Have You Really Looked At A Wine Bottle?


Defined Tag: Wine Bottle.

Do you ever wonder why the almost common wine bottle comes in different shapes and colors?  Is it just for fashion?  Does the better looking one sell better?  Maybe a good looking one does get more attention but really it is not the reason why.  Maybe it is time to sit down and think a bit more about this interesting vessel that houses our favorite beverage.

Usually the bottles are made from glass and come in many different sizes, the average size is around 750mL although you can get other sizes. Depending on the country of origin, there are lots of different shapes, and each shape has a designated name. For example; Rhine, Mosel and Alsace versions are tall and thin with little, if any, punt (the dent at the bottom). Whereas champagne and sparkling versions are wide, with thick walls, and larger punts.

Each one also uses different colors for different wines. Bordeaux uses a darker green for the reds, lighter green for the drys and clear for the sweet whites. Then Rhine uses mostly amber but sometimes green. In many places these days, you will notice that clear has become quite popular.

Another interesting fact to note is the punt or the pushed up dent that is noticable in the bottom.  This was originally designed to allow for better balance along with extra stength. The addition of these dents also had the advantage of making stacking easier in the over crowded cellars.  Apparently it also helps the sediments to gather in one area.  Isn't it amazing how we just take things for granted.  Now when you buy your next white or red and share it with someone you can give an educated address on the wine bottle.