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A time-honoured option
Natural cork
Safe for sparkling wines
Short-term use
Cost-effective and efficient
Retains freshness
Got a few queries? We've got the answers!
WHAT WINES ARE THE EXPO1 AND EXPO2 STOPPERS BEST FOR?
Both stoppers are ideal for sparkling wines. They’re especially effective for wines that aren’t aged for extended periods.
IS NATURAL CORK SUITABLE FOR SPARKLING WINES?
Absolutely, natural cork is perfect for sparkling wines:
- Maintains appropriate pressure: Its elastic and porous structure helps sustain the pressure within the bottle, which is vital for sparkling wines to retain their bubbles.
- Withstands temperature changes: Sparkling wines are often served chilled, and natural cork copes better with these changes compared to synthetic alternatives. Natural cork maintains its seal, even when cooled.
- Provides short-term preservation: For sparkling wines that are consumed quickly, natural cork is excellent at protecting the wine from excessive air exposure, minimizing the risk of oxidation.
- Natural cork slightly expands after insertion into the bottle, which is particularly important for sparkling wines that exert more pressure on the cork than still wines.
- Easy and safe to open: Unlike some synthetic alternatives, natural corks don’t become stiff or brittle over time, reducing the risk of sudden popping when opening.
HOW DO THE EXPO1 AND EXPO2 STOPPERS DIFFER?
The primary visual difference is the base design. EXPO1 has a simpler, flat bottom, whereas EXPO2 has a slightly rounded base.
Technically speaking, EXPO1 absorbs slightly less moisture (≤ 30%) compared to EXPO2 (≤ 40%). They also vary in TCA levels – EXPO1 has lower TCA release (≤ 1.5 ng/L) while EXPO2 has ≤ 2.0 ng/L. However, for sparkling wines that are consumed quickly, these differences are minor, and both perform excellently.
WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE EXPO SPARKLING WINE STOPPERS?
All EXPO stoppers measure 47 × 29 mm.
WHAT DOES TCA MEAN?
TCA, or trichloroanisole, is a compound that can sometimes cause wine to have a 'corked' taste. The rule is simple – the less TCA in the stopper, the lower the chance of this happening. That’s why we thoroughly inspect each stopper to ensure safe TCA levels.
IS TCA HARMFUL WHEN IT COMES TO A SPARKLING WINE STOPPER?
No, TCA does not pose any health risks. Even if it appears in the wine, it doesn’t affect health, and the wine remains safe to drink.
CAN EXPO STOPPERS BE USED FOR STILL WINES?
No, the EXPO models are specifically designed for sparkling wines that aren’t aged for long periods.
If you're after stoppers for still wines, we recommend the following:
- SELO1 and SELO2 – affordable stoppers with standard TCA levels, great for still wines that don’t require extended ageing.
- UNIQ2, UNIQ3, UNIQ4, and UNIQ5 – slightly higher-priced stoppers made from high-quality cork granules. They offer superior sealing and lower TCA levels compared to SELO1 and SELO2.
- UNIQ4+ and UNIQ5+ – premium stoppers with virtually no TCA content. Perfect for still wines that require long-term ageing.
WHAT MAKES NATURAL CORK BETTER THAN SYNTHETIC STOPPERS?
- Natural cork provides a superior seal, which is essential for maintaining pressure and preventing bubbles from escaping. It conforms better to the bottleneck, reducing the chance of leaks.
- Cork’s natural antibacterial properties give extra protection to the wine. Synthetic alternatives lack this benefit.
- Natural cork is more flexible, adapting better to the bottle, making opening safer and reducing the risk of unexpected popping.
- Cork is eco-friendly, requiring less energy to produce and generating less waste compared to synthetic stoppers.
WHAT IS A SPARKLING WINE STOPPER MADE FROM?
The stoppers are crafted from natural cork granules, ensuring they are safe for food use. No recycled materials or GMOs are used.
The entire production process is carefully monitored to meet food safety standards. All materials and methods comply with the International Code of Cork Stopper Manufacturing Practices.
DO I NEED TO SOAK THE WINE CORK STOPPER BEFORE USING IT?
No, modern wine corks are ready to use straight away. While soaking was once a common practice, it’s no longer necessary.
HOW SHOULD I STORE WINE BOTTLES SEALED WITH NATURAL CORK?
It's best to store them horizontally to keep the cork moist, which helps maintain its effectiveness.
For optimal preservation, store bottles in a cool, dark environment with a consistent temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C.
Additionally, try to maintain the humidity at around 70% if possible.
IS NATURAL CORK ECO-FRIENDLY?
Yes, natural cork is highly sustainable. It’s harvested from the cork oak tree’s bark without damaging the tree itself. The tree regenerates its bark, making this process repeatable for decades!
Cork is also fully biodegradable and recyclable. The cork oak forests, where this natural cork is sourced, are rich in biodiversity, home to various plant and animal species.
Many assume that the choice of wine cork is a minor detail, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Its quality surpasses other stoppers. It’s not just about drinking wine; it’s about cherishing moments. Here’s why selecting the best stopper for sparkling wine matters.
#1 A NATURAL SOLUTION WITHOUT SYNTHETICS
Have you ever opened a bottle and wondered, “Why is there plastic here?” It’s true – synthetics don’t belong in fine wine. Cork is nature at its finest – not only sealing the bottle but enhancing the wine’s quality.
A natural cork stopper is not a mass-produced item associated with low quality. Cork is a premium, sustainable material that has outperformed its synthetic counterparts for centuries – long before plastic came into existence!
#2 SAFETY FIRST
Few realise the impact of bottle closures on health. Natural cork is the health-conscious option, with no artificial additives.
Our natural cork stoppers are GMO-free and fully meet food safety regulations. You can enjoy your wine confidently, knowing it’s completely safe. This is peace of mind that plastic alternatives can’t offer.
#3 A TRADITION WITH MEANING
Opening a bottle sealed with natural cork is more than just opening wine – it’s a ritual in itself. With plastic caps, the experience is lost. You just twist and go. But with natural cork, you can feel its history and authenticity.
The natural texture and warm tones of brown are also visually striking. Natural cork brings a unique aesthetic to the bottle, and no two corks are alike. Each EXPO cork is made from natural materials, so the texture, colours, and shape will vary slightly, creating a one-of-a-kind experience.
#4 CAREFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP
Each wine stopper is carefully crafted from selected cork granules, specifically designed to fit the bottle perfectly. This is especially crucial for sparkling wines. After all, the stopper must be both robust and flexible to maintain a proper seal.
Every stopper undergoes strict quality control to ensure your wine is protected. This helps prevent issues like leaks or excessive oxidation.
#5 NATURAL CORK PROTECTS THE ENVIRONMENT
Natural cork is entirely biodegradable. In practice, this means you’re not contributing to landfill waste that lasts for centuries. Sadly, that’s what happens with plastic stoppers…
Moreover, each hectare of cork oak forest fosters remarkable biodiversity. In Portugal alone, which produces the majority of the world’s natural cork, these forests support over 135 species of plants and animals, including endangered species such as the Iberian lynx.
| Size | 47 × 29 mm |
| Length Tolerance | +/- 0,5 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | +/- 0,3 mm |
| Moisture | 4% < HR < 8% |
| Density | 240 - 320 kg/m³ |
| Absorption | ≤ 40% |
| Dust | ≤ 2 mg |
| Cutting Voltage | ≥ 6 daN/cm² |
| Torsion Angle | ≥ 35 ° |
| Resistance To Boiling Water | No Breakdown |
| Releaseable TCA | ≤ 2,0 ng/L |
| Sensory Analysis | Neutral |
| Oxidants | ≤ 0,1 mg |
