Screwcap initiative

2001

First developed in Blenheim now used world wide

This captured the attention of winemakers in New Zealand, particularly Marlborough, where, due to increased cork related problems, research was already underway. In February 2001 during a meeting, sponsored by Marlborough winemakers, the screw-cap seal/ closure was identified as the most promising alternative to cork closures for wine.

It cannot be stressed enough that this decision was made for quality reasons only, not for economic ones - (as the investment in all of the above required equipment is and was extremely expensive and additional to existing resources).

In the closing speech of the International Screw-cap Symposium in Blenheim in November 2004, John Belsham confirmed the creation of the International Screw-cap Initiative (ISI) that would incorporate Jeff Grosset as Vice President and Michel Laroche as European representative.

Winemakers who use screw-caps do so because it allows them to bottle their wines in optimum conditions, knowing that the airtight seal will guarantee that their wines arrive on the consumer's table in pristine condition.

By 2009 approximately 30% of the worlds wines are sealed by screwcaps.

Source

MEX etc

http://www.wineguy.nz/index.php/glossary-articles-hidden/430-screw-caps