The Catalan Cork Institute Foundation (ICSuro) has been present at Barcelona Wine Week (BWW) for another year as the fair's sustainability partner.

The inaugural tasting, led by Ferran Centelles, accompanied by the president of ICSuro, Joan Puig, and the director of the entity, Alba Balcells, presented a new conceptual framework based on four axes of positive contributions of natural cork in the evolution of wineThese axes delve into how the cork stopper influences the characterization and improvement of organoleptic profiles, both in still and sparkling wines.

The session was structured around four comparative tastings, guided by representatives of the wineries:

• Gran Caus Rosat 2025 / Gran Caus Rosat 2004, by Jordi Esteve (Can Ràfols dels Caus)
• Gramona III Lustros 2017 / Gramona III Lustros 2013, by Jaume Gramona
• Recaredo Serral del Vell 2022 / Recaredo Serral del Vell 2011, by Ton Mata
• Planetes de Nin 2023 / Planetes de Nin 2013, by Ester Nin

Through these examples, the sixty attendees were able to see how time and natural cork closure leave an impression on the aroma, texture and taste profile of the wines, highlighting the role of cork as an active element in its evolution.

According to Joan Puig, president of ICSuro, “this tasting marks a before and after in the way of explaining the vis-suro relationship. Not only do we preserve wine in a natural and environmentally friendly way, but we also actively contribute to its expression and complexity over the years.".