Australia is leading the charge with twist-off bottles, with neighbouring New Zealand not too far behind. Both countries are trying to make a point; a cork doesn’t mean a thing about what you’re drinking. That’s like judging a date on the car they drive…or something. Yes, changing the bottle to twist-off is cheaper for the manufacturer, but it doesn’t mean the wine is cheaper in quality; this is an argument you can bring up with all those naysayers. Sure, there are those saying the real reason behind the twist-off is an effort to save cork trees.

Whhaaaat?!

Since when would corporate anything care about trees. Really. It’s the reality of being a big business that can bottle more effectively. Period. I don’t think cork trees anywhere are being “saved” out of love. Soon, as technology takes over and the less expensive method of bottling becomes choice, the twist-off bottle will rule the world and waiters everywhere will save those fifteen painfully minutes at your table with a bottle of oak. Until then, don’t be afraid of the twist-off.

If you happen to have friends that think they’re all that when it comes to wine, here are a few beauties to impress them with that do not require a corkscrewt:

Australia:
The Katnook Cabernet Shiraz, $20
St. Hallet Faith Shiraz, $25
The Mesh Reserve, Cabernet, $38

New Zealand:
Oyster Bay, Sauvignon Blanc, $19
Babich, Sauvignon Blanc, $18

Germany:
Selbach Oster, Reisling, $30

France:
Albert Mann, Gewertztarminer/Muscat, $27-$30

California:
Bishop’s Peak, Paso Robles, $25
Bishop’s Peak, Edna Valley, $38

BC:
Tinhorn Creek Merlot, Reserve, $30