Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/853816
38 WINES&VINES August 2017 PACKAGING Kauffman stated, "Novatwist is the only tamper-evident 30x60 mm screwcap closure that offers an alternative to metal screwcaps. Independent laboratory testing shows that Novatwist seals and protects wines, spirits, olive oil and other oxygen-sensitive liquids with results comparable to metal screwcaps." Patented internal screw threads lock the closure onto the cap lining (the same Saranex or tin liners used by metal screwcaps). But perhaps the primary advantage is that the closure can be applied by hand with a simple push-and-turn motion. "This is ideal for tank samples and small bottling runs—especially for wineries that do not own an automatic screwcap applicator. On an automated bottling line, Novatwist can be applied using the existing screw capper with only a change of the capping head: no need to purchase a new machine," Kauffman said. Cost is comparable to metal screwcaps and less than natural corks, Kauffman said. "At least half of the producers I speak to are looking at screwcaps for their white and rosé wines. The consumer of today is more interested in por- tability and convenience when it comes to wine than wrestling an uncooperative closure out of a bottle."Many North American wineries have adopted Novatwist, Kauffman said, and home winemakers love it, too. Wineries flaunt their style While browsing at Dean & DeLuca, the toney gourmet market in St. Helena, Calif., we "uncovered" what might be closure treat- ment trends of the future, and in short order got the backstories from some wineries. Aaron Pott, owner/winemaker at 500- case Pott Wine in Napa, sells 90% of his wines direct to consumer—even without a tasting room—and gets an average of $113 per bottle. He reserves the remaining 10% for restaurants and retail in order to attract more direct clients. Pott uses a short tin capsule from Ramon- din on all his bottles, because the look re- minds him of wines from the early part of the 20th century. As perhaps befits the price point, these capsules are labor-intensive. "They are very difficult to put on the bottles because they must be done by hand. I don't really follow or understand trends in capsules, so I don't know if it will become a trend or not. The short capsule is the same cost as a long capsule," Pott said. A press release from Amanda West Reade at 20,000-case Smith Family Wines in Mon- terey County came in at just the right mo- ment, with an image that befit our theme, a rosé wine with no capsule whatsoever. (See photo on page 40.) Reade explained that the wine is a long-time staple for Smith Family and a customer favor- ite. Rosé is "just having such a moment, and you'll notice that most rosé packages tend to stand out from their r e s p e c t i v e l i n e s , " West Reade said. This presented Smith Family with a great opportunity to present an un- c o n v e n t i o n a l , e y e - c a t c h i n g package that is m i n i m a l a n d beautiful. "We also wanted to nod to the so- phisticated Pro- vençal style in which it's made. Its very fresh, so the design mim- A coat of soft beeswax protects the natural cork finish on Gros Ventre's still rosé wine.