Why use a cork closure?

Although nearly 83% of French consumers favour cork closures, the debate about cork closure versus screwcap or synthetic stopper continues.

So irrespective of whether the wines are still, sparkling or fortified, why should you use a cork closure? Read on to find out why.

5 good reasons to use a cork closure for bottles of wine

Cork closures lend their natural qualities to wine, but also have marketing and environmental benefits.

#1 – Cork preserves wine aromas over time

The ageing process for wine is long and complex. But it is also what sets fine wines, such as age-worthy wines, apart.

Cork closures play an active part in this process.

Cork closures are both liquid-tight and permeable to air. So air, very gradually, oxygenates wine over time.

This transfer of gas, where oxygen penetrates slowly and continuously, has a positive impact on how the wine matures, stabilising the colour in red wines and softening the palate.

This makes it all the more important to choose a quality cork closure to seal a bottle of wine that is designed to be kept for several years before being enjoyed.

#2 – Cork closures allow wines to be kept horizontally

Cork closures are perfectly liquid-tight. Even lying down, the wine will not spill from the bottle.

Storing the bottle horizontally prevents the cork closure from drying out and therefore guarantees the wine matures harmoniously over time.

The transfer of gas then occurs slowly so that the wine can mature in ideal conditions, without its lifespan being shortened.

#3 – Cork closures are an endorsement of quality from a consumer perspective

Considering that 87% of French people questioned associate cork with a superior quality wine, it is undeniable that this traditional packaging component is a positive selling point.

Cork closures have a very good image in the eyes of consumers, some of whom are even ready to pay more for a bottle of wine with a cork closure, for gifting among other reasons.

#4 – Environmental benefits

Extracting cork is an environmentally-friendly process. Cork oaks are not felled during harvesting. Also, the carbon footprint of cork exploitation is relatively low.

Once again, this is a selling point that finds resonance with consumers who are increasingly receptive to environmental issues.

#5 – A marketing asset

Cork closures can be customised – the name of the growth and the year of bottling can be added to them.

Cork closures thereby become the winery’s signature.

Admittedly, cork closures have a traditional image, but they can also be modern and, more importantly, are synonymous with quality for consumers. They allow the wine to be stored in good conditions and mature well.