WSET Level 1 Practice Question · Episode 35
Show Answer & Explanation (try the quiz first)
Practice Question
What is one of the greatest advantages a 'Screwcap' closure has over a traditional 'Natural Cork' for sealing a wine bottle?
- A. It makes the wine look more expensive.
- B. It perfectly preserves the freshness of the wine without the risk of 'Cork Taint (TCA)'.
- C. It improves your voice after drinking the wine.
- D. It can only be used on wines that are over 100 years old.
Answer & Explanation
Answer: B. It perfectly preserves the freshness of the wine without the risk of 'Cork Taint (TCA)'. Explanation: A screwcap completely blocks air, making it excellent at maintaining the wine's fresh fruit aromas, and above all, it is free from 'Cork Taint', a fungal spoilage that can occur in natural corks. It is also highly practical as it can be easily opened by hand without an opener.
Key Theory Summary
Wine closures are chosen based on the wine's character and storage purpose. 1. Natural Cork: A traditional method hundreds of years old. Minute amounts of oxygen enter, aiding in the wine's maturation, but there is an approximately 3-5% risk of TCA (Cork Taint) which spoils the wine. 2. Screwcap: A modern sealing method. It is suitable for fresh white wines or drink-now red wines by blocking air ingress, and it offers high quality consistency. 3. Preservation of Freshness: Wine sealed with a screwcap is characterized by maintaining the region's unique crisp aromas well over time. (e.g., Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc)
Expert Exam Tip
[Trap]: Thinking "Screwcap wines are cheap wines" is incorrect. Top-quality wines from Australia and New Zealand also actively use screwcaps for quality stability. The type of closure does not determine the wine's grade. [Tip]: In the exam, if you see the words 'Airtight seal' or 'Fresh fruit flavors', think of 'Screwcap'. On the other hand, 'Natural product' or 'Tradition' connects to 'Cork'.