Stelvin Soars: A Seismic Shift in Wine Preservation

In 1964, Le Bouchage Mécanique introduced Stelcap-Vin, a screw cap solution for wine bottles. Sixty years on, the brand, now known as Stelvin, owned by Amcor Group, offers advanced closures with varying oxygen permeability levels to cater for different aging periods. The global market share of screw cap bottles has grown from 27% in 2013 to 35% in 2023, with Australia and New Zealand leading the pack. Despite cultural resistance in some countries, France is slowly adopting screw caps, recognizing their ability to preserve wine quality, reduce variability, and minimize sulfite use.

The Rise of Stelvin: A Revolution in Wine Preservation

In the annals of viticulture, the introduction of Stelvin, the screw cap for wine bottles, stands as a pivotal moment. Debuting in 1964 as an adaptation of the screw cap used for spirits, Stelvin has evolved significantly over the past six decades, emerging as a sophisticated and multifaceted solution for wine preservation. Today, the Stelvin brand, now owned by the Amcor group, offers a comprehensive range of closures, rivaling the complex and innovative offerings of competitors like the Italian giant Guala.

Gone are the days when screw caps were solely associated with budget-friendly wines. The modern Stelvin lineup includes aesthetically pleasing and highly engineered closures that provide variable oxygen permeability, catering to wines of different aging potential.

"The Stelvin closures we use are virtually airtight, rivaling the performance of the finest corks," exclaims Jacky Barthelmé of the renowned Alsatian estate Albert Mann, who uses Stelvins on over half of their 130,000 annual bottles. Florent Baumard, of Domaine des Baumard in Anjou, shares this sentiment, having converted his entire production to Stelvin in 2004 after being captivated by Swiss wines that had been preserved in this way for over two decades and retained their freshness. "I only regret not having had this idea 20 years sooner," he remarks.

Global Adoption and the Dispelling of Unfounded Resistance

Globally, the share of wines sealed with screw caps is on a steady rise, increasing from 27% in 2013 to 35% in 2023, as per Euromonitor data. Australia and New Zealand lead the pack, with 91% and 90% of bottles capped in 2023, respectively. The paradigm shift towards Stelvin in these countries began in the early 2000s, driven in part by concerns over cork shortages. The United Kingdom (76%) and Germany (72%) have also embraced screw caps, while others, such as Belgium (5%) and China (10%), remain more resistant.

France, once a bastion of cork, is gradually adopting Stelvin, having increased its usage from 8% to 24% between 2010 and 2023. "The tradition of cork is deeply ingrained in our culture, and the Stelvin faces preconceptions often associated with entry-level wines meant for immediate consumption," explains Frank Lucas, head sommelier at the Parisian restaurant "Gaya." However, the 100% recyclable aluminum Stelvin guarantees consistency from bottle to bottle, preserves the wine's quality and aromas over time, and even enables winemakers to reduce the use of sulfites.

Advantages of Stelvin: Beyond Convenience

In addition to its ease of use, Stelvin offers a multitude of practical advantages that have won over winemakers and consumers alike. Unlike cork, which can vary in quality and can lead to cork taint, Stelvin provides reliable and consistent oxygen ingress, allowing winemakers to tailor the closure to the desired evolution of their wines.

Moreover, Stelvin eliminates the risk of oxidation and contamination, ensuring that the wine reaches the consumer in its pristine condition. This makes it particularly advantageous for wines that are intended for long-term aging, as it prevents the development of off-flavors associated with oxidation and premature aging.

The Future of Wine Preservation

As the wine industry continues to evolve, Stelvin and its competitors will undoubtedly continue to play a prominent role in the preservation of wine. With ongoing advancements in closure technology, we can expect even more sophisticated and nuanced solutions that cater to the specific needs of winemakers and consumers alike.

The future of wine preservation is bright, with Stelvin and other screw caps standing as beacons of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. These closures have not only revolutionized the way we open our wines but have also empowered winemakers to craft and preserve their creations with greater precision and confidence. As the world of wine continues to evolve, we can expect Stelvin and its kindred closures to remain at the forefront of this captivating and ever-changing landscape.