Wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy are easy to recognize, and have different bottle shapes.
I can explain you why and give you some pointers to impress your guests by declaring at a glance: "This one, just by its shape, I can tell you that it is a Burgundy! "
Originally, wine bottles shapes differ by tradition and regulations.
The bottle is an innovation that was widely broadcast from the eighteenth century. Its use was standardized when it was understood that wine kept in bottles is better than kept in barrels! Soon enough, its capacity was defined as 75 cl (see here why!). However, the shape of the bottle varies. Some are slender, like Alsace wines, for example, while others will be curved, straight, or chunkier. We find even wearing coats of arms, such valuable bottles showing off their acclaim! So, can we find a common denominator in this joyful mishmash? The answer is yes !
The shape of the bottles depends on its region. History and tradition have molded the shapes of bottles, which often reflect their origin.
The Burgundy bottle: Potbellied, high, with soft shoulders and slender neck, with a barrel (the widest part) of slightly conical shape (Chateau Haut Brion always used elsewhere), here the Burgundy bottle, several colors are possible such as the "dead leaf" to remind its color! It appeared in Burgundy in the late 17th century and is now widespread throughout the world.
The Bordeaux bottle: Previously, Bordeaux bottles were shaped cones; but as it was neither practical nor very strong, they have become cylindrical. Synonymous with quality wine, it is adopted in several other regions, which do not have their bottle of record!
The Côtes du Rhône bottle: The specialty of these bottles is the "branding" of each one of its cities, represented by a flag (in French, écusson).
So, if you’re a beginner and are afraid to make a mistake, now that you are able to determine the shape of a bottle next time you go to a shop, buy a Burgundy wine, from the list I mentioned. It's considered risk-free, as the tanins are softer than the Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux.
