Many wine drinkers only care about what's inside the wine bottle, but what some may not realize is that a wine bottle is a complex vessel. Over time, wine bottles have changed and evolved into storage that will keep wine fresh for many years and is designed to make the wine drinker have a pleasurable experience.
History
The look of wine bottles has changed over time and throughout different locations. After moving on from storage in jars and other containers, wine drinkers and distributors used bottles to store the fruity drink. Early bottles were all shapes--tall and thin, short and thick and some had handles, unlike today's bottles that are fairly uniform in size and shape. Older bottles also tended to be left blank or were hand painted before the usage of labels.
Function
Obviously, wine bottles hold wine. Otherwise, whether corked or containing a screw top, wine bottles are made to keep wine fresh over many years. Screw tops allow the wine to be enjoyed over a period of time but might not remain as fresh after being opened for the first time. Once a bottle is uncorked, the wine is meant to be consumed at that time, as the cork expands and won't reenter the bottle. However, some wine drinkers use stainless steel bottle corks in order to preserve the wine over a longer period of time.
Parts
Wine bottles may come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most feature the same parts. The base of the wine bottle is the bottom part of it; it's typically wider than the rest of the bottle and may contain a punt---or indention---in it. Above the base is the body of the bottle, which flows from the base until the curvature, which is the neck, typically the thinnest part of the wine bottle. At the top of the neck is the opening, which may be corked or capped.
Types
Over time, wine makers have developed a variety of bottles to store wine in, but a few classic and popular shapes remain. Bordeaux bottles, which generally store cabernet sauvignon and merlot, have a tall body and short, distinct neck, making it more of a classic type. Burgundy bottles, typically storing pinot noir, chardonnay and other white wines, have an average size body that flows into the long neck. Other popular bottles include flute bottles, used for Reisling and other white wines, with a long, slender neck and champagne bottles. Some wines also may come in miniature 100 mL bottles up to 3-liter bottles.
Storage
Full wine bottles are best stored on a wine rack on their side or in a wine cooler. The racks are grooved and often slanted, so the wine flows downward onto the cork for better flavor. Red wines should be consumed at room temperature, while white and blush wines taste better just out of a wine cooler or chiller. White wines also can be stored in a refrigerator on a shelf or an insertable wine rack.
Accessories
Adding accessories to bottles and glasses can make drinking wine more enjoyable. Stainless steel bottle corks allow wine to be enjoyed in more than one sitting, and wine jewelry for the bottle and glasses is an elegant touch. Cloth and paper wine bags also are made for gifting wine bottles.
Locations
Wineries are the best place to find a wide variety of wine bottles and wine. Some smaller, local wineries only may offer a few varieties that it specializes in, but they may present more unique types of wine bottles and wine bottle art and labels. Larger, better known wineries tend to showcase dozens of choices and may feature a few unique wine bottles, but are most likely to be mass produced.
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