The different closures and corks you see on wine bottles aren’t only there for the aesthetics. They play significant roles in the shelf life and in maintaining the freshness of the wine as they seal every deal of giving you an amazing wine experience.
In this article, we discussed the various types of closures and corks for wine to help you put a name to one when you see it, and make informed decisions when you are on the go to purchase wine bottle stoppers.
What are Closures and Corks for Wine?
Have you ever wondered what keeps your favourite wine fresh over time aside from the bottle? That’s the role the unsung heroes (closures and corks) in the wine industry play significantly, to give you that refreshing pop feeling at every glass of wine. Closures and corks are generally wine stoppers that create an airtight seal around the opening of wine bottles to preserve the wine and enhance its appearance.
When purchasing wine bottle stoppers, various factors including intending storage period, the wine type and aesthetics should influence your decision. You can always explore our collection and see the various designs, sizes and prices of high-quality yet cheap wine bottle stoppers. You can also contact us with your specifications.
What are the Types of Closures and Corks for Wine?
1. Natural Corks
These are wine corks made purely from cork oak bark without adding any adhesive. They are known to be breathable, add rustic vibes to wine bottles, and are a perfect fit for long-term storage.
2. Synthetic Corks
These types of wine corks are made from plastic materials or composite materials known to offer a consistent seal for short-term wine storage. Agglomerated corks are often considered an alternative to synthetic corks.
3. Screw Caps
They are wine closures made from aluminium and are easy to open and reseal. Screw caps are also known as “Stelvin caps” and are a top choice for young reds, white wines, rosés and any wine that requires immediate consumption.
4. Crown Cap Closure
They are commonly used for sparkling wines, beer bottles, or wines with lower carbonation rates. They provide a secure seal with a metal cap around the bottle’s neck.
5. Champagne/Sparkling Wine Corks
They are known to withstand high pressure and, are commonly used for champagne or sparkling wines. This type combines cork with a metal cage to provide a secure seal.
6. Agglomerated Corks
Agglomerated corks are made from a combination of cork granules bonded with an adhesive glue. It is usually less expensive compared to the natural wine cork while maintaining a level of breathability.
7. Vino-Lok/Vinoseal
This type of closure and cork for wine is known to offer tamper-evident closure made up of a glass stopper with a plastic seal, which is reusable. They are a suitable option for various types of wine.
8. Helix Corks
Helix corks are characterised by a spiral design made from plastic, which can be removed without a corkscrew and is often used for casual wine consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best quality cork?
Your choice of the best quality cork for wine would be influenced by the type of wine and the storage length. Natural corks are the best for long-term storage, while synthetic and screw caps are best for short-term storage. You can explore some high-quality and trusted selections of cheap wine bottle stoppers of various sizes and designs in our collection.
Is a cork better than plastic for wine?
Each type of cork for wine has its merits and demerits. Hence there isn’t a “one answer fits all” in this case, but plastic cork is known to offer a consistent seal while natural cork allows for breathability to enhance wine’s ageing
How do you keep wine good without a cork?
In the absence of cork, you can transfer the remaining wine into smaller bottles or glass jars with good closures or lids that provide an airtight seal. Also, you can use plastic wrap with a rubber band to secure a seal around the mouth of the bottle.