Cork stopping for ageing
on laths: it is possible to decide
to close the bottles with a cork, held by a factener like it used to be done
before the generalization of the crown cap currently used. Bottles with a
square rim should then be used to enable the positioning of the metal fastener.
This cork, less airtight than the cap but more protective towards oxydization
(thanks to the phenolic compounds that capture the oxygen), will thus remain on
the champagne bottle during prise de
mousse and ageing on the laths, until the disgorgement. The wine grower or the cellar master who
makes this choice will get a slower ageing of the champagnes, that will be less
oxydized, but also opener, in fuller bloom. But it involves a significant
additional cost and work overload.
