Corking & Bottling Wine

[danbriant]

I'm a little way off corking my wine.
About to rack it off into Demijohns from my massive fermenting barrel next weekend.

Anyway I wanted to get some information so I can get sorted.

I have only ever done bottled cider/beer with great success.
So I currently don't have any wine corking equipment etc

So I assume I will need this beast
http://www.home-brew-online.com/equipment-c40/2-handled-wine-bottle-corker-p606

But also what corks?

I have seen coated one and uncoated ones and ones that dont require a tool, plastic top capped corks

Quite worried about what corks to get. Don't want ones that will turn to dust when trying to get them out the bottle, but at the same time don't want corks that don't seal correctly!

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Have you considered screw top bottles?

 

[danbriant]

Oh no I did not consider them. I guess that way you get a perfect seal on them.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I use glass screw tops bottles and novatwist tops http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=56326

 

[danbriant]

Not bad at all. However quick question

How long will the wine keep in these bottles for as I have looked and people said corks are better for aging wine.

But at the same time I do like the idea.

I currently have no wine bottles anyway so am open to whatever.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I don't see why it should be any different using the novatwist caps, they are double skinned so although plastic is air permeable i don't see how such a small area is going to make any difference, you also wont need to stack them on their sides and turn them regularly as you do with some corks to stop them drying out