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Perfect for sparkling varieties
Eco-friendly and natural
Harvested from Portuguese cork forests
TCA tested and approved
Highly durable
Air-tight seal
Questions? We're here to answer them!
WHAT TYPES OF WINE ARE VEGA STOPPERS MADE FOR?
VEGA stoppers are designed specifically for sparkling wine varieties like champagne, prosecco, or cava. They provide an exceptional seal thanks to their high-quality cork granules.
CAN VEGA STOPPERS BE USED FOR STILL WINE?
No, these stoppers are optimised for sparkling wines. For still wines, SELO and UNIQ corks are more suitable due to their specific features.
WHAT SIZE IS THE VEGA SPARKLING WINE STOPPER?
All VEGA stoppers measure the same – 48 × 30.5 mm.
WHAT SETS THE VEGA STOPPER MODELS APART FROM EACH OTHER?
The different stopper models vary in cork granule size and consistency.
They also have technical differences:
- Length tolerance for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is +/- 0.5 mm, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 have a tolerance of +/- 1.0 mm.
- Diameter tolerance for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is +/- 0.3 mm, and for VEGA3 and VEGA4 it’s +/- 0.5 mm.
- Maximum absorption for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is up to 25%, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 can absorb up to 20%.
- TCA levels differ: VEGA1 and VEGA2 have a release of ≤ 1.5 ng/L, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 are ≤ 0.9 ng/L.
WHAT IS THE TCA LEVEL IN VEGA STOPPERS?
For VEGA1 and VEGA2 stoppers, TCA levels peak at 1.5 ng/L, while in VEGA3 and VEGA4, the maximum is 0.9 ng/L. VEGA stoppers are thoroughly tested to maintain lower TCA levels than standard corks.
WHAT IS TCA AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
TCA is a chemical compound that can cause a slight “corky” flavour in wines. If this happens, don’t worry, the wine is still safe to drink – it only impacts taste and smell, not safety.
Choosing a cork with low TCA levels minimises the chance of cork taint. To ensure your wine’s full flavour, opt for stoppers that reduce TCA.
DOES NATURAL CORK ALLOW WINE TO BREATHE?
Yes, natural cork’s unique cellular structure allows tiny amounts of air into the bottle, which helps wine age and develop richer flavours.
Cork allows just the right amount of air to permeate, allowing the wine to mature without spoiling, unlike cheaper stoppers that let in too much air.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO STORE WINE BOTTLES SEALED WITH NATURAL CORK?
Storing bottles horizontally ensures the cork stays moist, preventing it from drying out and losing its seal. It's also advisable to store bottles in a cool, dark place with stable temperatures between 10 and 15°C.
WHAT CONDITIONS SHOULD BE AVOIDED WHEN STORING WINE?
Keep bottles out of direct sunlight as it can spoil the wine’s taste. It’s also best to avoid storage areas with fluctuating temperatures.
HOW IS THE VEGA SPARKLING WINE STOPPER MADE?
VEGA stoppers are made from natural cork, a sustainable material. They’re individually moulded from high-quality cork granules, giving them the ideal flexibility and strength required for sparkling wine bottles.
Our stoppers are produced from cork granules that are safe for contact with food, without the use of recycled or genetically modified materials (GMOs).
IS NATURAL CORK SUITABLE FOR VEGANS?
Yes, it comes from the bark of cork oak trees and contains no animal by-products. It’s an eco-friendly, natural material harvested without causing harm to the tree.
A sparkling wine stopper is much more than a piece of wood. It may appear simple, but it plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and taste of your wine!
#1 KEEPS SPARKLING WINE FRESH
For sparkling wine corks, several crucial attributes are required to ensure your wine stays fresh.
A good cork must provide an airtight seal, and natural cork does this exceptionally well. It ensures the wine stays bubbly by keeping the gas inside the bottle. Natural cork is perfect for sealing bottles to maintain the necessary pressure.
Flexibility is another important factor. Natural cork adapts to the shape of the bottle neck, unlike synthetic alternatives.
Lastly, natural cork ensures optimal air exchange, allowing the wine to breathe while preserving its flavour.
#2 REDUCED TCA LEVELS
A top priority for any sparkling wine cork is to have low levels of TCA. Excessive TCA can result in wine tasting like wet cardboard, which is a common issue with lower-quality stoppers. Our natural cork stoppers minimise TCA, reducing the risk of such off-flavours.
In simple terms, when you open a bottle with VEGA stoppers, the wine will taste as expected, without any unwanted cork taint.
#3 PERFECTLY SEALS BOTTLES
This is crucial for sparkling wine corks. VEGA stoppers are made from fine cork granules, resulting in a more uniform structure.
As a result, natural cork forms a superior seal, which is essential for maintaining the pressure in sparkling wines.
#4 SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL FOR THE FUTURE
Natural cork is one of the most sustainable materials available. The cork bark is harvested without harming the tree, and as it regrows, the tree absorbs more CO2. The process can be repeated every 9 to 12 years, making it a renewable resource.
Cork stoppers are also fully biodegradable and recyclable. By choosing natural cork, you’re supporting eco-friendly production and a healthier planet!
#5 A TOUCH OF CLASS TO ENHANCE YOUR WINE
Natural cork adds a level of sophistication to any bottle. Its unique texture and appearance make it an elegant addition to the wine experience.
Opening a bottle sealed with a natural cork is more than just a taste experience – it’s part of the tradition and quality of winemaking. A natural cork stopper adds value and tells a story of care and respect for nature.
#6 SUPPORTS HAND-CRAFTED HARVESTING
By choosing natural cork, you’re supporting both sustainable practices and local communities. In places like Portugal, cork harvesting has been an artisan tradition for centuries.
The process of harvesting cork requires great care and skill. Every 9 to 12 years, artisans carefully peel the bark by hand, ensuring the tree is not harmed and can continue to grow and produce cork for future harvests. This practice preserves both the environment and a long-standing tradition.
| Size | 48 × 30,5 mm |
| Length Tolerance | +/- 1,0 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | +/- 0,5 mm |
| Moisture | 4% < HR < 8% |
| Density | 240 - 320 kg/m³ |
| Absorption | ≤ 20% |
| Dust | ≤ 2 mg |
| Cutting Voltage | ≥ 6 daN/cm² |
| Torsion Angle | ≥ 35 ° |
| Resistance To Boiling Water | No Breakdown |
| Releaseable TCA | ≤ 0,9 ng/L |
| Sensory Analysis | Neutral |
| Oxidants | ≤ 0,1 mg |
