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Ideal for sparkling wines
Natural and sustainable
Sourced from Portuguese cork forests
TCA tested
Long-lasting durability
Great seal
Questions? We’ve got the answers!
WHICH WINES CAN YOU USE VEGA STOPPERS WITH?
VEGA stoppers are an excellent choice for sealing sparkling wines such as champagne, prosecco, or cava. Made from high-quality cork granules, they ensure a reliable seal.
CAN VEGA STOPPERS BE USED FOR STILL WINES?
No, these stoppers are crafted for sparkling wines. For still wines, SELO and UNIQ corks are more suitable due to their specific properties.
WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE VEGA WINE STOPPER FOR SPARKLING WINE?
All four stopper models are identical in size, measuring 48 × 30.5 mm.
HOW DO THE DIFFERENT VEGA STOPPERS VARY?
The stoppers vary based on the size and consistency of the cork granules.
There are also several technical distinctions:
- The length tolerance for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is +/- 0.5 mm, whereas for VEGA3 and VEGA4, it’s +/- 1.0 mm.
- VEGA1 and VEGA2 have a diameter tolerance of +/- 0.3 mm, compared to +/- 0.5 mm for VEGA3 and VEGA4.
- Maximum absorption is up to 25% for VEGA1 and VEGA2, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 can absorb up to 20%.
- TCA release differs slightly: VEGA1 and VEGA2 release up to ≤ 1.5 ng/L, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 release ≤ 0.9 ng/L.
HOW MUCH TCA IS FOUND IN VEGA STOPPERS?
In the VEGA1 and VEGA2 models, the maximum TCA level is 1.5 ng/L, while for VEGA3 and VEGA4, it’s lower at 0.9 ng/L. VEGA stoppers undergo rigorous TCA testing to ensure lower levels compared to standard wine corks.
WHAT IS TCA, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT IN WINE STOPPERS?
TCA is a compound that can impart a slight “corky” flavour to wine. However, even if this occurs, the wine remains safe to drink – it affects the taste and smell but not your health.
The lower the TCA level, the less likely you are to experience cork taint. To maintain the purest taste, opt for stoppers with minimal TCA levels.
DO NATURAL CORK STOPPERS LET WINE BREATHE?
Yes, natural cork is structured with tiny, closed cells that permit small amounts of air to enter the bottle, aiding in the wine’s ageing process and allowing its flavours to evolve.
Natural cork ensures just the right air flow to mature the wine at the correct pace, unlike lower-quality stoppers that allow excessive air, leading to quicker oxidation and a loss of taste.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO STORE WINE WITH NATURAL CORK STOPPERS?
Storing bottles horizontally keeps the cork moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out, shrink, or lose its seal. It’s also recommended to keep wine in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C.
WHAT STORAGE CONDITIONS SHOULD BE AVOIDED FOR WINE?
Avoid exposing bottles to direct sunlight as it can ruin the wine’s taste. Also, avoid storing them in areas where the temperature fluctuates significantly.
HOW IS VEGA WINE STOPPER FOR SPARKLING WINE PRODUCED?
VEGA cork stoppers are made from eco-conscious natural cork. Each stopper is individually moulded from fine cork granules to ensure flexibility and durability, especially for sparkling wine bottles.
Our stoppers are created using food-safe cork granules and do not contain any recycled materials or GMOs.
IS NATURAL CORK VEGAN-FRIENDLY?
Absolutely, as it’s derived from the bark of cork oak trees without using any animal products. Natural cork is an entirely eco-friendly material harvested without harming the tree.
A well-made sparkling wine stopper is much more than a simple piece of wood. It might look basic, but it plays an essential role in maintaining the taste and quality of your wine!
#1 PRESERVES THE FRESHNESS OF SPARKLING WINES
A sparkling wine cork stopper must meet several crucial criteria to ensure you can enjoy your drink in its best condition.
First and foremost, it needs to provide an airtight seal, and natural cork is perfect for this. This keeps the wine bubbly – without it, the gas would escape, causing the bubbles to vanish before you can fully savour them. Natural cork ensures the bottle is sealed, retaining the necessary pressure to keep your wine sparkling.
Flexibility is also key. Natural cork moulds perfectly to the shape of the bottleneck, unlike synthetic alternatives.
Finally, natural cork allows controlled air exchange. This enables the wine to breathe without compromising its flavour.
#2 LOWER TCA LEVELS
One of the most significant features of a high-quality sparkling wine stopper is its low TCA content. No one wants their wine to taste musty or stale. High TCA levels, often found in mass-produced stoppers, can result in off-flavours reminiscent of wet cardboard. Our natural stoppers with safe TCA levels offer a better, more reliable solution.
So, what does this mean for you? When you pop open a bottle, you can expect the wine to taste as it should, without any unpleasant surprises.
#3 SUPERIOR SEALING FOR BOTTLES
This is critical for sparkling wine stoppers. VEGA stoppers are made from high-quality cork granules, providing a more consistent structure.
This means that natural cork forms a tighter seal, effectively maintaining the bottle’s pressure, which is especially important for sparkling wines that require higher pressure levels.
#4 AN ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL FOR THE FUTURE
Natural cork is among the most sustainable materials. The bark from which it’s sourced is harvested without damaging the tree – as the bark regrows, the tree absorbs five times more CO2, and the process can be repeated every 9 to 12 years. Best of all, no trees are cut down. It’s a truly sustainable practice!
Wine stoppers made from cork are fully biodegradable and recyclable. After opening the bottle, you can be confident that your natural cork stopper won’t end up in a landfill. By choosing cork, you contribute to a greener future!
#5 AN ELEGANT FINISH THAT ELEVATES YOUR WINE
Natural cork adds a touch of sophistication to any bottle. Its unique texture, subtle patterns, and light hue make it visually appealing and luxurious.
Opening a bottle with a natural cork is more than just a taste experience – it’s a celebration. The moment you pop the cork is part of the ritual, symbolising the wine’s quality and tradition. A bottle with a natural cork always stands out because it represents both craftsmanship and respect for nature.
#6 HAND-HARVESTED NATURAL CORK
When you choose natural cork, you’re not only ensuring the quality of your wine but also supporting local industries, particularly in Portugal, where cork harvesting is a tradition that’s been passed down through generations.
Harvesting cork is a skill-intensive process that requires experience and precision. Every 9 to 12 years, artisans carefully remove the bark by hand without damaging the tree, allowing it to regenerate for future harvests. This method not only benefits the environment but also preserves local heritage.
| Size | 48 × 30,5 mm |
| Length Tolerance | +/- 0,5 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | +/- 0,3 mm |
| Moisture | 4% < HR < 8% |
| Density | 240 - 320 kg/m³ |
| Absorption | ≤ 25% |
| Dust | ≤ 2 mg |
| Cutting Voltage | ≥ 6 daN/cm² |
| Torsion Angle | ≥ 35 ° |
| Resistance To Boiling Water | No Breakdown |
| Releaseable TCA | ≤ 1,5 ng/L |
| Sensory Analysis | Neutral |
| Oxidants | ≤ 0,1 mg |
