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Perfect for sparkling wines
Natural and eco-friendly
Sourced from Portuguese forests
TCA tested
Durable
Airtight
Got questions? We’ve got answers!
WHAT WINES ARE VEGA STOPPERS SUITABLE FOR?
VEGA stoppers are perfect for sealing sparkling wines like champagne, cava, or prosecco. Made from cork granules, they ensure an excellent seal.
ARE VEGA STOPPERS SUITABLE FOR STILL WINES?
No, these stoppers are specifically designed for sparkling wines. Stoppers for still wines have different properties – SELO and UNIQ corks would be a better fit for that.
WHAT SIZE IS THE VEGA WINE STOPPER FOR SPARKLING WINE?
All four models share the same size – they measure 48 × 30.5 mm.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE VEGA STOPPER MODELS?
The wine stoppers differ in the size and uniformity of the granules.
There are also some technical differences:
- Length tolerance for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is +/- 0.5 mm, while for VEGA3 and VEGA4 it's +/- 1.0 mm.
- Diameter tolerance for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is +/- 0.3 mm, and for VEGA3 and VEGA4 it's +/- 0.5 mm.
- VEGA1 and VEGA2 have a maximum absorption level of up to 25%, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 up to 20%.
- TCA release differs as well: VEGA1 and VEGA2 may release up to ≤ 1.5 ng/L, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 ≤ 0.9 ng/L.
WHAT IS THE TCA LEVEL IN VEGA STOPPERS?
In VEGA1 and VEGA2 models, the TCA level is a maximum of 1.5 ng/L, while in VEGA3 and VEGA4, it’s up to 0.9 ng/L. VEGA stoppers have a lower TCA level compared to standard wine corks. During production, all our stoppers are thoroughly tested for TCA.
WHAT IS TCA? WHY DOES IT MATTER FOR WINE STOPPERS?
TCA is a substance that can give wine a slight “corky” taste. But don’t worry, even if this happens, the wine is still safe to drink – it’s only about the smell and taste, not your health.
The lower the TCA level, the less likely you are to get that corky taste. If you want to ensure your wine keeps its natural, clean flavour, choose stoppers with the lowest possible TCA levels.
DOES WINE BREATHE THROUGH NATURAL CORK?
Yes, natural cork has a unique structure with small, closed cells that allow minimal amounts of air to enter the bottle. This process helps the wine mature gradually, developing deeper flavours and aromas.
Natural cork only allows just the right amount of air through to ensure the wine ages at the proper pace. Cheaper stoppers tend to let in more air, which can lead to faster oxidation and a decline in taste.
HOW SHOULD ONE STORE WINE BOTTLES WITH NATURAL CORK?
Bottles with natural cork are best stored horizontally. This keeps the cork moist and prevents it from drying out, shrinking, and losing its seal. It’s also a good idea to store the wine in a cool, dark place, with a steady temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C.
WHAT SHOULD YOU AVOID WHEN STORING WINE?
Avoid exposing bottles to direct sunlight – it spoils the wine's taste. Also, try not to store bottles in places where the temperature fluctuates.
HOW IS THE VEGA WINE STOPPER FOR SPARKLING WINE MADE?
VEGA cork stoppers are made from eco-friendly material – natural cork. They are individually moulded from fine cork granules, giving them the right flexibility and durability. Especially for bottles containing sparkling wines.
Our stoppers are made from cork granules that are safe for food contact. They do not contain recycled materials or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
IS NATURAL CORK A VEGAN MATERIAL?
Yes, it comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and contains no animal-derived ingredients. It’s a completely natural and eco-friendly material, harvested without harming the tree.
A good stopper for sparkling wines is more than just a piece of wood. It may look simple, but it plays a crucial role in preserving the taste and quality of your wine!
#1 PROTECTS THE TASTE OF SPARKLING WINES
A sparkling wine cork stopper must meet several key characteristics to ensure you can enjoy your favourite drink at its best.
First, the stopper needs to be airtight, and that’s where natural cork shines. It’s what keeps the wine sparkling – without it, the gas escapes from the bottle, and the bubbles disappear before you can enjoy them. Natural cork seals the bottle perfectly, maintaining the right pressure, so your wine stays full of fizz.
Next, there’s flexibility. Unlike synthetic options, natural cork adapts perfectly to the shape of the bottle’s neck.
And finally, natural cork provides optimal air exchange. This means it allows the wine to breathe, but in a controlled way, keeping the flavour intact.
#2 LOWER TCA CONTENT
This is one of the most important features a good sparkling wine cork stopper should have. After all, no one wants their wine to lose its original flavour. Too high a concentration of TCA can make the wine taste like wet cardboard. This is especially common with cheaper stoppers that are mass-produced. By choosing our natural stoppers with low TCA levels, you significantly reduce the risk of this issue.
What does this mean for you? When you open the bottle, you can expect the wine to retain its original taste and aroma, without that unpleasant aftertaste.
#3 EXCELLENT BOTTLE SEAL
This is essential when it comes to sparkling wine stoppers. VEGA stoppers are made from fine cork granules, ensuring a more uniform structure.
This means natural cork fits the bottleneck more snugly and maintains pressure more effectively, which is especially important for sparkling wines where the pressure is higher.
#4 ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL OF THE FUTURE
Natural cork is one of the most environmentally friendly choices. The bark it’s made from is harvested without harming the tree – as the bark regrows, the tree absorbs 5 times more CO2 than usual, and the process can be repeated every 9 to 12 years. And most importantly – it doesn’t require cutting down the tree. It’s a completely sustainable process!
Wine stoppers are fully biodegradable and recyclable. Even after opening the bottle, you can rest assured that natural cork won’t end up in a landfill. By choosing natural cork, you support eco-friendly production and help take care of our planet!
#5 ELEGANT DETAIL THAT ELEVATES WINES
Natural cork is a symbol of elegance, instantly enhancing the status of any wine. Its appearance – with a delicate texture, subtle, irregular patterns, and its distinctive light hue – not only catches the eye but also adds a touch of luxury to the bottle.
When you open a bottle with natural cork, it's not just about the taste of the wine, it’s about the whole experience. The moment you pull out the cork stopper is a prelude to something special – a wine that has aged in perfect conditions. It’s a detail that highlights the quality and tradition of winemaking. A bottle with a natural cork always makes an impression, because you know it represents a story, respect for nature, and the highest quality.
#6 HAND-HARVESTED CORK
By choosing natural cork, you're not only ensuring the quality of your wine, but also supporting local producers. Especially in Portugal, where natural cork harvesting is a centuries-old tradition.
The harvesting of natural cork is a process that requires great precision and experience. Every 9–12 years, the bark of the cork oak is carefully hand-removed by skilled artisans using special tools to peel it away without damaging the tree’s structure. This is crucial, as it allows the tree to regenerate and be ready for another harvest in the future. It’s a process that not only protects the environment but also preserves local traditions.
| 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 |
