Virtually every "great" wine of the past two centuries has been finished with natural cork. The reasons for this tradition are largely due to the physical properties that protect bottled wine under a variety of storage conditions. Natural cork also provides an important role in a wine's successful maturation process.

Wines finished with natural cork undergo a predictable process of aging that results in softened tannins, added complexity and the creation of bottle bouquet.

Becasue most "great" wines are evaluated with the understanding that a predictable aging process will be realized, natural cork remains an important component modern wine.