Wine cork as a specific identification criterion

The purpose of this research is to investigate the distinctive features of corks as a specific criterion for identifying grape wines in expert research on the quality of products supplied to Ukrainian consumers. The following methods were used during the work: analysis, synthesis, and generalization. It has been found that when identifying grape wines, corks, along with markings, are a crucial specific identification criterion. Cork preserves the quality of grape wines by protecting their multifaceted aroma, known as the “bouquet”. Cork production is evolving, and today there are different types of corks. For high-quality drinks, natural corks are mainly used. However, there is an alternative – collated, agglomerated, synthetic, and combined. They are inferior in quality to natural ones. However, they also have their advantages, particularly a wide range that distinguishes them, and they are cheaper and more readily available to various manufacturers. By analyzing the appearance of the cork, its shape, and the material from which it was made, information can be obtained about the properties of the cork, advantages and disadvantages of use, as well as to determine the quality of wine, which is determined by a specific raw material and production technology. A detailed analysis of the inscriptions and drawings on the cork provides additional information that allows us to make the conclusions obtained even more accurate and objective. When comparing the inscriptions on the cork and the label, please note their complete correspondence. The scientific novelty lies in the systematization of information on the classification of types of corks for grape wine available on the market and their identification features, which contribute to expert research on grape wines, particularly those imported. The practical significance is to provide the Ukrainian consumer with high-quality and safe grape wines and prevent counterfeit drinks from being sold. Knowledge of the main characteristics of corks for grape wines, including their external signs and properties, can be the key to more accurate and objective identification of the drink before conducting an examination of its quality according to a set of established indicators. Keywords: grape wines, identification, cork, labeling.