A timeless choice
Natural
Safe for sparkling wines
Best for short-term use
Affordable and efficient
Preserves freshness
Got questions? Here are the answers!
WHICH WINES ARE SUITABLE FOR THE EXPO1 AND EXPO2 STOPPERS?
Both stoppers are perfect for sparkling wines. They’re particularly effective for wines that don’t require extended aging, such as young cava or prosecco.
IS NATURAL CORK SUITABLE FOR SPARKLING WINES?
Yes, natural cork is an excellent choice for sparkling wines:
- Effectively retains pressure: Its porous and flexible structure allows for optimal pressure retention inside the bottle, crucial for keeping those bubbles intact.
- Handles temperature fluctuations: Sparkling wines are often chilled before serving, and natural cork performs better than synthetic options in these conditions. It adapts and maintains its seal even after refrigeration.
- Provides an excellent seal for quick consumption: For wines intended for immediate drinking, natural cork protects against oxygen exposure, minimizing oxidation risk.
- Natural cork may expand slightly upon insertion, which is essential for withstanding the higher pressure in sparkling wines.
- Safe opening: Unlike synthetic stoppers, natural cork doesn’t harden over time, allowing for a more secure opening with a lower risk of the cork popping out unexpectedly.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE EXPO1 FROM THE EXPO2 STOPPER?
The main design difference lies in the base. EXPO1 features a flatter base, while EXPO2 has a slightly rounded bottom.
In technical terms, EXPO1 absorbs slightly less moisture (≤ 30%) compared to EXPO2 (≤ 40%). They also differ in TCA release: EXPO1 emits less (≤ 1.5 ng/L) than EXPO2 (≤ 2.0 ng/L). Nevertheless, these differences are negligible for sparkling wines consumed quickly.
WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE EXPO SPARKLING WINE STOPPERS?
All EXPO stoppers measure 47 × 29 mm.
WHAT IS TCA IN WINE STOPPERS?
TCA, or trichloroanisole, is a compound that can impart a 'corked' flavor to wine. The less TCA present in the stopper, the lower the risk of this occurring. We rigorously test each stopper for TCA levels.
IS TCA DANGEROUS IN WINE STOPPERS?
No, TCA is not harmful, so you don't need to worry. Even if it’s present in the wine, it poses no health risk.
ARE EXPO STOPPERS INTENDED FOR STILL WINES?
No, EXPO stoppers are designed exclusively for sparkling wines that don’t require long aging.
If you’re looking for stoppers for still wines, we recommend:
- SELO – an economical solution with standard TCA levels. Ideal for still wines meant for quick consumption.
- UNIQ – slightly pricier stoppers made from fine cork granules, providing better sealing and lower TCA levels than SELO1 and SELO2.
- UNIQ+ – premium stoppers with nearly zero TCA content, perfect for still wines requiring longer aging.
WHY ARE CORK STOPPERS SUPERIOR TO SYNTHETIC OPTIONS?
- Natural cork ensures a better seal, which is essential for maintaining pressure and preserving the bubbles. It fits more snugly against the bottle neck, minimizing the chance of leaks or loss of carbonation.
- Cork has natural antibacterial properties, providing added protection for the wine. Synthetic alternatives don’t offer this advantage.
- Natural cork is more flexible, adapting better to the bottle neck, making for a safer opening with reduced risk of cork popping out unexpectedly, unlike synthetic stoppers.
- Natural cork is more environmentally friendly – its production consumes less energy and produces less persistent waste compared to plastic stoppers.
WHAT ARE SPARKLING WINE STOPPERS MADE OF?
Our stoppers are made from natural cork granules, fully safe for food contact. They contain no recycled materials or GMOs.
The entire production process is carefully monitored to comply with food safety regulations. All materials and processes adhere to international standards for cork stopper manufacturing.
DO I NEED TO SOAK THE CORK BEFORE USING IT?
No, modern corks are ready to use right away. Soaking was once common for natural cork stoppers, but it's no longer necessary.
HOW SHOULD I STORE WINE BOTTLES SEALED WITH NATURAL CORK?
It's best to store them on their side to keep the cork moist and ensure a good seal.
Ideally, store the bottles in a cool, dark place with a stable temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C.
Maintain a humidity level of around 70%, if possible.
IS NATURAL CORK ECO-FRIENDLY?
Yes, natural cork is one of the most sustainable materials! It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree without cutting down the tree. The tree continues to grow and regenerate its bark regularly, a process that can be repeated for decades!
Cork is also fully biodegradable and recyclable. The cork oak forests, where this natural cork is harvested, support a rich diversity of plants and animals.
Many think the choice of a wine cork is an insignificant detail, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The quality of this cork is unmatched. It’s not just about enjoying wine; it’s about celebrating moments. That’s why it’s crucial to select the best cork for your sparkling wines.
#1 NATURAL MATERIALS WITHOUT ARTIFICIAL ADDITIVES
How many times have you opened a bottle and wondered, “Why is this stopper plastic?” It’s true – synthetic materials have no place in fine wine. Cork is pure, natural material – it doesn’t just seal the bottle; it cares for the wine.
Every natural cork is unique. Unlike mass-produced plastic stoppers, cork is an effective and high-performance material that has fulfilled this role for centuries, long before plastic was invented!
#2 SAFE FOR YOUR HEALTH
Few realize that what’s used to seal a wine bottle has a significant impact on health. Natural cork is the safest choice – zero artificial additives.
Our natural cork stoppers are guaranteed to be GMO-free and comply with all food safety standards. You can enjoy your wine with peace of mind, knowing it’s completely safe. This peace of mind is something plastic can’t offer.
#3 A TIME-HONORED RITUAL
Opening a bottle sealed with natural cork is much more than a mechanical action – it’s a true ritual. With a synthetic stopper, this moment loses its magic. The natural cork has a texture and history of its own that you can immediately feel and appreciate.
The natural shades of brown and the authentic texture also leave a lasting impression. Natural cork adds a touch of charm and elegance to each bottle, and each cork is unique. EXPO stoppers are made from natural materials, each with slightly different textures, colors, and shapes.
#4 DETAILED CRAFTSMANSHIP
Each cork is made from carefully selected cork granules, precisely shaped to ensure a perfect fit for the bottle. This is particularly important for sparkling wines, where the cork must be both durable and seal tightly to keep the bubbles intact.
Our stoppers undergo rigorous quality control to ensure your wine is well-protected. This helps prevent issues such as leaks or premature oxidation.
#5 NATURAL CORK PROTECTS THE PLANET
Natural cork is 100% biodegradable. This means it doesn’t leave waste that could take centuries to decompose, unlike plastic stoppers.
Additionally, every hectare of cork oak forest supports exceptional biodiversity. In Portugal, the world's largest cork producer, these forests are home to over 135 species of plants and animals, including endangered species like the Iberian lynx.
| Size | 47 × 29 mm |
| Length Tolerance | +/- 0,5 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | +/- 0,3 mm |
| Moisture | 4% < HR < 8% |
| Density | 240 - 320 kg/m³ |
| Absorption | ≤ 40% |
| Dust | ≤ 2 mg |
| Cutting Voltage | ≥ 6 daN/cm² |
| Torsion Angle | ≥ 35 ° |
| Resistance To Boiling Water | No Breakdown |
| Releaseable TCA | ≤ 2,0 ng/L |
| Sensory Analysis | Neutral |
| Oxidants | ≤ 0,1 mg |
