This week I am joined by João Rui Ferreira, the Chairman of APCOR, the Portuguese Cork Association. Established in 1956, the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) exists to promote natural cork and its products. We discuss everything from the environmental impacts of cork to why it's such a great closure for wine. Cork is a vital part of the wine industry and this podcast is a great way to learn about it! João is a fascinating guy! 

 

Here are the show notes. We discuss: 

1. The tradition and history of cork and how/why it became the preferred closure for wine?
2. How to make a wine cork and why corks are so unique
3. What makes Portugal so ideal for cork production and some of the economic impacts of cork on Portugal
4. The ecosystem for cork, called the montado, and why it is a model for sustainable forestry 
5. The entire process of cork harvest to cork production! 
6. Why cork is one of the most sustainable materials around
7. The grades or quality of cork
8. How cork benefits wine
9. TCA/Cork taint and why rates have declined by more than 94% in the last several decades!
10. Cork recycling 
    • Recork in the US and Canada: https://recork.org
    • Recorked UK: https://recorkeduk.org
    • Not a formal program in Australia, New Zealand, or Brazil! See what you can do by contacting APCOR! 

 

Check out their YouTube Channel for great info: https://www.youtube.com/user/Apcortica 

 

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