"All Natural" Corks?

[JohnT]

Folks,

I normally use natural corks that have been whitewashed. I believe they whiten them with a solution of Hydrogenperoxide. I am wondering (other than appearances) is there a benefit to whitened corks? So far my research seems to point to the following..


1) Hydrogenperoxide not only whitens corks, but also assists in sterilizing them.

2) There is a possibility that there is some hydrogenperoxide residue left in the cork that could have a bad effect on wine.

3) Tests have shown that use of hydrogenperoxide has no effect on TCA (Cork Taint).


So, given the above, does anybody else see any benefit to use of whitened corks?

johnT.

 

[Runningwolf]

John I can't see any benefit to it.

 

[JohnT]

Thanks wolfie. That is what I am thinking. I got a deal on a rather large qty of natural corks (un-whitened) and just wondered if anybody saw any technical benefit to whitened corks.

Thanks again.