What are technical corks primarily made from?

Technical corks are primarily made from agglomerated cork, which is a composite material created by binding together small pieces of cork. This process allows for the production of corks that maintain some of the beneficial properties of natural cork while also being more consistent in quality and more cost-effective to manufacture.

Agglomerated cork can help minimize the risk of cork taint that is sometimes associated with natural cork, making it a preferred choice for many winemakers looking to ensure the integrity of their wines over time. While natural cork is derived from the bark of cork oak trees and has historically been used for wine closures, technical corks offer an appealing alternative by utilizing recycled materials for a more sustainable production process, while still offering reasonable protection against oxidation.

Other materials like plastic and wood chips do not share the same attributes as agglomerated cork, lacking the traditional properties that make cork a suitable material for sealing wine bottles, such as breathability and the ability to age wine optimally. Therefore, the use of agglomerated cork combines practicality with the essential characteristics desired in winemaking practices.