🍷 What’s the deal with wine corks, anyway? Sure, popping a cork feels fancy — but there’s a lot more going on than just tradition. Your wine’s aging, flavor, and shelf life? Yep, all affected by that little plug. Let’s break it down: 🔎 Why corks matter: - Corks control oxygen — the secret ingredient in how wine changes over time. - The right amount of air helps wine evolve; too much, and it spoils. - Even your everyday wine can be affected by the wrong closure. 💨 Oxygen: friend or foe? - Tiny bits of oxygen soften tannins and reduce sourness. - Too little = stinky notes (think burnt rubber) - Too much = stale, flat wine (hello, wet cardboard) - It’s a delicate balancing act, and corks are the gatekeepers. 🍾 Not all corks are created equal: - Natural cork = tried, true, and perfect for aging - Synthetic cork = no mold risk, super consistent, great for short-term - Screw caps = easy to open, highly reliable, often misunderstood 🎯 Learn more at WineFolly.com #WineEducation #WineTips #WineCorks #WineFacts #NaturalCork #ScrewCap #SyntheticCork