As wine enthusiasts, we understand the importance of the wine cork supply. A good cork ensures the quality of the wine and protects it from oxygen exposure, helping it to develop over time.
In the world of wine, natural cork has been the traditional choice for bottle stoppers, and Amorim Cork, the largest producer of cork in the world, has been setting the standard for quality and sustainability since 1870.
The Amorim Family and Cork
The Amorim family has been in the cork business for over 150 years, starting with a small cork stopper company in Portugal. Today, the Amorim Group produces over 5 billion cork stoppers annually, making them the world’s largest cork producer.
Their success is built on their commitment to quality and sustainability, and their innovative approach to cork production has made them leaders in the industry.
Listen to my interview with Amorim Cork Marketing Director Carlos DeJesus
In this interview we talk about how cork interacts with a bottle of wine, the importance of sustainability to Amorim, and we discuss the battle against TCA or cork taint.
Wine Cork Facts
- Amorim Cork is the largest producer of cork in the world, responsible for over 50% of the world’s cork stoppers.
- Cork comes from the bark of cork oak, an evergreen tree native to southwest Europe.
- Cork oak is the only tree whose bark regenerates, with each tree having a lifespan of around 200 years.
- A freshly planted cork oak tree takes 25 years to grow and produce mature bark that can be harvested and used to make cork.
- The initial cork bark, known as the “virgin” cork, isn’t usable for wine stoppers, so it’s used to make other cork products.
- The second bark growth, known as the “seconderia,” is also not mature enough for wine corks and is used for other products.
- After 43 years, the cork oak bark is mature enough to use to make wine cork closures.
- The production of cork is a highly regulated industry, and it’s illegal to cut down a cork oak tree.
- Cork oak bark harvesting is done between May and August and has to be done with precision to prevent damage to the tree trunk.
- Cork oak harvesters are highly compensated workers because of the skill and attention to detail required.
Sustainable Stoppers
Amorim Cork’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their production methods. They work to protect and develop the forest ecosystems where cork is produced, ensuring the long-term health of these valuable habitats.
They also accept and embrace new technologies and practices that promote sustainability in their operations, including recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
Ensuring Quality
Amorim Cork guarantees the performance of their closures, using the latest research and knowledge in cork production to deliver the highest quality product.
They have even established a research and development site in California, working with wineries to develop new closures that meet the industry’s exacting standards.
Protecting the Wine
When it comes to wine closures, Amorim Cork is the industry leader. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures that they will continue to be the go-to choice for wine enthusiasts and wineries around the world.
So the next time you open a bottle of wine, raise a glass to the king of the wine cork supply: Amorim Cork.
Key Takeaways:
Amorim Cork is the largest producer of cork in the world.
They are committed to sustainability and protecting forest ecosystems where cork is produced.
Amorim Cork uses the latest research and knowledge to ensure the quality and performance of their closures.
They are the industry leader in wine cork supply and deliver sustainable and innovative closures for the wine industry.
Protecting the Forests
Amorim Cork recognizes the importance of preserving the cork oak forests, which are crucial not only for the sustainability of the cork industry but also for the environment. As such, the company has taken a strong stance in protecting these forests and their biodiversity.
Amorim Cork has implemented a rigorous forest management plan that ensures the responsible and sustainable harvesting of cork. The company also actively works to preserve and promote cork oak forests, through reforestation and conservation programs.
Sustainability and Innovation
In addition to protecting the forests, Amorim Cork is committed to sustainable practices throughout their operations. The company has implemented a range of measures to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of renewable energy sources and the optimization of water consumption.
Amorim Cork also invests heavily in research and development to ensure that their cork products meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The company’s commitment to innovation has led to the development of new cork closures, such as the NDTech, which uses nanotechnology to detect TCA and other wine faults.
A Sustainable Choice for Wine Cork Supply
As the world’s largest producer of natural cork wine stoppers, Amorim Cork is the industry’s leading authority on cork quality and sustainability. Their commitment to protecting the cork oak forests and delivering high-performance closures has made them the go-to choice for winemakers around the world.
Whether you’re a winemaker or simply a wine enthusiast, choosing a cork from Amorim Cork is an excellent choice for sustainability, quality, and performance. So, next time you open a bottle of wine, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty and sustainability of your Amorim cork stopper.
