A wine closure must provide a tight and durable seal under a range of handling and storage conditions, whatever the style of wine or shape of bottle.

It must meet the tight specifications of today's modern high-speed bottling lines. It should also add value to the wine, allowing it to develop gradually over time without imparting any undesirable flavours.

Cork has shown itself to be remarkably resilient and adaptable to today's winemaker requirements and is proving less demanding on bottling lines than alternatives.

Its contribution to wine development has been proven over centuries.

Nevertheless, proper application and handling is required for optimal performance.

To obtain the best results with cork and minimise the risk of taint or leakage, winemakers and producers should observe a few simple principles about choosing, handling and storing corks.

• Choose the right cork for the bottle and style of the wine.
• Talk to the cork supplier about the best corks for the job.
• Order corks when they are needed.
• Ensure winery hygiene includes corks and corking equipment.
• Follow recommended bottling practices.
• Store and transport bottled wine correctly.

Click on the headings below for more information.

Ordering corks
Handling corks prior to bottling
Maintaining your corking equipment
Post-bottling and storage of wine

As well as taking meticulous care in their choice of handling of corks, it is advisable for winemakers and distributors to implement a quality control regime for all corks they receive.

Several organisations such as the Cork Quality Council, the Australian Wine Research Institute and the University of California, Davis provide information on quality control procedures.

Advice may also be obtained from Amorim's commercial personnel. By working in partnership with customers, Amorim personnel deliver closure solutions that meet specific needs comprehensively and cost-effectively.