You will see different wine bottle shapes when you are in a shop. Some bottles are round and others are slim. Others have art-inspired designs. You must be wondering why there are so many different bottle shapes. Right? These shapes were not created by accident, but have a full history.
Each shape has its own name and history. If you’re a frequent wine drinker, it is important to know the names and shapes of these shapes. You can easily buy wine anywhere in the world. Are you interested in the names and shapes of wine bottles? This article explores wine bottle shapes and their names. Let’s get started!
History of wine bottle shapes
Each bottle shape is unique and has its own history. The shape of wine bottle has changed continuously from ancient times until the present day. The evolution of technology can be seen in the shape of bottles. Since the Egyptian period, wine bottles have been around. The wine used to be stored in amphorae (a cylindrical jar with a pointed base) during those times.
Some areas stored the wine in animal skin jars with different shapes. In the 16th century, these methods of wine storage were common. In the 17th century glass bottles became popular for storing wine. These bottles had an onion-like shape to hold a large amount of wine. These glass bottles were expensive and rare. They were used by royal families.
The English introduced wine bottles in an elongated form at the end of the 17th century. These bottles were convenient to store, transport, and carry. Glassmakers began to make bottles in specific shapes in different regions during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In the 20th century and 21st century, bottle shapes became more complex.
The different shapes and meanings of wine bottles
Like fingerprints, no two wine bottles are the same. Each bottle has its own unique size, shape, and history. Let’s look at the typical wine bottle shapes and names around the world.
1- Bordeaux Bottles
Bordeaux bottles were invented in the 12th century. The Bordeaux region in France is where they were introduced, and so their name comes from this region. Earlier, the shape of these bottles were irregular and onion-like. In the 18th century winemakers revolutionized design by making them high-shouldered.
These bottles are now standard and have been adapted to the latest technology. This shape is characterized by a cylindrical body that is tall with straight shoulders. The punt (indentation) is medium to deep. This helps to keep the bottle stable and makes it easier to transport. Moreover, Bordeaux bottles include a narrow neck.
The neck prevents oxygen from entering the bottle, allowing it to stay fresher for longer. These bottles’ thick glass also helps wine age better. Bordeaux bottles are a symbol of high-end wines, thanks to their rich history. The bottle is available in two colors: light green for white wine, and dark green for red wines.
2- Burgundy Bottles
Burgundy wine bottles have a similar shape. Burgundy, a region in France that has made wine for over 1000 years, is where they originated. These bottles were irregular in shape and could only hold a small quantity of wine. Over time, however, the winemakers have made a number of changes to their design.
Burgundy bottles now have sloping shoulders, a wide and round body and rounded shoulders. Most of them have flat bottoms and a low indentation. These bottles have a longer neck to make pouring wine easier. Burgundy bottles feature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Viognier as their signature wines. These bottles are commonly 750ml and can hold a lot of wine.
3- Rhone Bottle
Rhone bottles were first produced in France’s Rhone Valley 2000 years ago. These bottles are similar in shape to Burgundy bottles. These bottles are similar in shape, but some differences make them distinct. Rhone bottles, for example, have straight bodies and less prominent curves. The bottles have a slightly extra-long neck which gives them a refined look.
The fact that these bottles have no punt is one of their most notable features. Rhone bottles are flat and have no indentation. In the past, these bottles were usually made of wood. In the 19th century this shape was made of glass. Rhone bottles can be easily stored and handled. These bottles also remind you of wines from the Rhone valley, like Cote-Rotie or Tavel Rose.
4- Champagne Bottle
The most iconic glass bottle is the champagne bottle. The bottle shapes were created in the 17th Century. Champagne bottles are designed to withstand the high pressure of secondary fermentation. When sugar is added to wine, secondary fermentation produces high-pressure bubbles. Earlier, champagne bottles could not handle the pressure.
Now, however, they are able to handle sparkling wine pressures of 6 atm. The bottles are characterized by sloping shoulder and a deep base indentation. Champagne bottles with long, thick necks have Musselet wire cages. These cages seal tightly the corks to prevent wine from escaping. The name of the champagne bottle changes depending on its size.
5- Alsace/Mosel bottle
Alsace/Mosel bottle origins are from Germany and north-east France. These bottles were taller and slender. This shape was chosen to facilitate transportation between the two countries. The signature shape was not changed in the 19th or 20th century, although there were some minor changes.
Alsace/Mosel bottle necks have a smooth shoulder transition from the top to bottom. These bottles have long, narrow necks that make them efficient for pouring. The bottom is flat and without indentation. The lightweight glass of Alsace/Mosel is ideal for fresh wines. Riesling bottles, Gewurztraminer and Muscat are commonly found in these bottles.
6- Port and Dessert Wine Bottle
Port and desert are two types of sweet wine. These sweet wines also known as fortified wines were extremely popular in the 16th century. There were no bottles that could transport fortified wines over long distances because of their age. In the 18th century thick-glass Port and Dessert bottles were produced. These bottles have shorter and wider bodies.
The thicker glass protects the wine against oxidation and UV rays. Port and Dessert bottles also have high shoulders and Wax or T stoppers that provide an airtight seal. Port and Dessert bottles are different depending on the fortified wine. Tawny Port bottles and Madeira bottle types are specific for Tawny Port sweet wines and Madeira.
7- Chianti Flask
Chianti Flasks are one of the most iconic images of Italian winemaking. These bottles were originally made in Italy during the 14th century. They were designed to transport wine safely. The Chianti Flasks are round and therefore difficult to hold upright. In the 16th century straw was used to increase durability and stability.
The “Sala” basket is a straw basket that protects the bottles from breakage. Chianti flasks are still round with narrow necks. These bottles have a long history in Italy and are often associated with tradition. Although Chianti Flasks have been replaced by modern bottles, they can still be used as decorative pieces after use.
What is the effect of the bottle shape on the taste?
The shape of the wine bottle doesn’t directly influence the taste. It can, however, affect the overall maturation process of the wine. I will explain this with some examples.
| Bottle Type | Shape Characteristics | Effect on Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux | High shoulders, tall cylindrical body | Improves aging process, traps sediment at bottom |
| Burgundy | Sloping shoulders, wide round body | More oxygen exposure, softens wine over time |
| Champagne | Thick glass, narrow neck | Maintains freshness, keeps wine cool, preserves bubbles |
| Port/Dessert | Shorter, wider bodies, thick glass | Protects against oxidation and UV rays, keeps wine warmer |
| Alsace/Mosel | Tall, slender, lightweight glass | Ideal for fresh wines, easy pouring |
| Rhone | Straight bodies, no punt, long neck | Easy storage and handling |
| Chianti Flask | Round shape, narrow neck | Traditional style, historically protected by straw basket |
The aging process can make some wines taste better over time. This phenomenon is enhanced by the shape of the bottles. Bordeaux bottles with high shoulders, for example, can help to improve aging.
Burgundy bottles are prone to oxygen exposure which can change the wine’s taste and make it more soft. Champagne bottles with narrow necks, on the other hand, do not allow oxygen through and therefore keep wine fresh.
The sediments in older wine can be bitter, and they can affect the taste. Sediments are also affected by the shape of the bottles. The shape of the bottle also affects sediments. Bordeaux bottles, for example, trap sediment at the bottom of the bottle and prevent it from leaking into your glass.
The shape of a wine bottle can also affect the temperature and therefore the taste. Champagne bottles, for example, keep the wine cool to maintain the bubble effect. Port and dessert wines bottles, however, keep the wine warm to enhance its taste.
Conclusion
Wine bottles are available in many shapes. In this article I will discuss seven common shapes for wine bottles. Each of these bottles has a specific name and meaning. Each bottle has a rich history and holds a specific type of wine. Bordeaux bottles, for example, originated in France. These bottles are designed with high shoulders that keep the wine cool and dry.
Burgundy bottles, however, were first invented over 1000 years ago. The bottles are round and wide to accommodate a large amount of wine. Rhone, Champagne and Chianti are other bottle shapes. All of these bottles have an impact on the wine’s taste to a certain extent. They are therefore specific to certain types of wine. You can identify the wines in different countries by their shape.
