Screw-Top Wine Bottles Vs. Corked

We love the sound of a wine cork popping just as much as the next person. But for the sake of your taste buds, it's time to start buying bottles with screw tops.

Before you judge, screw tops—which are typically associated with five-buck bottles—are getting a second wind, thanks to ~science~ and prestigious vineyards like Chateau Ste. Michelle, one of Washington's oldest vineyards that uses screw caps to better preserve its wines.

Some wines benefit from a screw cap, because it seals the bottle better and doesn't allow in oxygen, keeping the wine crisp, fresh and well preserved, NPR reports.

Wine writer Dave McIntyre tells NPR that screw caps are generally better for white wines, while corks are superior for red wines meant to be drunk young. This is because corks naturally let in a small amount of air, which fuller red wines can benefit from. It oxidizes the tannins, which helps create a smoother finish, nutty aroma and an overall more drinkable wine.

Though few things say weekend like popping a cork, the stoppers also come with negative side effects like cork taint and the dreaded broken cork, which leaves crumbles in your glass.

Besides, wines sealed with screw tops let us get to our Cabs and Pinots that much quicker—and we'll certainly cheers to that.