Perfect for sparkling wines
Eco-friendly and natural
Originating from the forests of Portugal
Checked for TCA
Durable
Water-resistant
Have questions? Here are our answers!
WHICH WINES ARE SUITABLE FOR VEGA CORKS?
VEGA corks are perfectly designed to seal sparkling wines such as prosecco, cava, and champagne.
CAN VEGA CORKS BE USED FOR STILL WINES?
WHAT IS THE SIZE OF VEGA CORKS FOR SPARKLING WINES?
All four models measure 48 × 30.5 mm.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VEGA MODELS?
The corks primarily differ in size and uniformity of granulate.
There are also technical variations:
- The length tolerance for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is +/- 0.5 mm, while for VEGA3 and VEGA4 it is +/- 1.0 mm.
- The diameter tolerance is +/- 0.3 mm for VEGA1 and VEGA2, and +/- 0.5 mm for VEGA3 and VEGA4.
- VEGA1 and VEGA2 have a maximum absorption capacity of 25%, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 reach 20%.
- The TCA release for VEGA1 and VEGA2 is ≤ 1.5 ng/L, while for VEGA3 and VEGA4 it is ≤ 0.9 ng/L.
WHAT IS THE TCA CONTENT IN VEGA CORKS?
VEGA1 and VEGA2 corks have a maximum TCA content of 1.5 ng/L, while VEGA3 and VEGA4 have 0.9 ng/L. All our VEGA corks undergo rigorous testing.
WHAT DOES TCA MEAN?
TCA is a compound that can impart a cork flavor to wine. No need to worry; even if it occurs, the wine is still drinkable – it only affects the aroma and flavor, with no health consequences.
The lower the TCA level, the less likely you are to experience this cork taste. To maintain the pure flavor of the wine, choose corks with the lowest possible TCA levels.
CAN WINE “BREATH” THROUGH NATURAL CORK?
Yes, natural cork has a unique structure that allows small amounts of air to permeate the bottle, promoting gradual aging of the wine and enriching the flavors.
Natural cork allows only the necessary amount of air, ensuring balanced aging. Lower-quality corks may let in too much air, leading to premature oxidation and deterioration of the wine's flavor.
HOW SHOULD BOTTLES WITH NATURAL CORKS BE PROPERLY STORED?
It is recommended to store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist, preventing it from drying out, shrinking, and losing its seal. The wine should also be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 10 and 15°C.
WHAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED WHEN STORING WINE?
Avoid exposing bottles to direct sunlight, as this can affect the wine's properties. Also, avoid storing them in places where the temperature fluctuates frequently.
HOW ARE VEGA CORKS MADE FOR SPARKLING WINES?
VEGA corks are made from natural and eco-friendly materials. They are individually molded from fine cork granules, ensuring their flexibility and durability to effectively seal sparkling wine bottles.
Our corks are made exclusively from cork granules approved for food contact. They contain no recycled materials or GMOs.
IS CORK A VEGAN MATERIAL?
Yes, cork comes from the bark of the cork oak and contains no animal-derived ingredients. It is a 100% natural and sustainable material harvested without harming the tree.
A cork for sparkling wine is much more than just a simple accessory. It plays a crucial role in preserving the flavors and quality of your wine!
#1 PRESERVES THE FLAVOR OF SPARKLING WINES
A sparkling wine cork must have specific properties for you to enjoy your drink under optimal conditions.
First, the cork must be completely airtight, and this is where natural cork makes a difference. It prevents gas from escaping, keeping the bubbles intact. Natural cork ensures a perfect seal that preserves pressure and keeps your wine sparkling.
Secondly, flexibility is crucial. Unlike synthetic materials, natural cork perfectly adapts to the shape of the bottle neck.
Finally, natural cork allows controlled ventilation, ensuring optimal preservation of aromas without compromising flavor.
#2 LOW TCA CONTENT
Low TCA content is crucial for corks used in sparkling wine. An excess of TCA can affect the wine's flavor. This is a common issue with lower-quality, mass-produced corks. By choosing our natural corks with low TCA content, you minimize this risk.
What does this mean for you? Upon opening, your wine will retain its original flavor and bouquet, without the unpleasant cork taste.
#3 OPTIMAL SEALING OF BOTTLES
Good sealing is vital for sparkling wine corks. VEGA corks are made from cork granules, ensuring a uniform structure and effective sealing.
Natural cork adapts perfectly to the bottle neck, ensuring better sealing and preserving pressure, which is essential for high-pressure sparkling wines.
#4 SUSTAINABLE AND ECOLOGICAL MATERIAL
Natural cork is one of the most sustainable options. It is harvested without felling the tree – in fact, the bark grows back, and during this process, the tree absorbs five times more CO2 than usual. This operation can be repeated every 9 to 12 years, providing exceptional sustainability.
Natural corks are biodegradable and recyclable. Even after opening, you can be sure that the cork will not end up in a landfill. By choosing natural cork, you support eco-friendly production and contribute to the preservation of our planet.
#5 AN ELEGANT TOUCH TO ENHANCE WINES
Natural cork exudes elegance and instantly elevates any wine bottle. Its delicate and uneven texture, along with its bright color, catches the eye and adds a touch of luxury to the bottle's presentation.
The moment you pull the natural cork is not just about opening a bottle, but represents an experience in itself. It is a quality stamp where every detail emphasizes respect for wine tradition and the pursuit of excellence. A bottle with natural cork is a guarantee that the wine has aged under ideal conditions.
#6 HAND-HARVESTED CORK
Choosing natural cork is not just about ensuring wine quality, but also about supporting local producers. The hand-harvesting of cork is a centuries-old tradition, especially in Portugal.
The harvesting process is precision work that requires expertise and skill. Every 9 to 12 years, the bark of the cork oak is carefully removed by hand by skilled craftsmen using specific tools to avoid damaging the tree. This allows the tree to regenerate and produce a new harvest in the future. This process is crucial for protecting both the environment and local traditions.
| Size | 48 × 30,5 mm |
| Length Tolerance | +/- 0,5 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | +/- 0,3 mm |
| Moisture | 4% < HR < 8% |
| Density | 240 - 320 kg/mł |
| Absorption | ≤ 25% |
| Dust | ≤ 2 mg |
| Cutting Voltage | ≥ 6 daN/cm˛ |
| Torsion Angle | ≥ 35 ° |
| Resistance To Boiling Water | No Breakdown |
| Releaseable TCA | ≤ 1,5 ng/L |
| Sensory Analysis | Neutral |
| Oxidants | ≤ 0,1 mg |
