Tom Stevenson discusses a revolutionary sparkling wine stopper.
In Kiboni’s Corky 2.0, Tom Stevenson believes he may have discovered the ultimate solution for re-sealing bottles of sparkling wine.
Even though there is often a magnum of high-quality sparkling wine open in my fridge throughout the week, I occasionally forget to use a closure. As I mentioned in WFW 83, I’m unsure why I even possess one. Nonetheless, I do—and I have recently identified the most effective closure.
Refer to the earlier article to understand why a closure does very little to prevent the loss of CO2 in wine itself. However, it does help in keeping any unwanted food odors from the fridge from affecting the wine. Personally, I have a wine fridge, eliminating that concern, so I find closures unnecessary for my use. Still, I continue to use one, perhaps due to longstanding habits.
The only type of closure that can handle the pressure created after resealing a sparkling wine is one that clasps over the annulus or bague at the neck, rather than relying just on a slight bulge of the bung. There are two variations: single-lever or double-clasp, and their effectiveness may vary based on the bung performance and how securely the closure fits onto the bottle. Kiboni’s Corky 2.0 not only excels in mechanical design compared to many functional single-lever and double-clasp options, but it also elevates itself beyond being just a tool to become a stunning work of art. If aesthetics are not important to you, feel free to move along—there’s nothing more to see. However, if you prefer that even everyday objects embody a sense of beauty along with function, the Corky 2.0 becomes the clear choice, even if the name “Corky” strikes you as a bit kitsch for such a refined object.
Curious about Kiboni? If you explore the interiors of many top-notch single-lever closures currently available, you may find the Kiboni name featured. Additionally, the Kiboni brand is present on branded single-lever plastic closures used by Champagne houses such as Charles-Heidsieck, Laurent-Perrier, and Bollinger. However, these closures appear somewhat cheap and clunky, especially when compared to the original Corky, let alone the Corky 2.0.
Kiboni, a notable German manufacturer, specializes in household and garden essentials. Initially, the company collaborated closely with the acclaimed Danish designer Nicholai Wiig-Hansen, which explains the minimalist Scandinavian style evident in many of its products. A significant aspect of Kiboni’s offerings is their use of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) in various household items, including the pivotal mushroom-shaped bung that enhances the functionality of both the original and 2.0 versions of the Corky closure. This TPE, made from polythene-based thermoplastic polymer, offers the resilience of plastic while providing a rubber-like appearance and texture, devoid of any unpleasant odors. The TPE bung of the Corky is designed to be solid yet soft, grippy, and comfortable to hold, ensuring an outstanding seal. Additionally, the stainless-steel single lever fits the annulus better than any other I’ve encountered, instilling confidence that it will stay secure, no matter the pressure applied.
The original Corky was launched in 2015, designed by Wiig-Hansen. However, it was in 2020 when CEO Kishwar Zuberi introduced a change that revolutionized the closure. By incorporating a classic metal plaque, the Corky was not only styled to mimic the shape of a Champagne cork but also featured the capsule reminiscent of traditional closures. The Corky 2.0 presents two capsule options: matte gold and my preferred shiny chrome, resembling polished silver. This enhancement significantly elevated the product. It was already known as the most mechanically secure sparkling-wine closure available, but Zuberi’s addition transformed it into a work of art. For me, it changed the game completely. After experiencing such an aesthetically pleasing yet functionally exceptional device, how could I consider any other closure?
For sparkling-wine producers, the brilliance of the plaque on the Corky 2.0 is its ideal opportunity for branding. Four years later, one would expect that every Champagne house with discerning taste would adopt these exquisite closures, yet surprisingly few have. It took me four years to realize the brilliance of the best and most intelligent sparkling-wine closure available, and it seems that the underperforming marketing teams in Champagne are still lagging. You’re more likely to find the Corky 2.0 in Italy, Austria, or Germany than in France (with examples being Camilucci in Franciacorta, Prati di Meschio, and Soligo in Prosecco, Hofer in Austria, Schloss Vaux Sekt in Germany).
In the spirit of honesty, I purchased three Kiboni Corky 2.0 closures at full retail price and have not been compensated for this review. My cost was £7.99 per closure plus shipping from Wine and Barrels. Although I initially thought this price was steep, I was captivated by the image and was not disappointed upon receiving the actual product. If you’re interested in purchasing 100, the price decreases to €1.80 per closure plus shipping. There is a minimum order of 500 for custom branding, but the cost can vary widely based on the specific branding requirements to offer a sensible estimate.