Wine Bottle Shapes
In many ways, wine bottles are just like people. A tough exterior, difficult to open, full of wine… hang on, that’s just me, isn’t it?
Seriously though, wine bottles are just like people in the sense that they come in many different sizes, shapes and colours. It’s one of the great joys of stepping into a wine store - seeing all the variety on offer, from tall, elegant bottles, to squat ones bursting with potential, to traditionally shaped regional examples, and the unusual, creative modern ones which pop up from time to time. And then there are the colours! Pale greens, deep inky tones, clear bottles showing off the wonderful hues within… it’s a riot for the senses, even before you’ve had a chance to take a sip.
Well, we’re always keen to uncover truths and bust myths about wine….so let’s take a closer look at bottle types, and explore just why some wineries would choose one bottle style or colour over another.
Bottle shapes and different grapes--red
There aren’t really any hard and fast rules dictating why some wineries prefer tall, slim bottles, and others prefer the short and fat ones. However, there are a few trends and historical precedents that we can look at to give us some clues.
Generally speaking, the shape of a wine bottle has a connection to the sorts of grapes being used in the wine itself, and the place where those grapes originally came from. You’ll probably notice that Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs tend to come in the classic Burgundy shaped bottles - the part of France where those particular grapes were first cultivated. Likewise Cab Sav, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc wines will be sold in ‘Bordeaux’ bottles, as - again - that’s the place principally associated with those varietals. We’ll look at the five principle wine bottle shapes in a bit more detail below.
As to why different regions use different shaped bottles… well, that’s one of those subjects that wine buffs like to argue over, and it’s an argument which has never really been satisfactorily put to bed. However, back in the day, wines made in particular regions would have more or less stayed in their regions, and would have been bought primarily by locals and local taverns. As such, it seems likely that each region’s distinctive style of wine bottle manufacturing would have evolved by itself, and it would have made it easier for local wineries to make their products easily identifiable.
As the New World wine industry came into being, more contemporary wineries would have just stuck with what had always been the case back in the Old World. Therefore, Cabernet Sauvignon from 20th century California would have been bottled in a similar fashion to Cabernet Sauvignon from 18th century France because, well, just because that’s just how it’s always been.
The five principle wine bottle shapes--aromatic
Let’s take a look at the main wine bottle shapes in a little more detail, and consider what makes them unique.
The Bordeaux--racy
Probably the most common shape for wine bottles the world over, this distinctive design harks back to Bordeaux in France, arguably the most iconic of the world’s wine regions. Straight-sided, tall and proud, with a pair of sharply-cut high shoulders which lead to a straight neck, it’s a design which can be seen in almost all wine-producing countries around the world. Grapes most commonly associated with the Bordeaux bottle are: Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc - essentially, all the key ‘Bordeaux’ varietals.
The Burgundy--aromatic
This is the sexy, sensual one - wide at the base, and with flowing gentle lines which curve upwards into a shorter neck. Unlike the Bordeaux, the Burgundy has few straight edges and no shoulders to speak of, preferring an undulating slope to the top of the bottle. Grapes most commonly associated with the Burgundy bottle are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The Rhone--cellar
Very similar to the Burgundy bottle. However, Rhone bottles tend to be a little taller, with a longer neck. Traditional Rhone Valley wines from France also often feature an embossed badge or shield, although this isn’t commonly seen on Rhone varietal wines from other countries. Grapes most commonly associated with the Rhone bottle are Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier, Syrah, Marsanne and Roussanne.
The Champagne--plum
Essentially the same as the Burgundy bottle, but made from much thicker and heavier glass (necessary for withstanding the pressure of all those bubbles!). Also traditionally has a large punt (the indent in the bottom). This bottle style has been imitated by most sparkling wine producers the world over.
The Alsace or Rhine--earth
Tall, slender and beautifully elegant, the Alsace bottle (variations include the Mosel and Rhine bottles) come from the shifting borders between Germany and France. These bottles tend to have a very shallow ‘punt’ on the bottom, and look fantastic when displayed. However, they can be tricky to store in most domestic wine racks, as their length can cause them to slide out easily! Grapes most commonly associated with Alsace bottle Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner.
FAQ
What does the shape of a wine bottle mean?
Actually very little! There's no rules around what shape bottles winemakers are allowed to use, although there are some traditions - eg the long, thin bottle for Riesling etc. But it's what inside that counts.
Does the shape of a wine bottle matter?
Not really! It's purely aesthetic to be honest, although it may affect how easily it fits in the fridge.
What are the different sizes of wine bottles?
There are so many different sizes of bottle - at last count there were at least 14! The most common are 187ml (aka the aeroplane bottle), 375ml (half bottle), 750ml (standard) and 1.5L (magnum)
Why are wine bottles round?
Originally made by hand, by glassblowers, round bottles were the easiest to make, and the quickest - so it just became a question of efficiency. These days, bottles could be made any shape really, but most wines stay in round bottles for tradition.
Does a deeper punt mean a better wine?
The winemaker would like you to think so! A deeper punt is just for show - it often makes the bottle, and so the wine inside, more expensive, but there's nothing inherently better about a big punt.
About the Author & Artist
Alex Tanner is a certified sommelier that spends more time in old-growth forests than any other somm — impulsively training her nose while at it! A talented illustrator with a unique style, her doodling works are inspired by the world of wine - and somehow, seem to improve after a glass or two.