this method of sealing a bottle.
Dealing with cork problems
No matter which type of cork you choose, it is important that you are able to recognize whether the wine has been properly sealed or not. A useful test is to see whether the top of the cork is level with the top of the bottle; if it isn't, then that particular bottle of wine is probably best avoided.
If a traditional cork breaks when you are removing it - don't panic! Use a corkscrew to attempt to 'dig out' the remaining cork. If this fails, simply push the remains of the cork down into the bottle. Contrary to popular belief, this will not destroy the wine's flavor. You may have to fish out a few bits of cork, but the taste of the wine should remain unaffected. However, you'd be wise to finish the whole bottle, under these circumstances!
When choosing your wine
, base your decision on the wine itself and not the type of cork. Resist the temptation to be a cork snob; a screw top bottle may just give you a pleasant surprise
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since Neil Best first investigated the history of wine he's been recording his findings at Good Glug. This article is part of the free Good Glug Wine Appreciation Mini Course. Visit now and get your copy
Thoughts about Oak Barrels
What is corked wine?
Keeping a wine bottle-sealed is probably the most important factor when it comes to maintaining a good wine...
Keepin...
Click Here to Read More About Wine ...
Oak Barrels Products we recommend
Sweet Cravings Basket Standard
Whether it's "Thank You," "Congratulations" or "Best Wishes," say it with chocolate and wine for a gift that's sure to please. Toast their achievement with a German Cabernet Sauvignon, a lush Cabernet from Germany, with Raspberry Chocolate Cookies, Jazzy Praline, Chocolate Cream Cookies, Dark Chocolate Mint Delights, Chocolate Mint, and Flavored Tea. Presented in a lovely wicker basket. SCB04 SCB04S
Price: 86.95 USD
Headlines on Oak Barrels
Silkroad Online on Linux with Wine
Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:41:45 PDT
Silkroad Online on Linux with Wine, Silkroad Online is a massively multiplayer online RPG that puts the player deep into ancient Chinese and European civilizations along the historic Silk Road trade route.. Traveling across Jang'an, China to Constantinople, players can make their fortunes as merchants, prey on the rich as thieves....
Trackmania United Forever on Linux with Wine!
Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:47:13 PDT
It's the ultimate version of TrackMania and it's designed to provide a maximum of content and gameplay possibilities to players. With this edition, you can enjoy racing with players around the world whether they own United Forever or the free game Nations Forever. TrackMania United Forever also allows you to play solo or online.
More Tea Experts Take on Sommelier Tag
Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:25:07 PDT
Sommeliers - they're not just for wine anymore. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, a sommelier is "a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service" or "a wine steward." Though this doesn't leave any room to apply the word to tea culture, many tea experts have gone ahead and taken on this appellation even so.
Attitudes toward consumption and conservation of tigers
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:32:27 PDT
The potential market for tiger products in China is enormous, but a vast majority of the Chinese public would rather have wild tigers than tiger-bone wine, according to new research published in the online, open-access journal PLoS ONE.
Wine Shops
Wine Rating
Labels: Carlee Wine
