@100PercentCork

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Welcome to #SommChat everyone! Learn about #naturalcork and #wine from Master Sommelier Matt Stamp 4 @100PercentCork !

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We’d like to introduce you to Master #Sommelier Matt Stamp @Sommambulism to talk about @100PercentCork ! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: We're about ready to dive in w/questions, so shout out to Matt to say hello & so he knows you're here! #WineWednesday #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Don't forget that EVERY tweet during this chat should include the #SommChat hashtag in order for everyone to see it!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: As we ask Matt Stamp @100PercentCork our Qs, U can ask your Qs as well! He'll do his best to answer all Qs in the order they come #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: Hi everyone! Thanks to @KeeperColl and to APCOR for letting me "guest star" today. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Even if u don’t ask 1--give a S/O 2 @KeeperColl & Matt Stamp @100PercentCork 2 let us know u R here! #SommChat

Sassodoro @Sassodoro: @KeeperColl Ready for #SommChat !

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @Sassodoro great to see you on #SommChat and look fwd to your questions to @100PercentCork

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Let's start talking #wine & #cork with Master #Sommelier Matt Stamp @100PercentCork #SommChat

KeeperCollection @COLL: @100PercentCork How are cork #wine closures made? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: From the bark of cork oak! Quercus suber. It's a totally renewable resource... if you can wait around 9 years or so. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Matt, how did you gain knowledge on #wine corks & what R the biggest chgs U have seen in #natural cork @100PercentCork

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl I hit the books! Here's a pretty good primer from @jamiegoode http://www.wineanorak.com/corks/howcorkismade.htm #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...seems like the cork industry has really started to take TCA/TBA etc. seriously in the last 15 years. #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...less contact from dirt/ground and more cleanliness at the source, more attention from end producer. thicker bark used for cork #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Matt, @100PercentCork What qualities of cork make it such an ideal closure for wine bottles?

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Great question! We've certainly been using it for long enough. It’s basically an ancient device: elasticity, hermetic seal #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl There is a small amount of oxygen in cork, the gradual and consistent release of that air makes cork the best closure for aging #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @100PercentCork how do you see #sustainability as an enduring trend for #wine consumers? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @CharlesComm Yes. At least out here in my little corner of this #bluestate! Cork forests in Portugal have greatest plant biodiversity in world #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @CharlesComm ...and harvesting cork doesn't kill the tree! They live for around 300 years. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep: @100PercentCork Matt, Should I only buy #wines with #Naturalcork why or why not?

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl There are all kinds of great closures out there, but they all solve different problems. #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...cork is time-tested and proven, even though there is a failure rate associated with TCA. Less leakage & stable oxygen ingress #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Matt, @100PercentCork What’s the history behind cork production? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl depends on who you ask. If you ask @MoetUSA, Dom Perignon was responsible! ;)

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...but it really does go back almost 2000 years as a closure. It's been in heavy rotation now for centuries. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Matt, @100PercentCork can you share the issue of potential shortage of #naturalcork & how being addressed?

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl there are almost 7 million acres of cork forest around the Mediterranean! No shortage now. #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...there is a lead time of 30-40 years before you can harvest quality cork, so that's lead to issues in past #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @100PercentCork what are the environmental benefits of using #cork instead of plastic or aluminum caps? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @CharlesComm Cork is 100% renewable. You harvest every 9 years. Cork forest prevents desertification. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep: @100PercentCork Matt, why are some #naturalcorks dry and crumbly when U open the bottle & what does that mean?

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl I am getting older and crumbly too in my old age! It's a once-living tissue, and over time, with temp. fluctuations and moisture...#SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...keep it in a cool, not-too-humid and not-too-dry place and it will keep its elastic nature for longer, and be a better seal #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...even if the cork is a little dry, try the wine! I've had some great experiences w/old wines and terrible-looking cork #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork Matt, Where are most #cork forests? #SommChat @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl In the Mediterranean! (another reason for a vacay?) 50% in Portugal, almost 80% on Iberian peninsula #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ....also there is one cork tree outside the front door of @complinewine #shamelessplug #visitmybar #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Matt have U seen any studies on the improvement in TCA, etc since this has been addressed @100PercentCork @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl 96% reduction on TCA since from 2001-present. Granted that's an industry study, but it does match anecdotally with my exp. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: .@100PercentCork Matt, What happens to the cork trees once the bark is removed? #SommChat @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl It regrows. Slowly, albeit. Cork protects from fire, so the trees are a little more susceptible during the regrowth. #SommChat

Charles Comm PR @CharlesComm: Q @100PercentCork curious to know, given inherent issues with TCA why should consumers prefer #cork? #SommChat @KeeperColl

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @CharlesComm It's in the pop! #SommChat But seriously, it balances oxidation better than synthetics and reduction better than screwcaps. Less leakage.

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm @100PercentCork is #naturalcork more expensive for the #winery than other cork sources Matt? @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Well, it depends on what you are getting. High quality natural cork can be $2 or so, guaranteed TCA free and little O2 in the cork itself #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ....but with natural cork you are paying for a product that kept #champagne under the Baltic Sea for 170 years #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...you can probably pay more for top quality #DIAM ? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...Just give up your avocado toast for the day ;) #SommChat

Wolfe’s Wine Shoppe @WolfesWines: @KeeperColl #SommChat thoughts on composite corks like Diam? #lifeinawineshoppe

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @WolfesWines They can be really good, and they are guaranteed TCA free. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm Matt @100PercentCork can U tell us @complinewine Bar - what role do U play & what is #wine list profile @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Sure! Opening September 1 in downtown Napa. Tons of #napavalley and world wines. Full kitchen. Retail shop. Lots of cork popping #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...wines on the list will be classic and established regions, wines in the retail shop will be trust falls! I'm co-founder. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork Matt, What has been done to improve the quality of #naturalcork? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Lots! e.g. switching to cement palates from wood, heat and steam cleaning, eye checks, to lessen TCA contamination #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...more grading of raw material. and obviously chlorine has been removed from the process entirely #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm - how does #winemaker judge quality of #naturalcork - is there an assoc. that helps with this, Matt? @100PercentCork

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...they work with their cork suppliers to get the product they want, the grade of cork they are after... #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...and at the winery, many hand-inspect/sniff/soak corks to ensure they are not contaminated before going into the bottle #SommChat

Sassodoro @Sassodoro: @KeeperColl @100PercentCork Can anything be done to reuse/recycle all the used corks I accumulate? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @Sassodoro https://au.pinterest.com/explore/diy-cork-board/?lp=true Make some furniture. Shoot. I don't know. #SommChat

Sassodoro @Sassodoro: @100 Maybe floatation devices. :)

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: ...also, make badminton shuttlecocks. #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: But seriously, there are tons of organizations committed to the collection of recycled corks #SommChat http://www.corkforest.org/find-a-dropbox/

Sassodoro @Sassodoro: Thanks!

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm R there >1 type of tree used in #portugal 2 make #naturalcork & if so how does it affect cork @100PercentCork

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl It's all Quercus suber. The cork oak! It grows in Mediterranean climates. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork How does #naturalcork help in the aging process of #wine? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl It keeps a tight seal. A lot of O2 ingress is from O2 actually trapped in the cork, not from the outside. #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...but it also interacts with the wine. There are phenols in cork that interact with the wine, just like oak #SommChat

CAWineGal @WineGalLynne: Hi #wine friends! Traveling 2day, but look 4ward 2 @complinewine, real corks & future #SommChat @KeeperColl @Sommambulism 🍾

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: happy #WineWednesday @winegalLynne #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork What R the qualities of Quercus suber that make it special for #naturalcork ? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl its bark is uniquely elastic, with very low density. Science hasn't been able to replicate these properties! #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl ...+ you can strip the bark without exposing it to disease or risking death of the tree. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork Matt, Are we seeing the use of #naturalcork increase? #SommChat @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Yes! It was down due to competition in late 2000s, but has since risen from mid-60s to approx. 70% of all glass closures #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat peep: other than shape of the bottleneck, is there anything better to using long #naturalcork versus shorter @100PercentCork

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Keeps its integrity. In my experience longer corks just tend to be higher quality. (Thinking of terrible Madeira corks here...) #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork Matt, what other industries are using #naturalcork? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Its all around you—gaskets, flooring, tchotchkes of all types, Nikes, flame-retardant materials, design #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: Countless industries have turned to cork for creative solutions to problems #SommChat https://twitter.com/100PercentCork/status/885183826699448321/video/1

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what changes do you seeing coming in next 3-5 years in #naturalcork Matt @100PercentCork

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: good question! Hopefully we see more corks graded on ingress rates and phenolic content + less & less TCA #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm has @100PercentCork seen any #climatechange affect on tree production & if so what is Bing done 2 deal? @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl actually cork forests are carbon negative! Each cork tree sequesters CO2. Worldwide cork forests retain 14 million tons / CO2!! #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm what is your fav #wine tool to use on opening older #naturalcork and why Matt? @100PercentCork @Sommambulism

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl The #durand is the tool we all dreamed of when jamming #corkscrew & #ahso together into an 80-year-old cork & hoping for the best #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: @100PercentCork What qualities of #naturalcork make it such an ideal closure for #wine bottles? #SommChat

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Elastic. Hermetic Seal. Slow permission of O2 ingress. Tradition. Part of the long story of wine. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Q fr #SommChat #Somm have U seen #winemakers return 2 using #naturalcork after trying other types of closures and if so why @100PercentCork

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: Yes, I've seen wineries return to cork (thinking of burgundy and even penfolds... @WineauxDLynnP ?) Consumer preference is huge. #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Time to wrap up! Hope you enjoyed this hour of #naturalcork talk w/ Master #Sommelier Matt Stamp on @100PercentCork #SommChat

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: It was great to have Master #Sommelier Matt Stamp and @100PercentCork join us today for #SommChat. We hope every1 learned as much as we did!

Sassodoro @Sassodoro: @KeeperColl @100PercentCork Thanks for a great #SommChat !

Master Sommelier Matt Stamp for @100PercentCork: @KeeperColl Thanks! Great to be back on #SommChat! @Sommambulism

KeeperCollection @KeeperColl: Please join us in thanking @Sommambulism Master #Sommelier Matt Stamp on @100PercentCork for his time #SommChat