This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/8004011.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Champagne corks on the way out? Champagne corks on the way out?
(about 5 hours later)
A leading champagne producer plans to phase out the traditional cork in its bottles and replace it with a "revolutionary" metallic cap.A leading champagne producer plans to phase out the traditional cork in its bottles and replace it with a "revolutionary" metallic cap.
The design of the new aluminium stopper for champagne house Duval-Leroy remains a closely guarded secret.The design of the new aluminium stopper for champagne house Duval-Leroy remains a closely guarded secret.
But the new cork will, it is promised, still produce the familiar "pop" and spray beloved of generations of racing drivers on the winner's podium.But the new cork will, it is promised, still produce the familiar "pop" and spray beloved of generations of racing drivers on the winner's podium.
It will be presented at the London International Wine Fair in May.It will be presented at the London International Wine Fair in May.
The new device will first appear on a limited number of Duval-Leroy's Clos des Bouveries range to test market reaction.The new device will first appear on a limited number of Duval-Leroy's Clos des Bouveries range to test market reaction.
A spokesman for the family-owned champagne house said their primary aim was to avoid incidences of cork tainting, according to the wine magazine Decanter.A spokesman for the family-owned champagne house said their primary aim was to avoid incidences of cork tainting, according to the wine magazine Decanter.
Cork tainting occurs when an ill-fitting cork allows too much oxygen into the bottle, ruining the wine. Cork tainting occurs chiefly when a chemical known as TCA contaminates the wine, usually from the cork.
It is estimated that metallic screw caps account for 15% of still wine bottle closures worldwide.It is estimated that metallic screw caps account for 15% of still wine bottle closures worldwide.