The members of the Vinea Wachau association in Austria will in future be permitted to bottle their top-quality wines, known as Smaragd, with closures other than natural corks.

Starting with the wines of the 2006 vintage, both glass stoppers and screw caps will be permitted. In the past, natural corks were mandatory. According to a statement released by the Vinea Wachau association, the top producers have agreed to remain with natural corks for the time being. Nevertheless, it is expected that the first Smaragd wines with non-cork closures will not be long in coming.

More on the topic of cork and alternative closures: www.verschlusssache-wein.de