Screwcaps: Success Breeds Civility

As an interesting aside to my recent comments about the apparent desperation from cork producers, I note that screwcap promoters have decided to take the higher road. To wit:

“The burgeoning market for innovative closures is not about direct competition with natural cork,” said Poulos. “This is about diversification and convenience, creating new opportunities for the enjoyment of wine as an everyday beverage, and expanding the market. In the immediate future, we see traditional packaging continuing to thrive, with screw caps and other innovative closures seeing widespread consumer acceptance. This is a healthy market dynamic.”

Good for them.

Cork "Most Appropriate"

As I've posted before, I don't have a dog in this fight, but the skewed surveys from the cork producers are starting to make me sympathize with the alternative closure guys....

This latest bit of nonsense is brought to you by the Cork Quality Council. A quote from their press release:

"Another interesting survey result was the fact that while price was the first and most important factor for consumers purchasing wine under $8.00 a bottle, the second most important factor was having a natural cork. For consumers purchasing wine above $15.00 and on a frequent basis, natural cork was the single most important factor in their buying decision. "

Had they said "one of the most important" or "a very important" factor, I would have shrugged it off but "the single most important factor"? Come on! Consider for starters that capsules (except for those shortened types designed to do so) don't even allow one to see the cork. How does the $15+ consumer even know the cork is real before making a purchase!?! Not to mention that varietal, place of origin and label have all been shown to be more important in legitimate surveys.

One wonders what the cork producers are so afraid of if they can't fight fairly...