Wines come in different shaped bottles. Yet, red wines are found in the same style of bottles as white wines and vice versa, why? Do wine-bottle shapes influence the flavour and quality of wine? A wine expert from the Golan Heights Wineries explains.
No, it is an international marketing strategy based on cultural tradition. The shape has nothing to do with making the wine taste better or improving its quality actually.
Basically, there are four main bottle shapes. The Hock bottle, Bordelaise, Burgundy, and Rhône. People who are ‘in the know’ will understand that a certain bottle shape signifies a certain wine.
Shalom explained that the tall, slender ‘hock’ bottle, usually narrower than other bottle shapes, is an accepted shape for Germanic wines such as the Gewurztraminer and Reisling.
The Bordelaise bottle with straight sides and obvious shoulders is the classic shaped bottle used for wines from the Bordeaux region in South-Western France. Since both red and white wines are made in Bordeaux, you will find Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, for example, in these shaped bottles.
The Burgundy bottle-shape has gently sloping shoulders. Wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can be found in these bottles. The Burgundy bottle is sturdier, heavier and wider than the other types.
The Rhône bottle-shape, originally from the wine region of Southern France, is similar to the Burgundy bottle but has a slimmer girth, yet it is easily distinguishable form the Germanic hock-style bottle. Syrah and Viognier are examples of a wines found in this type of bottle.
Conclusion: Bottle shape has nothing to do with its ability to improve wine. Flavour development and enhancement takes place whilst the wine is stored in the special French Oak barrels prior to bottling.
