Cork or Screw Top: Does it really matter

while at dinner last evening, I ordered a bottle of wine, it arrived at the table and the server unscrewed the cap and poured it for my husband to taste. In his usual style (he thinks he's really funny) he said "send it back" as a joke of course, but the waiter seemed a bit taken back. I jumped in right away with "no no ignore him" the server laughed and began to tell us a story of a recent customer that ordered the same wine and was so appalled that it wasn't corked he sent it back (without even trying it) He was, apparently, too good for it. What does everyone think?

I've read that corks are not 100% airtight and bacteria can get it. But who knows what the source of that info was.

We all really enjoyed the bottle - If I could only remember what it was!

Tags: cork, wien

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Erin on October 4, 2008 at 6:07pm

I like corks for the authenticity of it. I know the cap is better at keeping the wine but i don't care LOL I feel like it's a cheap bottle of wine when it's a twist off. Even though the price tag says differently. It wouldn't prevent me from drinking it though.

Permalink Reply by TheScrappyMama on October 5, 2008 at 5:53am

Pop or screw, doesn't matter to me! If it's good, I'm happy and will drink it again.

Permalink Reply by Trisha on October 5, 2008 at 9:13am

My favorite wine store in my little town is owned by a pretty knowledgeable man. When the hubby and I were in buying a Pinot Grigio, he recommended a bottle that had a screw cap and told us "not to be afraid of a bottle without a cork." He was right and it was a good bottle of wine. He's has never steered us wrong and I tend to take his word on wines.

Permalink Reply by Joelle on October 7, 2008 at 4:13am

Corks can also "flavor" the wine a little bit. A screw top can make the mine more authentic. But -- sometimes the "flavor" the cork leaves is all part of the taste and experience of certain bottles of wine. I had a delicious Oregon red last night with a screw top. I agree with TheScrapyMama -- if its good, be happy and drink it again! :o)

Permalink Reply by Samantha on October 7, 2008 at 10:43am

I will take either but I guess it is the authenticity of the cork (like Erin said) that just sets the mood.

Permalink Reply by Kristine on October 8, 2008 at 10:38pm

I always try to snap a photo of the wine label so i can remember (didn't happen on said night above). I was just going through my photos and see I have a big collection of labels building up!

•Betty• said:

I know many wine drinkers like that. I believe hearing the airtight thing as well. But I personally am willing to try any kind of wine. And as long as I like it, I'll drink it again. Don't you hate it when you forget the name of the wine you had and you really liked it?! ;)

Permalink Reply by Sunshyne76 on October 13, 2008 at 12:59pm

I read in a Wine magazine that I get in my email every week that some wines are actually better with the screw cap! I personally don't notice but I like collecting the corks!~

Permalink Reply by La Jolla Mom on July 15, 2009 at 7:02pm

If you notice most of the wines from Australia and New Zealand have screw tops. Especially Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. They are excellent and no wine opener required!

Permalink Reply by Rachel M on July 31, 2009 at 1:50pm

To me it at first it had to be cork or it wasn't a real wine (lol I know) and it had to be in a bottle and not a box. lol. Until my FIL had me try a glass of Rose (can't remember the exact name / brand. it was fantastic, I later found out it came in a box. lol. Now I look more for price and type . The economy has lead to down a cheaper brand, but still. I've found some cheaper wines that have more flavor than the more expensive one's.

Permalink Reply by Mary Salvato on March 29, 2010 at 5:00pm