08/07/08 Glass Stoppers

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. I always like reading about the predicted trends in wine closures and recently I read about a closure called Vino-Seal. On today's program, we will explore this product which is fairly new to the market. I think trends in any industry are fascinating but of course I especially enjoy learning about trends in the wine world. Recently I read about a bottle closure made of glass. I have of course seen that type of thing on antique apothecary jars and cologne bottles however, for wine this was new to me. Apparently, it is a closure in development by Alcoa. The advantages are, of course no taint from cork, it requires no tools to open, it can be stored or aged in any position and it looks very fashionable and rather elegant. The jury is still out as far as how the wine ages over a long period but preliminary indications show the results are satisfying the wineries using them. Wineries in California always looking to the next trend such as Whitehall Lane, Calera and Sbragia Family VineyardsSo far the glass stopper seems to be reserved for high-end wines anywhere from seventy-five dollars on up. Chances are if you have not already seen one you will soon as the company estimates this year at least 150,000 cases of wine will have their bottles sealed using the glass stopper. Who knows maybe the sound of clink clink is soon to replace the familiar sweet pop of the cork! Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.