Cork stoppers EXPO2 47x29mm for sparkling wines

Both stoppers are ideal for sparkling wines. They’re especially effective for wines that aren’t aged for extended periods.

Absolutely, natural cork is perfect for sparkling wines:

1. Maintains appropriate pressure: Its elastic and porous structure helps sustain the pressure within the bottle, which is vital for sparkling wines to retain their bubbles.


2. Withstands temperature changes: Sparkling wines are often served chilled, and natural cork copes better with these changes compared to synthetic alternatives. Natural cork maintains its seal, even when cooled.


3. Provides short-term preservation: For sparkling wines that are consumed quickly, natural cork is excellent at protecting the wine from excessive air exposure, minimizing the risk of oxidation.


4. Natural cork slightly expands after insertion into the bottle, which is particularly important for sparkling wines that exert more pressure on the cork than still wines.


5. Easy and safe to open: Unlike some synthetic alternatives, natural corks don’t become stiff or brittle over time, reducing the risk of sudden popping when opening.

The primary visual difference is the base design. EXPO1 has a simpler, flat bottom, whereas EXPO2 has a slightly rounded base.

Technically speaking, EXPO1 absorbs slightly less moisture (≤ 30%) compared to EXPO2 (≤ 40%). They also vary in TCA levels – EXPO1 has lower TCA release (≤ 1.5 ng/L) while EXPO2 has ≤ 2.0 ng/L. However, for sparkling wines that are consumed quickly, these differences are minor, and both perform excellently.

All EXPO stoppers measure 47 × 29 mm.

TCA, or trichloroanisole, is a compound that can sometimes cause wine to have a 'corked' taste. The rule is simple – the less TCA in the stopper, the lower the chance of this happening. That’s why we thoroughly inspect each stopper to ensure safe TCA levels.

No, TCA does not pose any health risks. Even if it appears in the wine, it doesn’t affect health, and the wine remains safe to drink.

No, the EXPO models are specifically designed for sparkling wines that aren’t aged for long periods.

If you're after stoppers for still wines, we recommend the following:

• SELO1 and SELO2 – affordable stoppers with standard TCA levels, great for still wines that don’t require extended ageing.


• UNIQ2, UNIQ3, UNIQ4, and UNIQ5 – slightly higher-priced stoppers made from high-quality cork granules. They offer superior sealing and lower TCA levels compared to SELO1 and SELO2.


• UNIQ4+ and UNIQ5+ – premium stoppers with virtually no TCA content. Perfect for still wines that require long-term ageing.

1. Natural cork provides a superior seal, which is essential for maintaining pressure and preventing bubbles from escaping. It conforms better to the bottleneck, reducing the chance of leaks.


2. Cork’s natural antibacterial properties give extra protection to the wine. Synthetic alternatives lack this benefit.


3. Natural cork is more flexible, adapting better to the bottle, making opening safer and reducing the risk of unexpected popping.


4. Cork is eco-friendly, requiring less energy to produce and generating less waste compared to synthetic stoppers.

The stoppers are crafted from natural cork granules, ensuring they are safe for food use. No recycled materials or GMOs are used.

The entire production process is carefully monitored to meet food safety standards. All materials and methods comply with the International Code of Cork Stopper Manufacturing Practices.

No, modern wine corks are ready to use straight away. While soaking was once a common practice, it’s no longer necessary.

It's best to store them horizontally to keep the cork moist, which helps maintain its effectiveness.

For optimal preservation, store bottles in a cool, dark environment with a consistent temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C.

Additionally, try to maintain the humidity at around 70% if possible.

Yes, natural cork is highly sustainable. It’s harvested from the cork oak tree’s bark without damaging the tree itself. The tree regenerates its bark, making this process repeatable for decades!

Cork is also fully biodegradable and recyclable. The cork oak forests, where this natural cork is sourced, are rich in biodiversity, home to various plant and animal species.