Lead capsules were once widely used, but in 1994 the Food and Drug Administration declared lead capsules a food safety hazard; and later in 1996 they declared tin-coated lead capsules a food safety hazard. Tin became the go-to capsule metal, but now, due to the dramatic rise in the cost of tin, most wineries are switching to alternate capsules, or alternate closures. Tin is still used today, but I almost never see it on a new shipment.
Once in a while, you'll come across some lead or tin capsules on an old bottle. These capsules are weighty, you have to press harder with the corkscrew blade to cut into it, and the capsules are sharp and unforgiving if you cut yourself while opening the bottle.
Here is a great article on the rising cost of tin capsules. Not only has the price of tin increased, but the weakened American dollar has made it difficult for US wineries to purchase European tin capsules (the price rising 250% in the two year period of 2006-2008), and the weak dollar has tempted export markets in regions such as South America and New Zealand look to US-made screw caps and synthetic capsules for bargains.
Once in a while, you'll come across some lead or tin capsules on an old bottle. These capsules are weighty, you have to press harder with the corkscrew blade to cut into it, and the capsules are sharp and unforgiving if you cut yourself while opening the bottle.
Here is a great article on the rising cost of tin capsules. Not only has the price of tin increased, but the weakened American dollar has made it difficult for US wineries to purchase European tin capsules (the price rising 250% in the two year period of 2006-2008), and the weak dollar has tempted export markets in regions such as South America and New Zealand look to US-made screw caps and synthetic capsules for bargains.
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