If you are thinking about making your own wine, you may be looking at various options for corking your bottles. There are a variety of options being used by wineries around the world, each with their own unique benefits.

 

Natural wood corks have been around since the beginning of time. They are still the most preferred method of corking a wine bottle because of the classic and dignified design, as well as the belief that a wood cork does more to keep a bottle flavorful. Some natural wood corks are even used to add flavor to the bottle as it ferments. Wood- corked bottles should always be laid on their side for storage because wood corks require the moisture of the wine to maintain their hold at the mouth of the bottle.

                 

Natural wood corks come in three varieties: One piece, Multi- Piece, and Colmated.

 

Natural Wine Corks                 

 

One- piece corks are cut from a sheet of wood and are exactly as described- one piece. These corks are ideal for long- term aging because the entire cork expands and holds firmly in place. When corks are used to flavor wine, you will find that a one- piece cork is uses because it allows a small amount of air flow through to carry the flavor of the wood into the wine.

                 

A multi-piece natural wood cork is made of two or more pieces of various cork wood that are glued together. This is a less expensive option for corking, although because air doesn’t flow through the cork as easily, they are not ideal for long- term aging. These corks are typically only used on bottles that must age for a year or less.

                 

Colmated corks are natural wood corks that have had the holes filled with sawdust or glue compound. They are used to keep the wood from flavoring the wine and are suitable for aging up to three years.

                 

Synthetic corks are also commonly used in wineries. These corks are made from a variety of non- natural materials and are preferred for a variety of reasons. One reason is that they do not transfer wood flavoring to the wine and the wine bottles can be stored sitting upright, since the moisture of the wine is not required to hold the lid in place. Synthetic corks can be produced to allow a variety of air flows through the bottle, making them ideal for almost any duration of aging.

 

Synthetic Wine Cork

                 

Screw cap corks are most popular in “New World” wineries. These are screw caps just like what you would expect on a soda bottle. They are not ideal for long- term aging, although they do allow for the bottles to be stored upright, just like a synthetic cork.

 

Screw Cap Corks                 

 

In short, the type of cork you want to purchase for your winery will vary greatly depending on the recipe you use for your wine and the aging process that is required. Many wineries test their recipes using a variety of corks before finally figuring out which works the best for them. Enjoy experimenting and best of luck!

 

By: Annie Wesley

Contact:media@kazzit.com

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