Corks have been critical components of wine preservation for centuries, with origins dating back to the 1600s. Derived from the bark of the cork oak t

Comparing Wine Corks: Natural, Technical, and Synthetic

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2024-10-16 20:00:05

Corks have been critical components of wine preservation for centuries, with origins dating back to the 1600s. Derived from the bark of the cork oak tree, their elasticity and impermeability has made cork the reigning king of closures. Cork oaks thrive in Mediterranean regions, with Portugal producing over half of the world’s cork. Cork is harvested by carefully removing the bark without harming the tree (every 9-12 years), allowing it to regenerate and provide cork for years to come.

Historically, cork’s unique structure has made it ideal for sealing wine bottles, but as winemakers seek ways to overcome issues like TCA (trichloroanisole) contamination and inconsistent oxygen ingress, alternatives like technical and synthetic corks have started to give natural cork a run for its money.

How do these types of closures differ structurally? Our Microfocus Neptune industrial CT scanner gives us comprehensive insights into the composition and density variations between natural, technical, and synthetic cork. Let’s take a look.