Corks: Which Type Should I Choose?
Choosing the best corks for homemade wine is a critical step in winemaking. Not all corks are created equal, corking homemade wine does not need to be an overwhelming process. However, due to the variety of sizes and materials available, it can be. Understanding the differences between cork types can help simplify your decision.
Synthetic vs. Natural Corks
The first decision you’ll face is whether to use synthetic corks, first-quality natural corks, or premium natural corks. Each type has its own advantages and limitations:
Cork Sizes and Their Uses
All cork-finish wine bottles have the same opening size—3/4 inch—regardless of whether they hold 375 mL, 750 mL, or 1.5 L. However, corks come in different diameters:
- Size #7 Corks: 13/16 inch (21 mm)
- Size #8 Corks: 7/8 inch (22 mm)
- Size #9 Corks: 15/16 inch (23 mm)
(Synthetic corks are only available in size #9.)
How to Choose the Right Diameter
The cork size you select depends on two factors:
- Your wine bottle corker
- How quickly you want the wine to age
Size #7 Corks
If you don’t have a wine bottle corker, you’ll be limited to size #7 corks, as they’re the only ones that can (sometimes) be inserted by hand. Even so, inserting them without a corker can be challenging. Size #7 corks allow faster oxygen transfer, promoting quicker aging but reducing shelf life. If possible, avoid size #7 corks unless rapid aging is your goal.
Size #8 Corks
A hand-plunger corker can handle size #8 corks. These corks are slightly easier to insert and remove than size #9 corks. However, size #8 corks are only available as first-quality natural corks, meaning they’re best for wines you plan to consume within 2–3 years.
Size #9 Corks
Size #9 corks are the standard for long-term aging. They come in synthetic, first-quality natural, and premium natural materials. Due to their larger diameter, you’ll need a floor-model corker or a double-lever corker (and some strength!) to insert them. Size #9 corks are more challenging to remove but are ideal for wines you intend to age for over 3 years.
