How to Distinguish the Top Five Principle Wine Bottle Shapes
When it comes to wine bottle aesthetics, the shape of the bottle can hold significant importance as different wine bottle shapes are not only visually appealing but serve functional purposes as well.
Let's explore the five main wine bottle shapes:
1.Bordeaux Wine Bottle
Bordeaux bottles have a tall and straight structure with high shoulders. If the bottle is for red wine, a dark green coloured glass will be used in the bottle and if it is for white wine, a light green coloured glass will be used. The Bordeaux bottle is used for a variety of grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Sauignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux blends.
2.Burgundy Wine Bottle
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.
3.Rhône Wine Bottle
Rhone bottle is almost similar to Burgundy in look. But it is a bit thinner and taller than Burgundy bottle. This bottle has a longer neck, often embossed with a coat of arms, and more angular sloping shoulders. This style is generally used for Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah. A green coloured glass is used for red wines, while white and rose wines use clear glass.
4.Champagne Wind Bottle
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.
5.Rhine Wine Bottle
The Rhine is also a tall and slim bottle with a long neck. It has quite a little punt. A dark brown coloured glass is used for this bottle which sets it apart from other bottles. This German is used for grape varieties like Riesling, Muller-Thurgau and Bacchus.
