Until a few years ago, producing a batch of wine bottles often meant accepting that a percentage of the production would suffer a cork defect that would ruin the taste and aroma of the wine, a loss often normally assumed by wineries.
However, thanks to advances in cork materials, this problem has been significantly reduced. The use of synthetic corks has become an attractive option for wineries and companies in the wine sector looking to reduce the risk of cork defects and ensure the quality of their product.
Therefore, any producer interested in minimizing losses considers using synthetic corks in their bottles as a way to suppress the risk of the wine acquiring a cork taste.
Advancements in the wine industry improve sealing properties
The wine industry is constantly innovating to improve the quality and experience of wine, as it is a driver in the economy of many regions. One of the most important advances are the synthetic corks themselves, which seek to prolong the freshness of the product thanks to improvements in sealing efficiency.
Leading manufacturers are researching new designs and materials that allow an airtight seal while maintaining all the properties of the liquid. In this way, greater protection against oxidation and contamination is achieved.
Innovation in synthetic corks seeks to prolong the shelf life of wine
Synthetic corks have been gaining preference for many appellations and producers over traditional cork due to their resistance and sealing ability. Now, thanks to innovation, these corks are even more efficient.
New high-quality polymers are used that allow a perfect fit to the neck of the bottle, preventing the entry of oxygen and other contaminating agents. In addition, they do not transmit strange flavors or odors that can alter the qualities of the wine and offer total food safety.
Protection against oxidation and contamination
One of the main challenges of synthetic corks is to achieve total protection against oxidation and contamination. When wine is exposed to oxygen, an oxidation process begins that accelerates its aging and degrades its flavor. Aging is good for some wines, but only if it is done in a controlled manner.
For this reason, the new designs of synthetic corks hermetically seal the bottle, blocking the entry of oxygen not only during the first corking but also during recorking. They are also the best guarantee to prevent contamination by fungi, bacteria, or other microorganisms, maintaining the organoleptic qualities of the wine for longer.
The evolution of synthetic corks: new improvements
Over the past two decades, synthetic corks have evolved to become an option, in many cases, more reliable than cork for prolonging the life of wine. Corks made with thermoplastic elastomers such as polypropylene have been developed.
Work is now being done on corks with greater flexibility to adapt to different types of bottles. Therefore, for wineries that want to age the wine, synthetic corks are being created that allow controlled entry of oxygen, just like natural cork stoppers, but without the risk of TCA.
Boosting wine quality with airtight and durable seals
If the seal is not completely airtight, the wine can spoil quickly. This is why the industry bets on synthetic corks that guarantee a leak-free seal even in the face of temperature or humidity changes. This way, quality is preserved longer.
Greater confidence in synthetic corks when it comes to improving the safety of wine sealing
Although some appellations and oenologists resist abandoning natural cork, more and more wine producers and technical directors trust synthetic corks to seal their wines. Advances in design and materials have allowed substantial improvements in sealing safety.
What advantages do synthetic corks offer compared to traditional cork stoppers?
Unlike cork, these stoppers do not transmit strange flavors to the wine and prevent the oxidation that produces the souring of wine. In addition, they are a more economical option.
How does wine sealing affect its freshness and quality?
A less airtight seal accelerates the oxidation and aging process of wine. This degrades aromas and flavors, making it lose freshness and original qualities. A synthetic cork that completely seals the bottle is key to prolonging its shelf life and maintaining its properties.
How long can the freshness of wine be prolonged using synthetic corks?
Constant improvement through research and development in synthetic corks increasingly improves their duration. Currently, many manufacturers can guarantee at least 10 years of preservation.
Are there differences in the effectiveness of the seal between synthetic corks made of different materials?
Yes, materials such as PVC, PET, and polyethylene have different properties. There is always a search to optimize flexibility, durability, and airtightness. Some polymers may yield more easily over time, while others guarantee a much more durable seal.
What is the manufacturing process of synthetic corks and how is their quality guaranteed?
They are manufactured by thermoplastic injection molding with high-purity polymers. Antioxidant and antimicrobial additives can be added. To guarantee their quality, strict controls and sealing tests are carried out before they are marketed.
Do synthetic corks alter the taste or aroma of wine in any way?
The polymers used are totally inert and do not interact at all with the wine, including those made with vegetable polymers. They also do not allow the passage of oxygen or other gases that could affect the taste and aroma over time. They are the perfect option to preserve the wine’s essence intact.
