​Why Glass Bottles with Cork Stoppers are Perfect for Preserving Beverages

When you think about iconic designs for glass bottles, one of the most traditional that stands out is the glass bottle with a cork stopper. This classic design is found all over the world and was used traditionally for all types of drink preservation at a time when screw tops and other methods of closing glass bottles simply weren't possible.

So with the technology that we have in place today for caps, screws and bottle stoppers of various kinds, why is it that a cork stopper is so often found pairing glass spirit bottles? Let's take a closer look.

Why is cork so popular for beverage bottles?

Cork is the perfect material for stopping bottles, which is why it's long been used in winemaking. The main challenge that winemakers have once their product is finished, is storing it without the flavour, colour or aroma being compromised in any way. When oxygen interacts with wine, it creates many changes. One example is a wine with a nutty smell, which is ideal for sherry, but bad news for light white wines. Equally, if red wine is oxidised, it loses its red pigment and begins to age.

This means that the way in which winemakers seal bottles is crucial to the time over which they will last. The seal is designed to manage the amount of oxygen that can enter the bottle each year, and interestingly, for finer wines, it may be desirable for very small amounts to pass through, especially if the wine is to be aged.

Why glass spirit bottles?

Glassware is a hermetic material, and this means that no oxygen at all can pass through glass spirit bottles or, indeed, glass bottles of any kind. However, wine bottle closures are designed to allow in the smallest amount of oxygen and the actual amount they allow through is vital. A cork will allow around 1mg of oxygen to enter the bottle in a year. Within a few years, this is just enough to break down sulphites that the winemaker will have added to prevent oxidation.

The different types of cork stopper

Wine producers will use a wine stopper made from natural or technical cork. There are also screw cap lids and synthetic corks, as well as recycled cork stopper products made from particles. Natural cork stopper options have been around for nearly 250 years, displacing early wine-sealing methods such as wooden plugs and oiled rugs. These natural cork stoppers are made from cork year bark and harvested on a seven-year cycle.

Synthetic cork stopper products are actually made from polyethylene, which is the same material you'll know from milk bottles. These can now perform well, as they offer a predicable result to the wine's taste at different points in its lifespan. Screwcaps are also consistent.

Which type of wine stopper is best?

Synthetic, screw-top and recycled cork stoppers are low-cost, predictable and measurable in terms of results and ideal for low-cost everyday wines. For finer wines, natural cork will be preferred. In this way, wine can be enjoyed in the way it is meant to, and cork trees needn't become diminished for wine products that don't require a high-end cork stopper.

How cork bottles pair with glass bottles

In the same way that the correct stopper is essential for the right storage of wine, it's also vital that good wine is stored in glass bottles. Yes, cheap bulk wine can be stored in large cardboard boxes for fast use at volume, but good wines will always be stored in glass bottles. This is because glass is chemical-free and doesn't impart any aroma or taste into the contents. Glass is also infinitely recyclable, and it can be coloured to protect wine contents from UV light. Glass is surprisingly affordable, given its value, and it's also surprisingly strong.

Wares glass spirit bottles and cork stoppers

So glass bottles and cork stoppers are the perfect combination for storing wine and spirits. And we sell a fantastic range of glass spirit bottles here at Wares of Knutsford, whether you love to make your own drinks or simply decant and store shop-bought drinks into beautiful glasses of your own. Nothing looks better than some enticing beverages in your pantry, just ready for a cold, grey evening when something warming is needed!

We also sell our glass spirit bottles with corks, so you have everything you need to bottle those drinks.

You can save even more by ordering one of our bulk packs - ideal for small businesses or for events!

These large style bottles are always very popular, and again, sold in wholesale packs so you save even more on the unit cost.

And you can see the full range of Wares glass spirit bottles here, ideal for all types of bottling! 

Remember too that if you have any queries, our friendly customer service team is always here to help. Come and discover the Wares of Knutsford difference today!