PVC and other wine bottle caps

[Chefrlp]

I'm just now getting into winemaking.

Have first batch closing in on bottling date with a few to follow.

Acquiring all needed supplies...floor corker, bottles, corks, wine rack...and...caps?

All commercial wines have these seemingly pointless caps made of PVC, aluminum or whatever. They may be inexpensive but take extra time and effort. Effort to put on AND take off

Not worried about insects or rodents in my storage area.

Is there a point to these caps besides aesthetics?

Thanks!

 

[theDREWery]

They may slow the flow of oxygen through the cork, extending aging ability, but I haven't seen any conclusive studies on this. So basically aesthetics.

 

[lukebuz]

They are just to look pretty. I have a few that I have for bottles I gift away. You can just boil them on in a matter of seconds. Otherwise, I wouldn't use them.

 

[bernardsmith]

Hi Chefrlp, when you write "cap" what exactly do you mean? Are you referring to screw caps? or do you mean heat shrink capsules? If the latter, beyond appearance they are supposed to inhibit mold growth on the outside of a cork and are supposed to help ensure that should there be some pressure exerted from within the bottle caused by CO2 gas the cork will tend (tend) to remain seated. Personally, I have never considered wasting money on fripperies when it comes to wine making. If it ain't necessary then it ain't needed. Much prefer to spend my money on ingredients.