The first screwcap for sparkling wines has been released – and it claims to solve the problems of taint, loss of sparkle and ease of opening.
The closure, called ‘Viiva‘, is the result of five years of research and development between Guala Closures Australia, glass manufacturer O-I, and De Bortoli Wines.
At present Viiva is restricted to sparkling wines produced by the tank fermentation or charmat method and is not suitable for wines made by in the traditional method with secondary fermentation in bottle.
It is anticipated to find strongest support in the on-premise market, especially for wines by the glass, and for larger events such as banquets and conventions.
Feedback had identified major issues in these sectors as taint, loss of carbonation and ease of opening; according to the manufacturers the new closure solves all three.
The seal is released by a double twist, the first releasing pressure and the second opening the bottle, which can then be resealed.
The seal underwent temperature, pressure, stress and weight tests, as a result of which a redefined bottle was found to be necessary.
De Bortoli has applied the new seal to its entire Trevi and Willowglen sparkling ranges.
National sales manager Peter Yeoman said the new closure ‘will encourage responsible consumption of alcohol as it enables consumers to drink one glass of wine, while maintaining carbonation days after opening.’
Tests for adapting the closure to traditional sparkling wines are ongoing.
Written by Ken Gargett
