Why are cork trees endangered?

In the last ten years, the increase in screw caps has created a decrease in demand for real corks. The cork industry has become endangered because of this — not the trees themselves. With the wine industry moving away from the cork, other uses for the amazing material are on the rise.

How do I know if my cork is bad?

A ‘corked’ wine will smell and taste like musty cardboard, wet dog, or a moldy basement. It’s very easy to identify! Some wines have just the faintest hint of TCA- which will essentially rob the wine of its aromas and make it taste flat. Only wines closed with a natural cork will have this problem!

When did they stop using cork in bottles?

In 1892, the mass produced cork lined crown cap lid ( better known as a bottle cap) was invented by American William Painter, who became very wealthy from his invention. It was the industry standard until 1955, when it was replaced by the plastic stopper.

Why is cork used to stop wine bottles?

Corks seal the wine in the bottle which severely retards the oxidation process, allowing the wine to age and evolve slowly over time. This takes place because corks, or better put, quality corks allow a minimal amount of oxygen into the wine. Cork oak trees are grown primarily in Portugal.

Is there a shortage of cork for wine bottles?

You may (or may not) have heard a rumor that the world’s supply of cork is dwindling. In fact, if you’ve ever traveled to the rural areas of Southern Portugal — where most of the world’s cork oak trees are grown — you’ve seen firsthand that the supposed shortage of the cork supply is indeed a myth.

Are we running out of cork trees?

We often get asked this question and the answer is quite simple: No. Absolutely not. The rise of alternative wine closures such as screw-caps, faux cork, plastic, etc., have certainly created less demand for real cork stoppers.

Should wine touch the cork?

Yes. A wine bottle should be laid on its side to keep the cork in contact with the wine. This keeps the wine from oxidizing, which leads to loss of flavor and eventually rotten wine. The only exception is sparkling wines, which have enough humidity to survive standing upright.

Is wine bad if cork is wet?

Corks that appear to have soaked up a significant amount of wine or that crumble to the touch are possible signs that wine has gone bad in storage. Soggy corks are those that were not well sealed to the bottle, allowing liquid to seep up around the edges.

Is cork better than screw top?

Wine writer Dave McIntyre tells NPR that screw caps are generally better for white wines, while corks are superior for red wines meant to be drunk young. This is because corks naturally let in a small amount of air, which fuller red wines can benefit from.