Until the 17th century, wine was usually stored in barrels and served in ceramic or stone jugs. By the 18th century, glass became more and more common and is now the most popular container for wine. One of the reasons for this is certainly the chemical neutrality of glass, which makes it the ideal container for liquids. So, whether you choose a traditional bottle, or a uniquely customized laser etched wine bottle, the size and shape make all the difference!
Burgundy Bottle
The Burgundy bottle is classically dark to light green, occasionally clear. It is used for both white and red wines. The Burgundy bottle has no shoulders at the end of the neck. In France, it is the classic for Rhône wines and wines from the Loire. In Italy, it is used in a darker version for various wines, for example, Barolos. It is commonly found in Germany as a Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir bottle. Californian Chenin Blancs are also often bottled in a Burgundy bottle.
Champagne
According to legend, the shape of the Champagne bottle dates back to the monk Dom Pérignon, a French monk of the Benedictine order and also cellar master at Hautvillers Abbey from 1668. The thicker walls are there to better withstand the pressure inside the bottle. The bulge in the bottom dissipates pressure better ensuring that the bottom of the bottle does not crack. Usually the champagne bottle is green, in exceptional cases clear glass. However, in general, the green version is considered better, as it protects the wine better from light penetration and thus from damage.
Bordeaux Bottle
The Bordeaux bottle is very easy to recognize by its so-called shoulders. It is the most common bottle shape for dry red wines, but some white wines are also bottled in Bordeaux bottles. In order to prevent the sediments of the wine from being flushed out when pouring, the bottom of the Bordeaux bottle is slightly curved. Older wines in particular should be set up for some time before opening so that the deposit sticks to the grooves, this also applies to Burgundy wines. Bordeaux bottles are usually dark, for light white wines and sweet wines clear glass bottles are often used.
Sizes
Half and also magnum bottles are certainly known to one or the other wine lover as a special format of wine bottle. The small one is often used for sweet wines and a magnum with sparkling wine might have been opened on New Year's Eve.
But beyond that, there are many other formats. And keeping track of them is not that easy. An example: A 3-liter bottle is called double magnum in Bordeaux, but in Champagne and Burgundy it is called Jeroboam. In Bordeaux, however, there is also a bottle format called Jeroboam. However, this one holds 5 litres. And to make it even more complicated, a 6-liter bottle is called Methuselah in Champagne and Burgundy, but Imperiale in Bordeaux. Due to the greater ratio of liquid to oxygen trapped by the cork, wines age more slowly in larger bottles. Many wine connoisseurs even claim that they mature better, so get yourself a customized wine bottle!