Happy Earth Happy Life [Sustainable Wine Closures: Thoughtful Choices for Quality and the Planet]

Sustainable Wine Closures: Thoughtful Choices for Quality and the Planet

At 40 Knots Winery, every decision we make is rooted in sustainability—from how we grow our grapes to how we package our wine. One crucial choice that impacts both quality and environmental footprint is the closure we use to seal our bottles. We carefully select closures that not only preserve the integrity of our wines but also align with our commitment to sustainability. Here’s why we’ve chosen Stelvin closures, stainless steel crown caps, and Diam corks as the best solutions for our wines.

Stelvin Closures: A Reliable and Sustainable Choice

Gone are the days when screw caps were associated with low-quality wine. Today, Stelvin closures are widely recognized for their ability to preserve wine while minimizing waste. Unlike traditional corks, Stelvin screw caps eliminate the risk of cork taint, ensuring that every bottle tastes exactly as we intended. Our Stelvin closures use a Saranex liner, which provides an excellent oxygen barrier, allowing wine to age gracefully without the unpredictability of natural cork.

Sustainability is another reason we favor Stelvin closures. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, meaning these closures can be reused without degradation. Additionally, they allow wines to be stored upright, reducing the need for additional packaging and space in cellars and stores. However, it’s important to note that while they are designed to reduce failures, storing them on their side for extended periods can eventually lead to leaks. That’s why we always recommend keeping wines with Stelvin closures upright for optimal preservation.

Stainless Steel Crown Caps: Strength and Sustainability

For our sparkling wines, we use stainless steel crown caps with bidules instead of traditional corks and cages. These closures offer an incredible seal, ensuring the wine remains perfectly carbonated until it’s ready to be enjoyed. Crown caps are the ultimate workhorse in wine closures, robust enough to withstand the aging process whether stored on their side during tirage or upright in your fridge. They also eliminate the risks associated with cork taint and oxidation.

While many associate traditional sparkling wine with the dramatic 'pop' of a cork, the truth is that cork is not the safest or most sustainable closure for these high-pressure wines. Crown caps provide a secure, controlled seal and are far more environmentally friendly than bulky cork-and-wire alternatives. They also reduce the risk of accidental cork breakage or misfires—because let’s be honest, no one wants to dodge a flying cork at a celebration!

Diam Cork: A Natural Choice with Modern Innovation

For wines where we still prefer a cork closure, we opt for Diam corks, which are made using an innovative process that shreds natural cork and reconstitutes it using beeswax. This method ensures that each cork is free from TCA (the compound responsible for cork taint) while maintaining the natural flexibility and sealing properties of traditional cork. The use of beeswax in the binding process enhances sustainability and prevents the use of synthetic glues or harmful chemicals.

Diam corks allow for consistent aging without the risks associated with conventional corks. They offer the romance of a cork closure with the reliability of a modern engineered product, making them a perfect middle ground between tradition and sustainability.

Sustainability and Longevity: Our Commitment at 40 Knots

At 40 Knots Winery, we don’t just select closures based on tradition or trends—we choose them based on their entire lifecycle’s carbon footprint. By prioritizing Stelvin closures, stainless steel crown caps, and Diam corks, we reduce waste, improve wine quality, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Each of these choices plays a role in minimizing environmental impact, whether through recyclability, reusability, or elimination of cork taint.

Caring for Your Wine: Storing It the Right Way

Wine storage is just as important as the closure itself. While traditional cork-sealed wines must be stored on their sides to keep the cork moist and prevent oxidation, Stelvin closures should always be stored upright to prevent leaks over time. Crown caps, on the other hand, are versatile and can be stored either upright or on their side without affecting the integrity of the wine.

For sparkling wines, it’s important to remember that the closure plays a key role in keeping the bubbles intact. While many assume that the traditional mushroom-shaped cork is essential for sparkling wine, it’s actually just a marketing tradition rather than the best sealing method. Stainless steel crown caps provide a far superior and safer closure, reducing waste while ensuring the celebratory ‘pop’ remains part of the experience.

Cheers to Smarter Choices

Whether you're enjoying a crisp white with a Stelvin closure, a celebratory bubbly under a crown cap, or a perfectly aged red with a Diam cork, know that 40 Knots Winery has carefully chosen each of these closures for their quality and sustainability. We take pride in making thoughtful choices that preserve the wine inside while protecting the world outside.

Here’s to sustainability, innovation, and a future filled with exceptional wines!