How do we carry out the cork test?
In Resalte we are sure that the small details make the difference. During the winemaking process, not only count to look for an excelence raw material with excellent quality, where we dedicate all our efforts, but there is also a long work from the transformation of the grape, the racking, the aging in barrels that implies the maximum dedication to obtain a top quality product in all aspects.
One of these aspects, which for us is of vital importance, is undoubtedly the Cork test that we carry out in the cellar. Yes, you read correctly: Cork test.
For a few years we have developed a purchasing protocol for all the closures of our wines. This is nothing more than specific specifications that we want every cork meets.
On it we refer to a specific density, a visual aspect or among many other things, the analysis of the surface treatment is correct and you do not have to call the Incredible Hulk to open the bottle.
But one of the most sensitive things for us is the possible defective aromatic contribution that a contaminated cork could give to wine, which are aromas produced by natural microbiological activity in the field itself. Let us remember that the cork closure is a natural, sustainable product that is removed from the cork oak (Quercus Suber L.), at least every 10 years, a very common tree typical of Spain and Portugal.
Because it is a natural product, the closure is a critical point when bottling a wine, since the glass is completely neutral and the wine before bottling we already know that it is in perfect condition.
The test of Corks consists of placing a sample of 150 corks in glass jars with lids individually, we add 5 ml of bidistilled water in each one and we allow them to macerate for 24 hours at 25ºC. After this, the technical team reviews the aroma of each bottle one by one and we make a report.
If the sample is correct (aromatically clean), meets the technical requirements and passes the test, the purchase is made to the corresponding cork company. We do this before confirming the purchases and once again when the corks are in the warehouse marked with our name. If any of the two tastings aromas that could damage the wine are detected, that order is rejected. In addition for Expresión, Gran Resalte and Essences we contract a high cost one by one analysis service to further reduce any possible inconvenience.
Only this year we are going to test more than 4,000 corks so when you open a bottle of Resalte you fully enjoy a wine that we know will not disappoint you.
Enrique Andrades
Technical Director
Bodegas Resalte
