All wine lovers and other casual tasters have inevitably noticed that the bottle caps can vary. In cork, plastic, and even glass, the choice of the type of stopper is not just a question of design. Let's see the characteristics of each wine bottle stopper .
The usefulness of wine bottle corks
Do you also like to hear the sound of the cork popping when opening a good bottle? But do you know precisely the usefulness of this very particular closing system on wine bottles?
Discover the capital importance of these accessories for the preservation and exceptional tasting of your favorite wines. From classic cork stoppers to innovative closure solutions, each stopper plays a crucial role in preserving bottles.
Learn about the different types of corks, their impact on wine preservation, and their role in the optimal tasting range. Whether you prefer traditional cork stoppers or modern technical stoppers, choose the perfect stopper to ensure the quality of your precious containers
In reality, caps have several functions.
- Ensuring the watertightness of the wine bottle : not surprisingly, the cork is primarily used to seal the bottle to prevent the wine from spilling;
- Limit exchanges between air and wine: wine bottle corks also serve to prevent air from entering the container. Protected from oxygen, the wine is thus preserved from excessive oxygenation which could alter the quality of its aromas and compromise its aging;
- Create an interaction with the wine : the material of the cork is also important. Cork stoppers, for example, allow micro-oxygenation and bring particular and subtle characteristics to the wine when in contact with it;
- Identify the wine : bottle caps often include information about the wine, whether its producer or its vintage.
The wine bottle stopper is therefore not just an aesthetic or practical choice, because it plays a major role in the conservation of wine.
The different types of wine bottle corks
Traditionally, we are used to seeing bottles sealed with a cork stopper . However, other solutions are possible and are sometimes more appropriate for closing a bottle of wine.
Natural corks
If wine bottle stoppers are mainly made of cork, it is no coincidence. Beyond the tradition and authenticity that this type of cork brings together, cork is also a very interesting material in oenology. Initially, this will succeed in capturing the impurities which can develop in the wine during aging. Indeed, its porosity has big advantages.
Then, cork is also a material which, in contact with wine, will slightly modify the aromas and texture. Moreover, this porous stopper also allows a tiny quantity of air to penetrate into the bottle, ideal for micro-oxygenation of the wine .
Note, however, that cork stoppers do not only have advantages. If they are too wet, corks are particularly susceptible to fungus , which gives a bad taste to the wine. Conversely, a cork that is too dry can dry out, crumble and no longer seal the bottle.
Therefore, to opt for a cork wine bottle stopper, you must ensure that you can store the bottle in a place with the ideal humidity level (70% on average).
Agglomerated cork stoppers
The agglomerated cork stopper is an excellent alternative to natural cork stoppers. In addition to being more economical, it also has similar advantages to the natural cork model. Thus, agglomerated cork interacts with the wine in a very positive way, allowing good sealing and gentle aging of the wine .
As for the disadvantages of agglomerated cork, we can note that this type of material is less elegant , because the cork is less smooth. The unrefined style comes with slightly less reliable wine protection.
Synthetic caps
It is increasingly common to have wine bottles with a plastic or polymer cap . Easy to remove, this type of cork is particularly interesting for wines that are not intended for aging, since it does not allow micro-oxygenation , but also a flawless seal . The wine is perfectly well protected against air and humidity, and it can thus preserve all its qualities.
On the other hand, it should be noted that, even if plastic caps are simpler and more economical to produce, they are also much more polluting . Furthermore, aging wine with this type of cork is almost impossible.
Screw caps
The screw cap, or screw cap, has approximately the same advantages and disadvantages as the synthetic cap. Even easier to remove, they do not require a corkscrew , and they are particularly waterproof and inexpensive.
However, the interaction between the wine and the metal of the capsule is non-existent, and its lack of elegance is not always appreciated by the serious wine lover.
Also, are you wondering what type of corkscrew to choose to open your wine bottles easily and efficiently? The corkscrew is an essential tool for any wine lover because it helps cleanly remove corks from bottles.
The choice of wine bottle stopper is of major importance. However, if some people think that plastic or screw caps hide bad wines, you now know that they are very effective and particularly suitable for wines to be drunk young.
