Length of a Cork

• The length of a cork is the most irrelevant component of its shape, as a longer cork isn't necessarily more effective than a shorter cork. The main appeal of lengthier options is the louder pop they create when you uncork the bottle --- a social characteristic versus a functional one. Standard cork lengths are 35 millimeters, 44 millimeters and 49 millimeters.

Width of a Cork

• A cork's diameter has the greatest influence on the overall sealing force. If the cork isn't wide enough, the wine within will flatten prematurely. Since a cork is extremely pliable, it needs to typically be at least 6 millimeters wider than the hole in which it is plugged; within the first few hours of use, it will compress and constrict by up to 50 percent.

Which Cork to Use

• Choosing a cork involves understanding the bottle and the wine. Gauge the internal bottle neck diameter, ensuring the cork is at least 6 millimeters wider for table wine and 7 millimeters wider for sparkling wine. You can measure the bottle opening with calipers for an accurate read. Champagne corks, which withstand high pressure, usually have an even larger diameter of 30 to 31 millimeters.