The stereotype these days is that no good wine has a screw top cap; only the cheap ones will sport a screw cap. Let’s face it, you’ve probably never paid $100+ or even $50 for a pretty good bottle of wine and did not use a wine opener. Corks have been used to seal wine since the 1400’s in Europe whereas screw caps are a more recent development only being used since 1964. The corks can tell a lot about a bottle of wine, and a bottle lacking one does not tell a good story. Or does it?

A few years ago, I found myself not willing to even look at the bottles with the screw caps due to the total misconception that it was a cheap wine. The truth is, there are a lot of good wines with a screw top cap. If you travel to certain countries such as Australia, screw caps dominate the wine there; additionally, a lot of Malbecs out of Argentina also have these screw caps, yet countries such as Spain mandate a cork. Why? While in some countries it is purely just preference, there are other factors that come in to play here.

Younger wines that are meant to be drunk within a year will typically sport a screw cap. Winemakers like using the screw caps because it really seals the wine and prevents oxygen from entering the bottle. This is why you see some lighter wines or whites like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc with screw tops. The screw cap allows these types of wine to keep their fresh and crisp flavor. A perfect example of a great wine with a screw top cap is the Meiomi Pinot Noir; this wine is a lighter bodied red and very fruit forward. It stores well with the screw cap since it is meant to be drunk within a four year time period unlike the bigger wines which should be aged for optimal taste for up to about twenty years.

Bolder and bigger wines designed to age such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah tend to benefit from a little oxygen which is why the cork really works here. This can also help oxidize the tannins making the wine smoother and helps soften the bite on some.

While a lot of winemakers are still very against the use of screw caps, it is still becoming increasingly popular. To put an end to the myth, the screw cap top in place of the cork doesn’t necessarily indicate a cheap wine. At the end of the day, what matters most is the taste.

The weather is finally breaking! I am so excited for spring! I love waking up to the birds chirping and love coming home to unwind with my favorite wines for the spring. As you all know, I am a definite cabernet fan, however the change in the weather sometimes calls for something lighter! Below are my favorite wines for the spring season. You can thank me later!

BUBBLY & SPARKLING:

Bele Casel Assolo Prosecco– inspiring, fresh, and crisp! This prosecco is tasty and goes well with most foods. Formerly labeled as Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOCG, it has received more awards than any other wine from the region: The non-vintage of this wine won the Los Angeles International Wine Competition Silver award in 2010 and 2009. It receives 86 points from Wine Enthusiast. Average price: $15

Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Red- raspberries and cranberries make up this sparkling red. It is smooth on the palette and offers a crisp acidity. This is such a festive sparkling wine! It is tasty and fresh and pairs well with spicy foods, seafood, and chocolate. Average price: $19

WHITES:

Conundrum White Blend 2014- what a beautiful blend of whites! It offers flavors of honeysuckle, peach, apples, and lemon. It mimics a mixture of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Semillon and Muscat Canelli. Maybe that why this wine is called “conundrum.” The blend is a secret! Average price: $22

Relax Riesling 2014– affordable and the perfect riesling! Not too sweet and not too dry, this riesling is fruit forward with aromas of apples, peaches, and a hint of citrus. Coming from the Mosel valley in Germany, this has always been one of my overall favorite white wines! Average price: $10

REDS:

Walt ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir 2012– I love this wine! Pinot Noir is a great wine to have in the spring if you are a red lover; it is on the lighter side, but still has some qualities that the bolder reds have. The winemaker states, “The WALT “La Brisa” Sonoma County Pinot Noir articulates the signature characters of Sonoma: vibrant and opulent with an underlying brightness and length to the palate. Teeming with ripe red berries and spicy toasted aromas, the wine is lush and persistent on the mid-palate while long-lasting and delicate on the finish.” Give this one from Sonoma county a try! Average price: $37

Paltrinieri 2013 Radice (Lambrusco di Sorbara)– Hmmm, Lambrusco, a brightly colored grape made in northern Italy. Lambrusco is not my go to wine at all, but it is good and light and totally worth it if you are craving a red wine in the warmer weather. Wine Enthusiast states, “The lovely fragrance recalls crushed blue flower and wild berry. The refreshing, frothy palate doles out pink grapefruit, candied cherry and nectarine alongside brisk acidity.” Average price: $21

Obviously, there are many great wines for spring. There are some amazing whites out there as well as some rosé wines that are spectacular as well. I could probably write up a ten page article on this topic, but these are some of my favorite go-to choices. Feel free to comment below with your favorites! Cheers!