Should i soak corks before bottling

That way your corks will always be ready for use. We currently stock several grades or types of corks for the amateur winemaker:. Click here for more information! April 9, Serge K. How to prepare your corks for bottling: If you are using a high-quality floor corker there is no need to soak or sulfite any corks. Simply insert them dry. NB: see note about dry corks below However, a quick dip in sulphite solution and an equally quick rinse is OK also.

This is usually sufficient to ensure smooth insertion. If you are using a small, hand-held corker single or double-lever types you may need to prepare your corks by rinsing them in Sulphite solution, then soaking them in warm water for up to 15 minutes 5 minutes is often enough for short corks.

This ensures that the corks get enough moisture to lubricate their passage through the corker, but they won't be over soaked and crumble. This will in turn raise the moisture content of the corks, making them pliant enough for easy insertion into your wine bottles.

The sulfur dioxide gas coming off the liquid will prevent the growth of molds or bacterial organisms keeping the corks sanitary. No further treatment of the corks will be necessary before bottling. If you want to store your corks this way, replace the solution in the bottle every four weeks, and keep the lid tightly sealed. The steamer method sounds intriguing. Joined Mar 19, Messages 2 Reaction score 0. X2 on the starsan method. You must log in or register to reply here.

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Granted wineries are likely using something a bit more powerful than a hand or floor corker unlike amateur wine makers so they will have an easier time inserting them. However, their handling of cork closures is something to take note of. Wines produced by a winery will often be in the bottle for many years. The integrity of their corks is a huge concern for them. They trust that the corks they purchase are sterile and ready to be used. Skip to content It is often recommended that wine makers soak or even boil corks prior to bottling.

What do Professional Wine Makers Do? My Recommendations Purchase corks that have been pre-sterilized and are packaged in sealed bags.