In a groundbreaking move within the winemaking world, Niepoort, a celebrated Portuguese winery, has announced its adoption of Legacy corks, the latest innovation from Cork Supply. This strategic alliance represents a fusion of traditional winemaking mastery with cutting-edge closure technology, specifically for Niepoort's distinguished Vinha do Carril 2023. This collaboration aims to guarantee the integrity and longevity of fine wines, setting a new benchmark for quality and innovation in the global wine industry.

Pioneering Partnership Unveils Advanced Cork Technology for Premium Wine

On a significant date in August 2025, in the heart of Portugal's esteemed wine country, two prominent entities, Niepoort and Cork Supply, forged an impactful partnership. Niepoort, a venerable fifth-generation winery established in 1842 in the scenic Douro region, led by the visionary Dirk Niepoort, embraced Cork Supply's groundbreaking Legacy cork for its exceptional Niepoort Vinha do Carril 2023. This particular wine, a recent and highly esteemed addition to Niepoort's portfolio, originates from a century-old vineyard in Cima Corgo, boasting native Portuguese varietals cultivated on the Douro's steep schist slopes. Given its design for extensive bottle aging, the selection of an optimal closure was paramount, making Legacy the ideal choice.

Cork Supply, a dominant force in the Portuguese cork industry, responsible for approximately half of the world's cork production, traces its origins to 1981, initially serving the American market. Over time, it has expanded its operations to encompass the entire production chain, from raw material processing to stringent quality control. The company is particularly recognized for its technological advancements aimed at eradicating wine faults, with Legacy standing as its most sophisticated creation. Jochen Michalski, the founder of Cork Supply, articulated his enthusiasm, stating that the adoption by a trailblazer like Dirk Niepoort underscores Legacy's status as the pinnacle of natural closures, perfect for vintners seeking to ensure their wines are enjoyed precisely as intended for many years to come.

Legacy corks integrate advanced technologies to offer unparalleled assurance. Two well-established methods, DS100 and Vocus, are employed to detect 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA), the compound responsible for cork taint. DS100 involves highly skilled human sensory specialists who meticulously inspect corks, discarding entire batches if any fault is detected. Vocus, a technological marvel, mechanically assesses volatile compounds, rejecting any cork with TCA levels exceeding 1 nanogram per liter. So confident is Cork Supply in these features that it provides a buy-back guarantee for any wine sealed with a Legacy cork that exhibits TCA taint.

The most recent innovation, exclusive to Legacy, is the X100 electromagnetic imaging technology. This non-invasive scanning method utilizes sophisticated AI to identify structural anomalies within corks that are invisible to the naked eye but can lead to 5–10 times the normal oxygen ingress. Such imperfections, if left unchecked, can profoundly impact a wine's aging process, leading to the rejection of affected corks. Michalski previously lauded Legacy as the culmination of a decade of intensive research, asserting its role in elevating the standing of natural cork closures and solidifying Cork Supply's position as an innovation leader in this specialized field.

The Future of Wine Preservation: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

This remarkable collaboration between Niepoort and Cork Supply exemplifies a profound commitment to quality and innovation in the winemaking industry. It highlights the critical importance of not only the wine itself but also the components that safeguard its journey from vineyard to glass. For consumers, this partnership brings the promise of wines that consistently deliver their intended character and aging potential, free from the historical challenges of cork taint. For the industry, it sets a compelling precedent, demonstrating how advanced technology can seamlessly integrate with time-honored traditions to elevate product integrity and consumer satisfaction. This move is a clear indicator that the future of wine preservation lies in embracing scientific advancements without compromising the artistry and heritage of winemaking, ensuring that every uncorked bottle is a true expression of its creators' vision.