The Optimist

Well this debate is now starting to hot right up. The Stelvin Cap has been around for decades with its use in fortified wines back in the 1960's and 1970's. It then disappeared off the scene for about 30 years.

It is now back with a vengence.

We are seeing wines, both red and white appear with Stelvin Caps and this is a horriffic thought to the wine purists, but a great relief to the wine purchasers that consume their wine within 2 hours of purchase.

There are many pros and cons for both sides.

I am personally conducting a trial of two bottles containing exactly the same wine - one under Stelvin and one under Cork. I have cellared these wines for about 5 years now and I will do a thorough taste test over the next two years to determine where I feel the wine has taken itself in each bottle.

My thoughts prior to the realisation of my testing are that Stelvin is fine for wines that you will consume quickly - meaning no longer than 2 years in the cellar and that the top shelf wines like Penfolds Grange etc... should always stay under Cork.

I have nothing factual to back up this belief, just a traditionalist viewpoint that is all. I will be very interested to conduct my test and I have been very patient in doing so and this will give me a very good feel about the Stelvin vs Cork debate.

What are your thoughts on Cork vs Stelvin and what is your preference and why?