A special type of closure (screw cap, twist or ROPP = Roll On Pilfer Proof Closure) for wine bottles as an alternative to corks (natural corks) made from oak bark. These are made of corrosion-free metal (usually aluminium alloy) with an inner sealing layer of polyethylene (PE), PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) or tin foil. In the beverage industry, this is known as an MCA closure (MCA = metal closure aluminium).
The emotional debate as to whether this is associated with a "loss of culture" is countered by the cost-effective production and the fact that the problem of cork taint in natural corks can be avoided. The often used pro-argument in favour of the "pop" when enjoying wine as a sensual pleasure is not valid, as a bottle should be opened professionally as silently as possible (this applies particularly to sparkling wine).
For decades, only wine bottles with screw caps have been available on aeroplanes. The advantage of easy and unproblematic opening in a cramped aeroplane is obvious. Another advantage is that opened bottles can be easily resealed. A successful attempt has also been made to take account of the cork friends' rejection of alternative closures. From the outside, such screw caps are no longer recognisable as such....
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)