Antonio Amorim runs the biggest natural cork company in the world. He took over the reins in 2001 at a time of existential crisis for the industry because of TCA - cork taint - and the rise of alternative closures, but has overseen important changes, not least the creation of a cutting-edge Research & Development department. He knows the cork industry as well as anyone and is very happy to share his knowledge of what he calls a "noble material”.

To read more about Antonio have a look at the Amorim website. You can also follow the company on Instagram at @amorimcork.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts, where you can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.