How long do Corks Last

[kuziwk]

I bottle all my wine with semi synthetic corks, which is basically agglomerated wine corks (very finely ground up corks pieces). On the bag they say they are ideal for aging 3-5 years. Does this mean that after 3-5 years that I need to swap out the corks? At one point do most red wines start to go downhill?

 

[Johnd]

I bottle all my wine with semi synthetic corks, which is basically agglomerated wine corks (very finely ground up corks pieces). On the bag they say they are ideal for aging 3-5 years. Does this mean that after 3-5 years that I need to swap out the corks? At one point do most red wines start to go downhill?

Match the quality of your corks to the quality of your wine. Putting a 15 year cork in a 3 year wine is wasteful, just as putting a 3 year cork in a 15 year wine is foolhardy. If you drink your wine really fast, it won’t really matter.

Decent quality, well made white kits are good for a few years, reds can last well beyond 5 years.

 

[sour_grapes]

At one point do most red wines start to go downhill?

No such single number. It mostly depends on the tannin levels in the wine:

 

[kuziwk]

No such single number. It mostly depends on the tannin levels in the wine:

Hmm this is helpful, I suppose I should not have used such cheap corks on some of my wines. I would not really call them cheap though at $0.25 each, where can I get some 10 year corks? Better yet would swapping out corks damage the wine(opening for a minute and recording)

 

[CabEnthusiast]

I use 40 year corks in my Nebbiolos because they can last that and longer. Since nebbiolo is the most tannic and acidic grape in the world, nothing is higher.

 

[FTC Wines]

I have been using L D Carlson first quality corks for 12 yrs now. They are like 13 cents each in packs of 100. We still have wines bottled 8-10 yrs ago and NO issues. Whites & Reds. I’m amazed at how well they work especially for the price. Roy

 

[Johnd]

I use 40 year corks in my Nebbiolos because they can last that and longer. Since nebbiolo is the most tannic and acidic grape in the world, nothing is higher.

It only took a while for the BS to start flowing again CK55.......

 

[CDrew]

I use 40 year corks in my Nebbiolos because they can last that and longer. Since nebbiolo is the most tannic and acidic grape in the world, nothing is higher.

Seriously dude, you were behaving yourself. Stay with what you know, not with what you want other people to think you know.

 

[kuziwk]

I do have a nebbiolo but there are no skins in it, it's the atmosphere kit (formally kenridge showcase). I wouldn't say that it's super tannic though, maybe because it didn't come with skins...or maybe because I'm used to drinking tannic red wine. I know my father in law puckers right up and refuses to drink my higher end kit wines...works for me lol.