Why do wine bottles come in different shapes and sizes?
As you've probably noticed, not all wine bottles are the same shape. Generally, the shape of the bottle gives an idea of the wine's region of origin.
The wine bottle became increasingly common from the 18th century onwards, and its capacity was quickly standardized at 75cl. The shape of the bottle, however, varied depending on the region of production. Some were straight, like the Bordeaux bottle, others were tall and slender, like the Alsatian bottle, or robust, like the clavelin from the Jura region.
We even find some bottles, like in the Rhône for example, which highlight the origin of the terroir through letters inscribed on the bottle (Châteauneuf-du-Pape For example).
We will also look at the different wine bottle formats in this article. magnum is known to all, but are you familiar with the other formats, some with more or less complicated names.
The Burgundy bottle
With its slightly conical body and thin neck, the Burgundy bottle made its appearance in Burgundy at the end of the 17th century. To this day, it appears all over the world.
As a side note, very few Bordeaux producers use Burgundy bottles, the prestigious Château Haut-Brion located in Pessac, it is currently in use.
The Bordeaux bottle
Many years ago, the shape of the bottles of Bordeaux The original bottle was conical. Later, they became cylindrical (considered more practical, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing). The Bordeaux bottle is synonymous with quality. Other regions (which don't have their own distinctive bottle) have adopted this shape. The Bordeaux bottle is certainly the most well-known and widespread throughout the world.
The Rhône bottle
The Rhône-style wine is inspired by the Burgundy wine, its barrel is slightly wider.
When the wine is bottled within the appellation, the mention Côtes du Rhône appears on the side of the bottle. For a large proportion of wines Châteauneuf-du-PapeThe “Châteauneuf du Pape” coat of arms is engraved on the front of the bottle. This mark is meant to evoke the quality of the wine and its terroir.
The Alsatian bottle
The Alsatian flute glass is reserved exclusively for wines produced fromAlsaceExquisitely slender, this bottle is the tallest of them all. Its specific shape is protected by a decree dating from 1955. This type of bottle cannot be found anywhere else.
The Provençal bottle
Several variations are used for theCôtes de Provence AOCOne example is the corset-shaped flute, whose base is narrower. The second is the so-called "Côtes de Provence" bottle, with its straighter shape, thus resembling the more elegant style of the Bordeaux bottle. Since Provençal bottles are not particularly practical, Provençal wine is very often found in bottles shaped like Bordeaux bottles.
The Jura clavelin
Used only for the yellow wine of the JuraThe capacity of this bottle is 62 cl. Its very specific shape dates from the 18th century. The Clavelin bottle is the only bottle authorized for the sale of Vin Jaune.
During the mandatory 6 years and 3 months of aging in oak barrels, approximately 38 cl (or 40% of the volume) per liter of wine is lost through natural evaporation; this is known as "the angels' share." This explains the legally defined capacity of 62 cl for clavelin bottles.
The different formats of wine bottles
Bordeaux - Bottle sizes
| Format | Capacity | Correspondence |
| Half bottle | 0.375 liters | ½ bottle |
| Bottle | 0.75 liters | 1 bottle |
| Magnum | 1.5 liters | 2 bottles |
| Double Magnum | 3 liters | 4 bottles |
| Jeroboam | 4.5 liters | 6 bottles |
| Impériale | 6 liters | 8 bottles |
| Balthazar | 12 liters | 16 bottles |
| Nabuchodonosor | 15 liters | 20 bottles |
| Melchior | 18 liters | 24 bottles |
Burgundy, Rhône, Champagne - Wine bottle sizes
| Format | Capacity | Correspondence |
| Half bottle | 0.375 liters | ½ bottle |
| Bottle | 0.75 liters | 1 bottle |
| Magnum | 1.5 liters | 2 bottles |
| Jeroboam | 3 liters | 4 bottles |
| Rehoboam | 4.5 liters | 6 bottles |
| Mathusalem | 6 liters | 8 bottles |
| Salmanazar | 9 liters | 12 bottles |
| Balthazar | 12 liters | 16 bottles |
| Nabuchodonosor | 15 liters | 20 bottles |
| Solomon | 18 liters | 24 bottles |
Origin of bottle names
- Jeroboam: Its name comes from two kings of Israel who reigned in the first millennium BC.
- Rehoboam: This name comes from Rehoboam, king of Judah and son of King Solomon.
- Mathusalem : The oldest character in the Old Testament.
- Salmanazar Its name comes from the king Salmanazar (king who deported the tribes of Israel in 722 BC).
- Balthazar Name of one of the three wise men.
- Nabuchodonosor : Name given to the Babylonian dynasty founded by Nabuchodonosor First.
- Melchior: Name of one of the three wise men.
You will find on cavissima Exceptional wine bottles in 50cl, 62cl, 75cl and 150cl formats.