Rosnay Organic Wines in Australia: Why we still use cork

Rosnay Organic Wines in Australia: Why we still use cork

WHY WE CONTINUE TO PREFER CORK FOR RED WINE
Going against the trend in Australia at least, Rosnay continues to use cork for its red wine closures, and even some of its white wines. Whilst screw cap may lock in the aromas of white wines, this has not been a convincing benefit, as even white wines can evolve and gain complexity under the cork closure. Essentially, the continuing use of cork closures for the Rosnay wines is a decision based on the same "organic principles" that determine the management of the farm and the making of the wine.

Synthetic closures, whether plastic, aluminium, or "technical cork" (glued together particles) have not been proved to be effective or sustainable over millenia, as have the cork plantations of the Mediterranean. They are produced using non-renewable resources. Here is a good explaination of the environmental benefits of cork cultivation:

"The cork forest makes up an extensive mosaic of some of the most biodiverse farming in the world. 2.7 million hectares stand testament that humans can live in perfect harmony with nature. These forests, woodlands, rich pastures and scrub land run from Portugal through to Spain, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Tunisia and France. What is remarkable about cork forests is that these areas are extensively farmed. $329 million of cork is produced each year, yet this agribusiness is home to critically endangered flora and fauna. The Iberian lynx, black vultures, storks, and eagles are all found in these forests. Over 13,000 species of endemic (exclusively native to a place or region) plants exist only because of these trees—this makes the cork forests the second most important area for endemic species, only marginally surpassed by the tropical Andes. If you were looking for a human/nature success story, a positive example of how we can live profitably in harmony with our environment, then it’s the cork forests. Try naming another agriculture system that provides a home for so many rare species?"
Source: http://pricephotos.net/environment/cork/htm/corkintro.htm. See also www.realcork.org and the WWF cork campaign.

In terms of wine quality, remember that wine is a living thing. It contains yeast and bacteria, and it contains tannins and flavours that evolve beautifully over time when allowed to slowly "breathe" through cork. Whilst there may be slight variation between bottles, we do not believe that this has been eliminated with synthetic closures. Rather, we use good quality, sterilised corks, at a greater cost, but to support the environment.

Perhaps a small amount of bottle variation could in fact be embraced as part of the appeal of natural, organic wine, just as it reflects the passing of the vintages.

Origin information: Rosnay Organic Wines