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The much-loved original wine cork could be set for a return to the mass market with the launch of a twistable and resealable version that could do away with the corkscrew.
The Helix cork and accompanying bottle have a thread finish to allow drinkers to twist the stopper open and close again, creating an airtight barrier.
It was unveiled at the International Vin Expo wine fair in Bordeaux last Monday, and its makers say it could be on shop shelves in Europe within the next 24 months.
The design is the result of a four-year collaboration between Portuguese cork manufacturer Amorim and US bottle maker O-I.
The manufacturers have used agglomerated, or granulated, cork for the design, which they claim offers greater elasticity and reliability than standard stoppers to better protect the wine.