Vino-Lok

Recently, I wrote about my frustration with natural corks and the seemingly increasing occurrence of corked wine resulting from TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) taint. It has become so frustrating that I have been seriously considering switching to screwcaps for wines produced at Maleta Winery. I have even my closest colleagues wondering if I have lost it, so to speak.

As I was researching for alternative closures, I had come upon a glass closure invented by the German division of Alcoa and commercialized in 2004 under the brand name Vino-Lok. It’s a closure manufactured entirely of glass and includes an O-ring to ensure an airtight seal with the bottle. A short aluminum capsule over the Vino-Lok completes the packaging for a cool, classy finish.

But I had not been able to source a wine bottle with a Vino-Lok closure for evaluation purposes.

Well, I now have, and I must admit, I am very impressed. The closure looks very classy and is very easy to open. The Germans have been using it now for several years with much success, albeit acceptance is hard to come by with traditional natural corks still leading and screwcaps gaining much momentum even with premium wines.

Can this be the closure of the future? Time will tell. But I certainly see the Vino-Lok as the perfect closure for home winemakers. Glass closures are easily inserted, and are reusable and recyclable, and are inert and therefore there is no risk of contamination.

How perfect a closure is that?