We use only Grade 1 natural solid corks to compliment the minimal amounts of sulfates. Our high-quality natural corks will ensure our wines will last for 15-20 years in your cellar. Choosing a wine with the correct cork comes down to two factors; how long the wine will be in the bottle before it gets consumed and economics. If your wine is a simple, fruity wine that will be consumed within a year, you probably do not need a wine that has a cork rated for 15-20 years.
However, if you have a wine that will be appreciating for the next 5-10 years, it does not make sense to choose one with a cork rated for one to two years.
There are several different types of wine corks available. Type selection is dependent on the type of wine being sealed and the expectant length of time before it is consumed.
Other factors determining wine cork type include bottle speed, amount of preservatives (sulfates) used, still or sparkling wines, sweet or dry wines, red or white wines, bottle size and type of bottle.
- Aglica wine corks are rated for around one year.
- Synthetic and Agglomerated "1+1" wine corks are rated for around 2-3 years.
- Grade 3 natural wine corks are rated for 5-8 years.
- Grade 2 natural wine corks are rated for 8-10 years.
- Grade 1 natural wine corks are rated for 15-20 years.
Due to the firm nature of polymers used to make them, synthetic corks do not compress as easily as natural corks, and simply do not last as long as natural solid corks. They can impose unnatural flavors in the wine due to their chemical composition.
At Woods Bay Winery, we only use Grade 1 natural solid corks since we use minimal amounts of sulfites and we want our wines to last for years in your cellar.