Highfield Media Releases

Unfortunately, here in New Zealand, we have had continual problems obtaining good quality cork. After no quality improvements from cork manufacturers and up to 10% of cork closed wines being tainted with cork taint, (technically called TCA or trichloroanisol), New Zealand winemakers began to search for an alternative closure. What was discovered was not something new, but instead, it was something wine producers had been using for decades. Extensive testing and research was carried out and it created quite a stir from all areas throughout the wine world. This so-called, cheap alternative to cork was proving to be quite remarkable and eventually some brave winemakers sealed their best wine in screw cap to prove they were serious.

The ageing of wine in bottle is a natural function of the cellaring process. Characters in the wine evolve and develop over time, irrespective of the bottle closure. As noted by Australian winemaker and author James Halliday, "there is sufficient oxygen in the wine and in the head space of the bottle to allow the wine to naturally age with a screw cap closure”.

We are confident that Highfield wines will mature gracefully and consistently under screw caps.

Screw cap wine closures, if applied correctly, eliminate the risk of cork taint, prevent premature oxidation, while reducing bottle variation and increases aging potential. They also capture the overt, vibrant, fruity aromas and flavours that Marlborough wines are famous for and our customers enjoy. In the 3 years that we have sealed our ultra-premium wines in Stelvin screw caps, we have not come across a fault or substantiated criticism that supersedes these benefits.

The professed romance of opening a bottle of wine in cork is simply not enough to hold screw caps back further. We believe that what is inside the bottle is the most important factor.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us: naomi@highfield.co.nz