To use an Italian floor corker, you first need to gather all your equipment and make sure everything is clean and sanitized. This includes the corker itself, as well as the corks and bottles you will be using.
1. Prepare your corks: Before you can start corking, you need to prepare your corks. Soak them in a sanitizing solution for a few minutes to ensure they are clean and free of any contaminants. Then, rinse them with clean water and let them dry before using.
2. Set up the corker: Place the Italian floor corker on a sturdy and stable surface, such as a table or countertop. Make sure it is securely anchored to prevent any accidents during the corking process. Adjust the height of the corker to match the size of your bottles.
3. Load your bottle: Take a bottle and place it in the designated slot on the corker. Make sure the bottle is upright and stable. If you are using a bottle with a punt (the indentation in the bottom), position it properly so that the cork will be inserted evenly.
4. Position the cork: Take a cork and place it in the corker's jaws. Ensure that the cork is centered and positioned correctly before proceeding. If you are using a plastic-jawed corker, make sure the cork is fully inserted into the jaws to prevent it from slipping during the corking process.
5. Corking: Once everything is in place, it's time to cork the bottle. Engage the corking lever or handle and apply steady downward pressure. The Italian floor corker provides significant torque, so you should not need to use excessive force. The corker will compress the cork and insert it into the bottle neck.
6. Repeat the process: After corking one bottle, repeat the process for the remaining bottles. Make sure to adjust the height of the corker if you are using different bottle sizes. Take your time and be careful to ensure each cork is properly inserted.
7. Clean up: Once you have finished corking all your bottles, clean and sanitize the corker and any other equipment you used. This will help maintain the integrity of your wine and prevent any potential contamination.
Using an Italian floor corker can make the corking process much easier and more efficient. The added torque and leverage provided by the corker reduce the effort required on bottling day. Additionally, the floor corker allows for even compression of the cork, ensuring a tight seal and preventing any leakage.
In my personal experience as a winemaker, I have found the Italian floor corker to be a reliable and sturdy tool. The metal-jawed version provides better durability and grip compared to the plastic-jawed one. However, both options work well and produce excellent results.
The Italian floor corker is a valuable tool for any hobby winemaker. It saves time and effort while ensuring a professional and secure closure for your bottles. So, if you're serious about winemaking, investing in an Italian floor corker can be a great addition to your equipment arsenal.