From Franciacorta, not only exceptional wines and sparkling wines but also high-quality cork stoppers
Founded in 1976 and strategically located at the foothills of Franciacorta, a prime winemaking region, Sugherificio LTS specializes in producing cork stoppers for both wine and sparkling wine. Under the leadership of Manlio Sordi, the company’s mission is to create highly reliable products, even in the lower-cost segments.
Constant oversight of all production stages, from raw material import to post-sales service, led LTS to become the only Italian company, alongside two famous multinational firms, to earn the European Cork Commission’s quality certification in 2003.
The company’s strength lies in its meticulous selection of raw material sourcing areas. Following sector studies, LTS chose Spain and Portugal for initial processing, while essential operations take place at its headquarters in Brandico, Brescia. In February 2017, Sugherificio LTS earned the FSC® certification, “the mark of responsible forest management.”
Over the years, LTS has developed a precise processing system and stringent quality controls to minimize cork stopper issues. Ensuring the cork has undergone proper aging (at least 18 months for sap drying) is essential, following guidelines from C.E. Liège and the University of Piacenza’s Faculty of Enology, as well as the Tempio Pausania Cork Experimental Station.
Daily water changes during boiling remove most tannins, in collaboration with C.E. Liège-certified companies that adhere to similar processing criteria. Cork stoppers are divided into batches of 100,000 pieces, with organoleptic and sealant tests performed for each batch. After passing these tests, the batch undergoes sanitation washing, followed by analyses to control the release of oxidizing substances.
A computerized machine equipped with three cameras—two for the heads and one for the side—then sorts the stoppers, with manual rechecks. Before personalized stamping, humidity levels are checked. Post-stamping, the stoppers are lubricated with food-grade silicone, and extraction force is tested.
This refined procedure has resulted in LTS achieving a cork taint rate of less than one per thousand. However, the company remains committed to ongoing research and development to make cork stoppers increasingly reliable.
