A new scientific standard for the analysis of TCA in cork

An innovative analytical service for producers of high quality natural corks

THE WORLD'S FIRST SERVICE FOR TCA-FREE CERTIFIED CORKS

Suber Lab offers to the best producers of natural corks a screening service with Vocus Cork Analyzer technology. An ultra-fast analysis, based on high resolution real-time mass spectrometry, allows the individual selection of corks through the quantification of TCA and other off-flavors. A brand new non-destructive method, fully validated, with superior sensitivity, precision and accuracy compared to standard TCA measurement.

WHAT IS TCA?

2,4,6-TCA or simply TCA is one of the isomers of trichloroanisole. In cork, wine and a great variety of natural products (fruit, coffee, etc.) TCA is responsible for the so-called "musty smell" or "wet cardboard." It is perceptible at concentrations of one part per trillion (ppt). There is probably no other substance that the human nose can perceive this sensitively. It is supposedly formed by methylation of trichlorophenol through the enzymatic action of certain kinds of molds and fungi.
As several scientific studies show, it is impossible to remove completely TCA from cork with chemical-physical treatments without irreversibly damaging the material. The only scientifically validated solution today is the individual selection of natural corks.

LATEST NEWS

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BRUKER CORKSCREENER WORKSHOP

Bruker and Tofwerk present their technological innovations in this science workshop

MS FOOD dAY 2024

Tofwerk and Suber Lab attend the MS Food Day 2024, one of the main scientific event about Mass Spectrometry in the food sector, presenting a work about ultra fast analysis of 4-EP in wine samples.

SIMEI 2024

Tofwerk and Suber Lab together at Simei, the international exhibition for wine packaging

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