SupremeCorq closures give us a very consistent seal and allow a good development of our wines in the bottle.

Georges Duboeuf
CEO
Les Vins Georges Duboeuf

Difference in closures

What are the other different types of closures that are available in the market?

Tree bark cork

Tree bark cork is produced primarily in Portugal, Spain, Italy and North Africa. Tree bark cork is available in a variety of different grades typically marked A+, A,B,C,D or 1 to 5 (1 being the highest). Tree bark cork can support microbial growth (TCA – cork taint) as well as break, crumble and/or leak.

Manufactured or technical corks

Manufactured or Technical Corks can be categorized in two main types:

Agglomerate corks

Colmated corks
These corks are made by binding smaller pieces of lower quality cork together with an adhesive to form a single closure. Twin Disk closures are agglomerated closures with one (1+1) or two (2+2) higher quality solid cork disks glued on each end. These corks are lower quality tree bark cork, whose cracks and holes are filled with a combination of cork dust and adhesive.

Since manufactured corks are made from pieces of tree bark cork, they can support microbial growth (TCA- cork taint). They can also break, crumble, leak and cause off-flavors.

Screw caps

These closures consist of an aluminum cap with threads and a liner. While they can form a very tight seal, there is debate as to the extent of reduction as a result of insufficient oxygen ingress, resulting in sulfur-like aromas and flavor suppression. Special bottling equipment and a threaded bottle must be used. Consumer acceptance is also an issue in many markets.