Amorim has launched a new stopper targeting the high-volume sectors of the global wine industry.

Called Acquamark, the closure has been developed using the latest in cork production technology to provide winemakers with a clean natural cork stopper at a highly competitive price.

The product name is derived from the innovative water-based coating that is a feature of this colmated cork.

“Acquamark is an environmentally friendly closure that provides enhanced performance in sealing capacity and wine preservation,” said Amorim’s director of marketing and communications, Carlos de Jesus.

“It is a welcome addition to Amorim’s product mix as it allows us to compete aggressively with producers of alternative closures, particularly in the ‘basic’ and ‘popular premium’ sectors of the wine market.

“New technology means we can produce a cost effective natural cork closure for sectors where price competition is at its fiercest.”

As with all natural cork closures, Acquamark is made from renewable resources, is recyclable and biodegradable.

“In many instances wineries are faced with a difficult choice on closures between cost effective options and those that play a strong role in protecting the environment,” Mr de Jesus said.

“With Acquamark there no longer needs to be a compromise.”

Amorim has applied innovative processes to the production of the Acquamark closure, ensuring total particle retention as well as consistent visual appearance. The safe and environmentally friendly water-based coating enhances the restructuring process.

Acquamark corks are subject to Amorim’s unique CONVEX boiling system that prevents contamination as well as stringent quality control procedures.

Pago de Vallegarcía owner Alfonso Cortina de Alcocer has left no stone unturned in his efforts to develop a winery of outstanding quality.

In fact, it appears as though the stones unearthed during construction have been artistically deployed in the stunning architect-designed building that sits in the middle of the vineyard. There are thousands of rocks carefully placed on the building’s striking exterior, which blends harmoniously with the surrounding forest landscape.

Situated in the Montes de Toledo region of central Spain, Vallegarcía has been created with attention to detail in every area — from selection of the site to grape variety, architecture, production facilities and people.

The process started in the late 1990s when respected Australian viticulturist Dr Richard Smart was appointed to design the vineyard. Vines were planted in 1999 and first harvested in 2001. Grape quality was then evaluated over a four-year period through production of small parcels of wine at a neighbouring winery.

The positive results encouraged Alfonso Cortina to continue with his plans and Pago de Vallegarcía opened in 2006.

Today the vineyard comprises 31 hectares. The wines are produced in a French style and include a viognier, syrah (shiraz) and a cabernet sauvignon merlot. Annual production is about 80,000 bottles.

General manager and oenologist Adolfo Hornos says Vallegarcía wines are characterised by their ability to improve and develop complexity over time. This is one of the reasons he is a firm believer in natural cork as a wine closure.

“The stopper must guarantee the conservation of the wine, respecting its characteristics and its evolution in the bottle,” he said.

“We only use natural corks of the highest quality. Their mechanical performance is the most appropriate for our wines and there is synergy between the cork and the wine as it matures in the bottle.

“Cork is also a natural seal and the most environment friendly wine closure. It is the seal of choice for high quality old-world wines.”

Adolfo describes bottling as a very important process at Vallegarcía.

“It represents all the work done in that vintage. Bottling is not just filling a bottle with wine, it represents the character and personality of Vallegarcía,” he said.

The winery is one of a growing number that chooses to display the ‘Cork Mark’ on its products.

“We want the consumer to know that we use natural cork and also demonstrate our support for the sustainable development of cork forests,” says Adolfo.

Asked why he chooses Amorim corks, Adolfo is succinct: “One reason — trust. We have an excellent relationship and there is good collaboration between us.

“As a winemaker, my main goals are quality and constant improvement and I need to have that from my suppliers, that’s why I work with Amorim.”

For further information on Pago de Vallegarcía visit www.vallegarcia.com.

The Pago de Vallegarcía winery features thousands of rocks on its exterior.