The AWRI will be conducting the world’s first large-scale benchmarking trial for sparkling wine closures.  The trial will evaluate the impact of a broad range of different closure technologies on a premium bottle-fermented Chardonnay Pinot Noir, and will run for an initial 24-month period.  

The objectives of the trial are to:

• Quantify key physical chemical and sensory impacts from each closure
• Determine the wine stylistic changes that result from different closures
• Compare the shelf-life of sparkling wine under different closures 

A group of local sparkling wine producers and a host of international closure suppliers have committed to the trial, which is expected to start in the next two months.  

If you wish to be involved in the trial or would like further information, please contact Neil Scrimgeour at [email protected].