Which country made the strongest push to popularize the screwcap enclosure, now used in 70% of their wines?

Which country made the strongest push to popularize the screwcap enclosure, now used in 70% of their wines?

• A. France
• B. New Zealand
• C. Australia
• D. Italy

Answer: (B)

The strongest push to popularize the screwcap came from New Zealand. They led a coordinated, industry-wide effort in the 1990s to adopt screwcaps as the standard seal, driven by the desire to protect freshness and preserve the aromatics of their wines—especially Sauvignon Blanc—and backed by research showing fewer issues with cork taint and inconsistent bottle aging. This concerted push, supported by wine industry bodies and exporters, rapid trials, and growing consumer and retailer acceptance, rapidly increased adoption across New Zealand, and today screwcaps are used on roughly 70% of their wines. Other countries, like France and Italy, have stronger cork traditions and slower adoption, while Australia adopted screwcaps widely but not with the same nationwide, concerted campaign as New Zealand.

The strongest push to popularize the screwcap came from New Zealand. They led a coordinated, industry-wide effort in the 1990s to adopt screwcaps as the standard seal, driven by the desire to protect freshness and preserve the aromatics of their wines—especially Sauvignon Blanc—and backed by research showing fewer issues with cork taint and inconsistent bottle aging. This concerted push, supported by wine industry bodies and exporters, rapid trials, and growing consumer and retailer acceptance, rapidly increased adoption across New Zealand, and today screwcaps are used on roughly 70% of their wines. Other countries, like France and Italy, have stronger cork traditions and slower adoption, while Australia adopted screwcaps widely but not with the same nationwide, concerted campaign as New Zealand.