What are the different types of corks for half bottles of wine?

There are several types of cork stoppers used for half bottles of wine:

• Natural cork stoppers

- Made from the bark of the cork oak, a Mediterranean tree.
- Considered the best choice for aging fine wines.
- May have natural defects such as holes or veins.

• Agglomerated cork stoppers

- Made from compressed natural cork granules.
- Less expensive than natural cork but offering similar quality.
- Used for medium to high quality wines for laying down.

• Composite cork stoppers

- Composed of cork granules bound by a food adhesive.
- Allow precise control of oxygen permeability.
- Used for medium to high quality wines for laying down.

• Technical cork stoppers

- Made from thin slices of natural cork glued together.
- Offer an intermediate quality between natural cork and synthetic alternatives.
- Used for medium quality wines for laying down.

• Synthetic stoppers

- Made from plastic polymers.
- Allow precise control of oxygenation and are free from cork taste.
- Used for wines for quick consumption.

The choice of the type of cork depends on the type of wine, its aging potential and the producer's budget. Natural cork remains the most prestigious but alternatives are gaining in quality and popularity.