Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/619725
January 2016 WINES&VINES 33 Long-term winery customers Vinoseal is used to seal premium wines and spirits worldwide, and the closure is particularly popular with established European producers. Preciosa-Vinolok/Vinoseal info@vinventions.com vinoseal.us SPONSORED CONTENT Glass Closures Are Back on Top Wolfgang Klotz, Cantina Tramin, Italy: "We have been using Vinoseal for eight years. The glass closure is the only ac- ceptable closure (except natural cork) for high-quality wines in conservative Italy." Fred Loimer, Weingut Loimer, Austria: "I had many chances to compare wines closed by natural cork and Vinoseal at Sattlerhof Winery. Wines with Vinoseal performed better! Wines closed by screw- cap sometimes show reductive aromas after several years of aging, which I do not like. I desire the right development for my wines, which Vinoseal enables." Franz Josef Loacker, Loacker Winery, Montalcino, Italy: "Sangiovese 2001 closed by the Vinoseal closure was still unbelievably young, and the 2004 vintage showed freshness, fruitiness and nice acidity, combined with beautiful matured notes. I strongly believe that Vinoseal is an ideal closure for heavy, dense wines." Design Options For its first decade, Vinoseal was available in clear, rosé and black. As the luxury packaging market has adopted more creativity, Preciosa has greatly expanded the range of designs now offered for its Vinoseal product line. Color Customers can now order a full-color closure from the Pantone or RAL color books, or opt for a ring of color on an otherwise clear Vinoseal. Sparkle Preciosa's background as a jewelry company naturally led to incorporating gemstones on Vinoseal closures, ranging from tiny gems applied as stickers ("Sticky Crystals") to large stones of all colors and shapes. Another option is the "Rhinestone Cut," whereby the head of the closure is cut to resemble a precious stone. Metallic A metallic look can be achieved by coating Vinoseal with high-gloss silver or employing a metallic ink. Another alternative: adding a metal ornament to the top, be it a company logo or emblem, letters or brief text. Wood and glass Wood is the latest addition to Vinoseal's design options—no other closure offers the combination of wood and glass. The wooden top comes in various colors and can be finished with classical printing or foil embossing. In the 12 years since glass closures first appeared in the U.S. wine industry, Vinoseal has been popular with high-end brands and discriminating consumers alike. Today the Vinoseal brand is a part of Preciosa Group, a leading European producer of cut crystal for jewelry and hundreds of years of glass-making tradition. Properties and research A technically precise product with a fixed shape, glass Vinoseals are 100% taste- neutral. The unparalleled tightness of the seal allows for varied positioning of the bottle during transport and storage. Tastings at ProWein 2015 confirmed that the Vinoseal performed well with long-aging wines. The closure retained fruit flavors and allowed the develop- ment of mature notes in wines aged up to 10 years under the glass closure. As a natural and 100% recyclable product, glass is embraced by organic and biodynamic wine and spirits produc- ers, and its translucent appearance can add a more distinctive, luxury appear- ance compared to other closure types. Vinoseal is compatible with most common bottles on the market and offers flexibility in specifications and designs. Distribution of Vinoseal in the U.S. is managed by Vinventions, owner of Nomacorc and other global brands. To view winery and spirits portfolios, visit vinoseal.us or vinolok.cz. To order Vinoseals or request samples for your winery, email info@vinventions.com.