DIAM Cork Performs Strongly in Latest Research Study

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Informative new data shows growing acceptance of a variety of wine closures amongst trade and consumers, according to recent qualitative research conducted by Evan Goldstein, MS and Full Circle Wine Solutions.

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Participants of the study were questioned on their perceptions and preferences towards different types of closures, including DIAM closures, natural corks, synthetics, and glass closures across a range of categories: emotional acceptance, functionality, impact on taste, and quality perception.  Across these categories, DIAM, maintained a positive perception.

In fact, DIAM outperformed screw caps and natural corks closures across a variety of price points, including the $40 and over category (79%) that is traditionally dominated by natural cork (89%).

DIAM closures maintained a consistently positive perception, not only in the category of aromatic, young, white wines (82%) but also performing well in the category of heavy reds (89%).

In terms of ageability, DIAM and traditional cork scored high for wines aging over 10 years. In addition, DIAM cork closures did exceptionally well in the categories of wine meant to age for 3-5 years and 5-10 years.

The study also included a side-by-side bottle blind tasting across 36 bottles of wine to demonstrate a consistency in bottled wine quality between natural cork and DIAM closures.  The results showed that 2% of the wine samples under the natural cork samples were found tainted vs. 0% of wine samples under DIAM closures. 

"What we found most compelling was a growing desire for more education and sharable data on developments within the closure industry," says Goldstein.  "With consumers more accepting than ever of a variety of wine closures, the professionals we spoke to are eager to see more research on 'cork taint' as well as how these closures may aid long term bottle aging."

"This exercise was eye opening for me regarding advancements in the closure industry," states Yoon Ha, Beverage Director of San Francisco's Benu Restaurant and newly-minted Master Sommelier.  "My experience with high-end and well educated wine consumers is that they care more about the condition of the wine than the medium of the closure.  As our industry embraces non-traditional closures, perhaps our consumers will do the same."

Other Key Findings:

• Participants found no obvious differentiation between DIAM and natural cork 
• When asked to describe alternative closures, screw caps and synthetic cork were most prevalently cited
• Participants placed high trust in wine producers' choice of closures
• Oxygen management in the bottle for long term aging in wines is a key concern for on-and-off premise
• The greatest factor working against non-traditional wine closures is lack of exposure and knowledge of how these closures can improve wine quality

Survey participants included a range of A-list influencers across different on-and-off premise segments of the San Francisco market, with a main goal of determining if and how closures affect the decision making process for buyers and sommeliers.  This study was commissioned by G3, as part of their ongoing research and development with wine closures.   Given these encouraging results, G3 and DIAM will partner to present a research symposium in the United States during the spring of 2013.  For more info about the research study, please contact Chandni Patel at [email protected].

About Full Circle Wine Solutions, Inc.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Full Circle Wine Solutions is a global wine and spirits education firm that grows brand loyalty and client profits through tailored wine programs and effective hospitality training. Using a vast and established network of sommelier educators, the company hosts high quality and consistent wine tasting experiences across multiple locations around the world as well as conducts top level industry market research in consumer and trade segments.

About G3 and DIAM
G3 is the sole US distributor of DIAM products in the United States.  DIAMANT Supercritical CO2 process is the patented technology by which raw, natural cork is cleaned and the optimal amount of taints and 150+ compounds from corkwood are removed, resulting in closures with TCA below the quantifiable detection of 0.5ng/L. DIAM provides clients an innovative and consistent solution for their wines by guaranteeing a technological cork free of TCA taint, for still and sparkling wine corks as well as DIAM-based bartop for liquor and spirits. To learn more about DIAM and their US presence, visit www.nocorkTCA.com.  

Media Contact:
R/West
Chandni Patel
[email protected], 615.828.4982

SOURCE Full Circle Wine Solutions, Inc.