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M A SILVA USA
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Meeting a higher standard… ProductsCork makes an ideal option for all types of still wines, sparkling wines and spirits due to its artistic, enological and mechanical properties. Being a completely natural product, cork is recyclable and cork oak forests, sustainable. M.A. Silva produces some of the finest wine corks in the world though its operations in Portugal and finishing operations in the Northern California. Our products offer a wide range of characteristics from essentially visually perfect natural corks and high quality technical closures, to products designed for sparkling wines, spirits and edible oils. The quality of our products and our commitment to unrivaled customer service helps ensure both the excellence of your wine and the success of your business.
Natural CorksLearn About Natural Wine Corks For centuries, natural cork has proven itself unparalleled as the essentially perfect closure for all types of wine regardless of the varietal, style and bottle format. Its natural ability to enhance the beauty of the bottle while allowing the wine to mature, sometimes for years, remains unchallenged. Our natural cork production begins in the Alentejo and Algarve regions of southern Portugal. Here, cork oak forest takes advantage of the perfect climate and soil. Cork bark is harvested by hand, as has been the tradition for hundreds of years. After seasoning for at least six months, our Dynavox boiling system dramatically improves the neutrality and purity of the corkwood. The cork bark is cut into strips just before M.A. Silva craftsmen individually punch each wine cork by hand. Unlike automated machines, the operator constantly “reads” the bark strip looking for the optimum placement of the punch. This level of care produces not only superior mechanically sound product, but by reading the material, our corks are visually superior as well. Our proprietary Maszone washing system further reduces any polyphenols or other off-aromas, while eliminating any remaining bacterial or micro-organism contamination that may impart undesirable characteristics to the wine. M.A. Silva certifies the quality of every cork we sell. Extensive testing, both in our state of the art labs and at independent facilities, verifies each product meets stringent guidelines. Our Certified Quality Program defines, measures, and tracks every aspect of our effort starting in the forests and continuing uninterrupted through customer acceptance. Learn about our Certified Quality Program parameters.
General InformationApplications Sizes Washes Quality Durability Technical SpecificationsDIMENSIONAL PHYSICAL CHEMICAL FUNCTIONAL STORAGE Silktop® Technical CorksMany wines do not benefit from extended cellaring and are intended to be consumed within three to four years after bottling. While still offering the visual appeal and customer experience of natural cork, technical corks provide an economical alternative for these wines. For over 20 years, M.A. Silva has produced technical cork products. Today, the quality and performance of our agglomerated products leads the industry. Technical corks consist of a granulated body capped with a high-quality natural cork disk at each end. Cork granules resulting from the production of our natural cork products, are first washed using our proprietary SARA process. High pressure steam technology drives volatile compounds from the cork cells while keeping the cell structure in place. The Silktop technical cork consists of an agglomerated body with solid cork ends. This combination presents natural cork to both the wine and to the consumer while retaining properties similar to our natural cork offerings. They deliver a dependable seal, consistent insertion and extraction performance, below sensory level TCA and other off-aromas, combined with outstanding visual appearance. General InformationApplications Sizes Quality Durability Technical SpecificationsDIMENSIONAL PHYSICAL CHEMICAL FUNCTIONAL STORAGE Use before: 6 months Pearl® Micro-agglomerated CorksOur Pearl Micro-agglomerated offers a natural alternative to synthetic stoppers and screw caps. Intended for still wines, light sparkling wines and beer, consumers can still enjoy the appearance and feel of cork while allowing the winemaker to reach a more competitive price point. Pearl corks are intended for wines that will be consumed within two to three years. Pearl corks demonstrate our continuing commitment to sustainability and recycling. These products are made from the same carefully harvested and processed corkwood as our natural cork products. The material remaining on the corkwood strips after punching solid (natural) wine corks, is carefully sorted and processed. At our M.A. Silva 1 facility, a custom designed series of operations reduces the material to uniformly sized particles. The facility separates dust and particles that do not meet the narrow size tolerance for use in other non-M.A. Silva recycled cork products. All the cork used in the Pearl products was previously processed by our Dynavox® system while in plank form. To further remove any potentially remaining TCA, other off-aroma polyphenols, microorganisms and other undesirable compounds, we clean the cork again, this time as granules. While tumbling the granules, our proprietary SARA steam washing system systematically envelops every surface further removing unwanted aromatic compounds. The cork granules then immediately transfer to an adjacent chamber where filtered and heated air rapidly removes the residual moisture, eliminating the conditions ideally suited for bacterial and fungal growth. General InformationApplications Sizes Quality Durability
Technical SpecificationsDIMENSIONAL PHYSICAL CHEMICAL FUNCTIONAL STORAGE Sparkling Wine CorksM.A. Silva corks are used by some of the finest sparkling wine makers in the world. By capturing the sparkle and clarity in your wine, we make opening every bottle a celebration. Sparkling wine closures offer perhaps some of the most difficult challenges for a natural cork product. The closure must withstand higher pressures, while maintaining consistent and specified insertion and extraction forces. Its visual appearance is critical given the aesthetic emphasis placed on sparkling wine packaging. The product must possess the strength to remain intact during twisting extraction, while being compliant enough to offer a lasting seal. Our sparkling wine cork is composed of a SARA sterilized micro-agglomerated cork body, and double disks of natural cork on the end that comes in contact with the sparkling wine. We use only FDA approved food-grade bonding agents. The composite body must consistently meet stringent visual and mechanical standards, both at the individual part level and after forming. The quality of the body is standard and uniform across all the grades, with the visual appearance of the natural cork ends determining the quality grade of the stopper. General InformationApplication This stopper is specifically designed to seal sparkling wines, beer and carbonated beverages. Sizes Two standard sizes are offered, 29x48 mm and 30.5x48 mm. Custom diameter corks are available to winemakers with specific requirements. Quality The three grades offered are, in descending order, “A”, “B”, and “C”. Each class is defined by the visual quality of its double natural cork disk ends. Durability Sparkling wine corks are designed to maintain an effective seal for multiyear extended aging of sparkling wine. Technical SpecificationsDIMENSIONAL PHYSICAL CHEMICAL FUNCTIONAL STORAGE Bar TopsWinemakers transform wine grapes into an almost limitless array of products. Some dedicate themselves to the art and science of creating the best fortified wines and spirits. For these winemakers and distillers, M.A. Silva offers the finest Bar Top products available. Available with wooden, plastic or custom tops, these products provide an outstanding appearance, consistent sealing performance, and reusable convenience. Our Bar Tops are available in both standard and custom sizes using our high quality natural cork material. General InformationApplication Sizes Quality Durability Technical SpecificationsCORK DIMENSIONAL CAPSULE DIMENSIONAL PHYSICAL
STORAGE About Us Our HistoryFor 40 years, M.A. Silva USA and our production facilities M.A. Silva Cortiças in Portugal have been delivering the finest premium wine corks available. Through our long term collaboration with growers, our operations are 100% vertically integrated ensuring complete process control and Certified Quality from the moment a new tree is planted through the delivery of a customized cork to our North American customers. We are the only wine cork producer that maintains such strict, documented oversight. M.A. Silva USA serves the North American market from our headquarters in Northern California. Built in 2006, our facility houses a full service mechanical and organolepic test lab. Our production area is equipped with the latest cork processing equipment and technology. Raw corks are first inspected to ensure they meet our rigorous quality standards for mechanical performance, as well as TCA and other unwanted off-aromas. From incoming inspection, through final shipment to customers, cork storage and processing occurs in a humidity and temperature controlled environment. This minimizes the possibility of contamination while ensuring the optimal product quality. As a full service wine cork supplier, we offer natural wine corks for ultra premium wines requiring long term aging or the visual and artistic appeal of traditional closures. Our technical cork products adhere to the same quality standards, while offering a price point option for wines intending to be enjoyed within a few years. Our sparkling wine corks provide unparalleled quality and uniformity. For producers of fortified wines, spirits and olive oils, our bar top closures offer unparalleled performance, while creating the perfect visual accent. Our Certified Quality Program ensures consistency and utmost quality through extensive independent testing and rigorous process control. We offer printing and branding services that consistently exceeds our customer’s expectations. Read more about our involvement and commitment to innovation, sustainability and certified quality
Our Vision/MissionThe World’s Best Wine Corks and Customer ServiceOur mission is to provide the finest natural wine corks and other closures to the premium wine industry of North America demonstrating impeccable integrity and consistent personal service. Always… Like creating fine wine, producing the best corks requires a disciplined balancing act between nature and science. We’re committed to using only the finest raw materials, providing seamless oversight throughout production, using proprietary technological innovations for optimal quality assurance, and minimizing impacts on the natural environment. We strive to provide our customers with:
Our ValuesOur Foundation of ValuesOur commitment is to provide the finest natural wine corks and other closures to the premium wine industry of North America by:
Our Production Facilities in PortugalM.A. Silva entered the wine cork market in 1972. During the last forty years, the company has grown to become one of the most technically advanced, quality-focused and environmentally conscious organizations in the industry. Our staff, in collaboration with researchers across Europe and the United States, has developed some of the most technically advanced cork processing facilities and equipment in use today. Our efforts, a combination of forest management, technology, processes and training, has all but eliminated TCA and other off-aromas. More than simply removing chemical impurities, our facilities maximize the beauty and performance of the natural cork. The M.A. Silva operations in Portugal continue to play an active role in the protection of the World’s cork forests. Our local efforts with the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Council, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)and related World Wildlife Fund (WWF) activity, have in part advanced the ecologically sound management techniques used throughout the cork oak growing regions. As a testament to the success to this effort, not only are our cork forests thriving, but the total acreage of harvestable trees is expanding year over year. M.A. Silva operates several processing facilities in Portugal. Our Alter do Chão plant, M.A. Silva 3, is located deep inside the cork forests of the Alentejo region. The proximity to the cork forests allows for immediate control of the seasoning conditions and minimizes green house gas emissions due to transportation. This facility contains our state of the art Dynavox® raw corkwood processing system. Separate installations then convert the seasoned cork slabs into either natural corks or agglomerate corks. M.A. Silva 1 produces our agglomerate cork products, while M.A. Silva 2 creates our natural corks. From the forest forward, vertical integration ensures that corkwood is tested and verified to meet the mandated quality levels from the moment it is harvested, through every phase of production. M.A. Silva believes third party verification of our processes and quality drives predictable and repeatable performance. Our organization meets or exceeds the quality levels set by the leading European cork standards bodies, APCOR, C.E. Liege, and Systecode. We produce and deliver the finest natural wine cork available, helping you produce your best wine, case after case. Learn more about our quality and certifications.
Michael Riel Ranked in Top Forty Under 40
Media Contact: Rose Thorsson M. A. Silva USA 707-236-1184 For Immediate Release
Santa Rosa, Calif., March 21st, 2012- M.A. Silva USA's Chief Operating Officer Michael Riel has been selected as a Top Forty under 40 by the Northbay Business Journal. This distinction is selected every year after a series of nominations and a survey. There were over 100 nominations made this year. "Michael's leadership and management style are a true asset to M. A. Silva," said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva USA. "His leadership by example empowers employees to reach their goals, while developing a dynamic organization with an extremely positive environment."
Riel came to M.A. Silva after working for Paul Hobbs Winery as the General Manager. Prior to working in the wine industry he co-founded a technology start-up in the Silicon Valley. "I always felt it was my greatest achievement to build and lead high performance teams that enjoy what they are doing," said Riel.
About M.A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks, glass and packaging for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical and sensory characteristics of its products. M.A. Silva USA operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M.A. Silva USA visit www.MASilva.com or call 877-689-7676. #####
News Archive
PASO ROBLES WINEMAKING CONSULTANT, KATHERINE TURNER, JOINS M.A. SILVA USA
30 August, 2011
Santa Rosa, Calif. August 30th, 2011-After working with several wineries in the Central Coast as a Winemaking Consultant, Katherine Turner has been hired by M.A. Silva USA. Turner is now the M.A. Silva USA Account Manager for the Central Coast. "Kathy will inspire confidence in her client's purchasing decisions," said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva USA. "I've known Kathy for a number of years , we met when she was an Enologist at Merryvale Vineyards. We were fortunate that we were looking for a new representative in the area while she was looking for a new challenge." Katherine Turner has been working in the wine industry for eight years. Prior to being a Consultant, Turner worked for wineries including: Four Vines Winery, Estancia Winery, Wild Horse Winery, and Buena Vista Winery. Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading provider of premium natural wine corks to North American markets. Its certified quality-assurance program ensures that products provide unmatched visual, mechanical, sensory characteristics along with impeccable customer service to winemakers seeking to produce the finest wine, sparkling wine and spirits. With Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC certified facilities in Portugal and Northern California, M. A. Silva is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M. A. Silva USA visit www.MASilva.com or call 707-636-2530. M.A. SILVA USA ANNOUNCES ALISON ZITO GOSSAGE AS THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THEIR TEAM
09 August, 2011
Santa Rosa, Calif. August 9th, 2011-Alison Zito Gossage signed on with M.A. Silva USA as an Account Manager. Her role as Account Manager will provide existing and potential new customers with a wealth of information about purchasing cork and the benefits of working with M.A. Silva USA. "We are thrilled to have Alison on board," said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva USA. "Her enthusiasm and focus on customer service is a perfect match with our existing team." Alison Zito Gossage is an established graduate from Sonoma State University with a Bachelors of Science in Business and a concentration in Wine Business Strategies. While attending Sonoma State, she began her career working for Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates. Gossage's experience in the wine industry includes working for Benziger Family Winery and Ledson Winery. Her recent experience at Canton Wood Products and XTRAOAK gave her the opportunity to establish relationships with Winemakers and Purchasers. She has a passion for providing exceptional customer service. In the past she has worked in the following regions: Russian River, Sierra Foothills, Sonoma Valley, Lodi, Central Coast, Southern California and Napa Valley areas. Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva USA is a leading provider of premium natural wine corks to North American markets. Its certified quality-assurance program ensures that products provide unmatched visual, mechanical, sensory characteristics along with impeccable customer service to winemakers seeking to produce the finest wine, sparkling wine and spirits. With Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC certified facilities in Portugal and Northern California, M. A. Silva is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M. A. Silva USA visit www.MASilva.com or call 707-636-2530.
##### PAMELA STEVENS JOINS M.A. SILVA USA AS QUALITY ASSURANCE AND LABORATORY MANAGER
11 July, 2011
SANTA ROSA, Calif.,—M.A. Silva USA has hired Pamela Stevens, an accomplished industry expert, who brings over twenty years of experience to her new role as the Quality Assurance and Laboratory Manager. "When the opportunity was available, I knew who to call first," said Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva USA. "Pamela has known the Silva family for a long time. We are delighted to have her as part of our growing team and I have a tremendous amount of respect for her knowledge of cork."
Pamela Stevens began her career at Robert Mondavi Winery as the Microbiology Supervisor where she was promoted to the position of Assistant Winemaker and later to Quality Analyst. Since then, Stevens has worked as a Closure Consultant and served as the Operations Manager for Ganau America. In her new role she will provide technical support for customers, run
research and development with the newly installed GCMS unit, manage quality assurance from incoming cork through production, and provide guest lectures. Stevens new role allows M.A. Silva to further enhance its leading position in cork quality and customer satisfaction.
About M.A. Silva USA: Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks and of glass containers for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical, and sensory characteristics of its products. M.A. Silva Corks operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M.A. Silva USA visit www.MASilva.com or call 877-689-7676. ###
M.A. SILVA CORKS, USA EXPANDS THEIR ANALYTICAL LAB TO INCLUDE GC/MS TECHNOLOGY
03 May, 2011
Santa Rosa, Calif., May 2, 2011—M.A. Silva Corks, USA is now operating a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) in their Santa Rosa production facility. This instrument will further the research and quality protection methods of M.A. Silva Corks, USA.
"It’s a very powerful, versatile, and sensitive analytical instrument; there’s a lot of exciting things we can potentially do with it," says Adolfo Hernandez, Quality Control and Laboratory Services Manager of M.A. Silva Corks, USA. "We are able to share methods and techniques with our parent company in Portugal. Continuing to align our chemistry adds another layer to our vertical integration."
The GC/MS analytical instrument is a Thermo Fisher Trace ISQ , and was installed in February of 2011. Hernandez, an experienced biochemist, led the implementation of testing methods and design of the analytical laboratory. "In my opinion it’s been the biggest driver of change in cork processing in the last decade. When you can quantify or measure a compound, you are more likely to be able to understand and control it," says Hernandez.
Currently the chemists at the Santa Rosa facility are using the GC/MS technology to test cork soaks and wine for 2,4,6 trichloroanisole, commonly abbreviated as TCA. The approach uses solid phase micro extraction (SPME) to concentrate headspace volatiles (aromatic compounds which contribute to smell) for GC/MS analysis of TCA. In Portugal, M.A. Silva Corticas uses GC/MS technology for TCA testing of corkwood at inspection after harvest, on corkwood post boiling, and on corks after punching. When corks are received at the Santa Rosa production facilities, samples are sent to ETS Laboratories for third party testing. M.A. Silva Corks, USA plans to use the in house technology for additional quality assurance testing and research.
"This analytical tool is key to our goal of delivering the highest level of cork quality and assurance to our customers," says Neil Foster, President of M.A. Silva Corks, USA.
About M.A. Silva Corks, USA: Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva Corks, USA is a leading manufacturer of premium natural corks and of glass containers for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures unmatched visual, mechanical, and sensory characteristics of its products. M.A. Silva Corks, USA operates on 100% solar power and is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M.A. Silva Corks, USA visit www.MASilva.comor call 877-689-7676.
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New Cork and Glass Positions Filled at M.A. Silva Corks, USA
04 April, 2011
Santa Rosa, CA—To accommodate the recent addition of glass to its product line, M.A. Silva Corks, USA is pleased to announce the appointments of Richard Du Bois, longtime wine industry professional, as the new Product Specialist-Glass Bottles, and Terry Borges as Sales Representative for cork and glass. With over 20 years’ management experience in winery operations, Du Bois brings well-honed industry expertise in glass and bottling to M.A. Silva Corks, USA. Borges, who also comes from an extensive career in the wine industry, has particular expertise in cork and glass sales and supplies.
Richard Du Bois has hands-on management experience with the bottling process including corks, bottling logistics, glass supplies, and production across a variety of high end wineries and large wine corporations including Allied Domecq Wines, Domaine Chandon, Buena Vista, and Simi wineries. Du Bois will be an excellent asset to this integrated cork-and-glass component of M.A. Silva Corks, USA, assisting customers with technical expertise and solutions for bottle products and operations along with pre-sales advice for both customers and the M.A. Silva Corks, USA sales team.
Terry Borges’ expertise and experience in national sales and management in cork, glass, and wine accessory supplies across a wide range of wine consulting and distribution supplyfirms across the U.S., are a natural fit for M.A. Silva Corks, USA and will be an ideal complement to Richard Du Bois as he leads the expansion of the cork and glass products. Together Du Bois’ and Borges’ experience will prove indispensable in assisting customers with integrated cork and glass solutions as they anticipate problems, reduce risks, and thus realize savings with quality products. It’s all part of M.A. Silva Corks, USA Perfect Fit Guarantee.
"Glass customers are extremely happy with our ability to deliver excellent quality glass on time,” remarked Neil Foster, owner of M.A. Silva Corks, USA. “This is a requirement that so many other companies miss.”
By adding high quality glass bottles to their line of products, M.A. Silva Corks, USA is now the only manufacturer of both high quality glass and natural cork. This recent addition to the product line makes a perfect fit. Clients are assured full peace of mind knowing they can order corks and glass together, obtain detailed and expert information from any M.A. Silva Corks, USA staff member, and expect timely, paired delivery.
Offering the best quality bottles available, M.A. Silva Corks, USA has taken particular care to put in place the same high quality production techniques and uncompromised standards for its packaging as it does for its corks. Customers have come to expect high quality corks, and there is nothing less for its bottles and cartons.
About M.A. Silva Corks, USABased in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva Corks, USA is leading manufacturer of premium natural corks and glass containers for North American markets. Its quality-assurance program ensures that the products provide unmatched visual, mechanical, and sensory characteristics along with impeccable bottling performance and on-time delivery to customers seeking to produce the finest wine, spirits and beer. With Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC certified facilities in Portugal and 100% solar power in Northern California, M.A. Silva Corks, USA is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M.A. Silva Corks, USA visit www.MASilva.comor call 877-689-7676.
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M.A. Silva Corks, USA Adds 100% Solar Power to Sustainability Efforts
22 March, 2011
Santa Rosa, Calif. - 100% of M.A. Silva Corks, USA’s power is now generated through the newly installed solar panel array, at its Santa Rosa, California facility, completing another phase of its on-going commitment to environmentally conscious business practices. As the first company to earn both Sonoma Green Business Program and ClimateSmart™ certifications, this installation further reduces the company's impact on the environment. Along with actively promoting environmentally friendly forest management and social initiatives, this new solar array is just one of a combination of sustainability efforts practiced by M.A. Silva worldwide. Since its founding 10 years ago, M. A. Silva Corks, USA integrated sustainable business practices into its long-term initiatives, and day-to-day operations. Every aspect of the business now incorporates a broad range of eco-friendly practices benefiting each of the supply chain, employee, and customer communities. "I am proud that our company has always been mindful of our impact on the environment," said Neil Foster, President and Owner of M.A. Silva Corks, USA. "We are fortunate that many of our customers are now partnering with us to take the next steps." Consumer preference for cork-finished wine enables many sustainability efforts. Cork finished bottles remain the fastest growing segment of the wine industry. In contrast to screw caps and synthetic cork, both significant carbon producers, natural cork pulls C02 from the air as the tree grows, acting as a carbon sink. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), M.A. Silva maintains strict adherence to sustainable forestry practices. Encompassing the entire product lifecycle, successful waste reduction and recycling efforts are practiced throughout the company. From stringent monitoring of processes, through re-purposing post-production scrap, company-wide efforts minimize manufacturing waste. Electric branding equipment planned for installation in May 2011 takes advantage of the available carbon-free solar power. Careful attention and tracking of supplies and paper have reduced landfill-bound waste to just a few cubic feet per week. Cork recycling and awareness programs with consumers turn used corks into compostable products without significant addition of carbon emissions for transportation. Today M.A. Silva Corks, USA is looking beyond its own sustainability efforts, teaming with customers to address broader, more complex issues. M.A. Silva Corks, USA business partners are especially interested in all sustainability and their joint efforts should result in further reduction of green house gas emissions, greater business efficiencies, and higher quality. About M.A. Silva Corks, USA Based in Sonoma County California, M.A. Silva Corks, USA is a leading provider of premium natural wine corks, glass, and packaging to North American markets. Its certified quality-assurance program ensures that products provide unmatched visual, mechanical, and sensory characteristics along with impeccable customer service to winemakers seeking to produce the finest wine, sparkling wine, and spirits.
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M.A. Silva Corks, USA Hires Audrey Pinto
18 March, 2011
Santa Rosa, Calif.-Audrey Pinto, a wine packaging industry veteran, has joined the customer service team of M.A. Silva Corks, USA . Pinto's experience in wine packaging will prove to be a valuable resource to M.A. Silva Cork USA’s clients. Having previously worked at Saverglass, Inc. as a Technical Field Specialist and Alcan Packaging Capsules of California as an Account Manager, Pinto brings a well-rounded wine industry background to complement M.A. Silva Corks, USA's position as a knowledgeable premium wine cork, bottle, and packaging supplier. "Audrey has already proven to be a great team player, very knowledgeable, and customer focused. She’s a great addition to the team and we are happy that she has joined the M.A. Silva Corks, USA family!" said Debra Wieland, Inside Sales and Customer Service Manager. Based in Sonoma County, California, M. A. Silva Corks, USA is a leading provider of premium natural wine corks to North American markets. Its certified quality-assurance program ensures that products provide unmatched visual, mechanical, sensory characteristics along with impeccable customer service to winemakers seeking to produce the finest wine, sparkling wine and spirits. With Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC certified facilities in Portugal and Northern California, M. A. Silva is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly operations. For more information about M. A. Silva Corks, USA visit www.MASilva.com or call 707-636-2530. M.A. Silva Corks, USA Promotes Kimberly Toy to Inside Sales Representative
16 February, 2011
After five years of hard work and dedication to M.A. Silva Corks, USA, Kimberly Toy has been appointed to the role of Inside Sales Representative. Before joining M.A. Silva Corks, USA, Toy spent six years at Agilent Technologies as a Systems Specialist and Customer Service Representative. "Her keen eye for detail, excellent follow through, and level of commitment for the past five years has set a standard which we want to embrace," said Debra Wieland, Inside Sales and Customer Service Manager. Kimberly Toy's new role is to serve as the primary contact for many local wineries. She can be reached at Kim@masilva.com or by phone at 707-236-1183. For more information about M.A. Silva Corks, USA visit www.MASilva.com. M. A. Silva Corks, USA Featured at Bush Presidential Library Exposition
12 July, 2010
Santa Rosa, California (October 5, 2009) M. A. Silva Corks, USA (masilva.com) has been selected by the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation to represent the wine cork industry in the much-anticipated The Culture of Wine exposition. The event will unravel the mystery, magic and making of wine. The exhibit runs September 28, 2009 through August 22, 2010 in the Ansary Gallery of American History at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas. The Culture of Wine exhibit creates an opportunity for visitors to learn about the historical, viticultural and production aspects of wine. Visitors begin by stepping through the exhibit’s vineyards, then proceeding to the crushing, pressing, fermenting,barrel storage and bottling displays. The show’s blending of equipment, photo murals, process diagrams, and comprehensive descriptions is not only fascinating, but also delivers an in-depth learning experience. As a leading sponsor, M. A. Silva Corks, USA collaborated on the creation of the natural cork display area that educates visitors on sustainable forestry practices,traditional hand harvesting techniques, and ecologically sound corkwood processing. Maps, diagrams and hands-on displays add interest and interaction. A highlight of the display is the array of M. A. Silva’s premium natural cork products.
About M.A. Silva Corks, USA
Use the Send Me Info button to contact us for more information and pricing.
How is a cork harvested? Cork is harvested using traditional methods that remain virtually unchanged since the cork’s value was first discovered. The first harvest of cork bark occurs when a tree reaches maturity at approximately twenty years old and is harvested a minimum of every nine years. Harvesting is a very skilled operation that follows a strict code of practice. Regulations determine the legal period of time between each stripping, the ripeness of the bark, and prevailing weather conditions during harvest. Using a sharp knife, an incision is made into the bark. Then the cork is gently removed from tree in sections approximately 1ft. X 3ft. No harm is done to the tree during this bark removal process. Why use Natural Cork? Nothing is more ideally suited to sealing a bottle than natural cork. And it’s better for the environment, too. What is the Cork Quality Council? Are you a member? The Cork Quality Council is a nonprofit organization sponsored by select industry leaders in the U.S. natural cork industry. The council currently sponsors ongoing research with leading wine industry institutions. Its goal is to promote additional improvements in cork quality control. What is TCA? TCA (2,4,6-Trichloroanisole) is one of a series of naturally occurring compounds resulting from the growth of many fungal species. TCA was as a key contributor to “cork taint”. Although once a concern, our Certified Quality Program (link) has reduced TCA levels to below the threshold of human sensory capabilities. What off-aroma compounds are removed? Dynavox® reduces other off-aroma compounds including TCA (2,4,6-Trichloroanisole), 2,3,4,6 –Tetrachloroanisole (TeCA), trichlorophenol (TCP), Pentachloroanisole (PCA) and 2,4,6 -Tribromoanisole (TBA) and others. Summarize your cleaning processes. During the last 40 years, M.A. Silva has established itself as an industry technology leader. While simultaneously working with forest managers to improve the quality of the corkwood leaving the forests, we also developed the most comprehensive processing systems in the industry. Producing the finest natural and technical cork products from raw corkwood, requires custom cleaning solutions for each phase of the production cycle Are the finished corks free of residual chemicals? Yes. Our Dynavox® and SARA® cleaning processes rely solely on a proprietary combination of pressure, heat and pure filtered water. The Maszone® cleaning processes uses ozonated filtered water, heat and pressure. Ozonated water is the same solution regularly used in food processing. Why not use alcohol or clorine in your cleaning solution? TCA and other off-aroma compounds easily dissolve in steam. By using a combination steam and pressure, we achieve deeper contaminate removal without the addition of hazardous chemicals. Washing processes performed at ambient temperature may not thoroughly treat beyond the surface of the cork. Cellared wine remains in contact with the cork for extended periods inviting migration on interior contaminates. A cork damaged during a subsequent process like printing or bottling, may expose the wine to an untreated surface. Residual chlorine is thought to lead to the reformation of TCA. What quality certifications do you meet? ISO 9001:2001 – The International Standards Organization (ISO) ISO 9001:2001 standard for quality management systems certification is awarded to companies that globally implement procedures for providing assurance about its ability to satisfy quality requirements and to enhance customer satisfaction in supplier-customer relationships. Cork Quality Council – All products shipped by M.A. Silva meets or exceed CQC standards. How do I get independent verification of TCA and volatile contaminates? M.A. Silva regularly assists its customer with independent verification of our test results. Winemakers As a Winemaker, you have a passion for wine. It is more than a product and it is more than a process. It is your life’s work, your obsession. Rooted in soil and climate, you nurture the vine and its fruit to the perfect blend of flavors and chemistry. At the optimal moment, you turn juice into young wine, ready to start the aging process. Ultimately, your obsession reaches the moment of bottling. As with every influence, you select your closure critically. You have done all you can to bring the wine to the point of perfection. You have made every effort to protect its aroma, flavor, body and color, trusting aging and storage will be kind. Since 1972 M.A. Silva Cortiças has produced the world’s highest quality wine corks. Based in northern Portugal, Manuel Silva and his employees have, for almost 40 years, manufactured premium quality wine corks and shipped them to quality wineries throughout the world. Then in 2000, M.A. Silva Cortiças formed a partnership with M.A. Silva USA. Under Neil Foster’s thoughtful leadership, the company brought new levels of quality, testing and customer service to winemakers throughout North America’s foremost growing regions. Today M.A. Silva is unparalleled in its ability to help ensure the grapes you have nurtured, develop into, and remain your finest wine. The Art of Winemaking Great winemakers develop a feel for the perfect moment to harvest and crush. Knowing how to turn juice into fine wine takes patience, experience and finesse. Many factors are at play, making the wine making process very complex. While some wines need little time to reach their intended appeal, others develop their maximum potential only after extended aging. Cork quality and consistency contribute to the long term development of the wine. Time after time, M.A. Silva corks out perform competitive products for both mechanical characteristics and neutrality. Comprehensive tests verify the quality before raw cork enters our production facilities in Portugal, and then again before they are accepted into our environmentally controlled warehouse in Northern California. Finally, independent labs certify the finished corks meet or exceed quality standards before shipment to our customers across North America. Depending on the target consumer, the winemaker may seek to maximize not only the flavor and character of the wine, but also the beauty of the bottle including the natural cork stopper. M.A. Silva produces natural and technical cork products that are consistently rated by our customers as delivering the best visual appearance at a specific price point. We produce a wide variety of grades in four different washes. The consumer sees your commitment to creating the best wine possible, even before the first pour. The Science of Winemaking From the soil composition and root stock lineage, through juice and wine analysis, contemporary winemakers seek to understand every scientific aspect of wine production and aging. Winemakers marry a series of natural components, all with their individual and environmental variables, to make a product that is consistent from bottle to bottle. Although some wines are intended to be immediately enjoyed, time adds another variable for those products that mature a few months to several years before consumption. M.A. Silva has always held the belief that quantifiable analysis of its products is essential to the winemaker. Certified quality means a cork producer fully documents the chemical, mechanical and visual characteristic of its products. Since cork is a natural product, certified quality is a process that must be repeated with every shipment. This leads to better process control, less variability and ultimately more predictable and profitable results. Winemakers consistently receive this level of certified quality from us. It’s the way we do business. |
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