Wine Bottles - Different Types and How to Choose the Right Bottle for Your Wine

wine bottle

While the variety of wines is constantly changing and evolving, the style, elegance and practicality of the bottles themselves remain the same. There are many factors to consider when choosing a container for your wine, including variety, price point, time of consumption, and where/how it is stored.

For red wines, the most commonly used color bottle is Antique Green, which is a darker, more brownish green. The purpose of this coloration is mainly to protect the wine from oxidation. Red wines are usually stored in a cool, dark place (like a wine cellar) to protect them from bad weather.

White wines are usually bottled in clear bottles to show color and clarity. White wines tend to be less prone to oxidation because they are stored in cooler environments and should be drunk faster.

The most common bottle styles are:

wine red (straight edge)

Burgundy (neckline, wide bottom)

Tapered red wine (wider at the shoulders, narrower at the bottom)

Hock (tall and skinny, no shoulders)

Some suggestions for wine/bottle combinations are as follows:

Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Pinto Gris, Rose’ wines – clear bottles, red wine style

Chardonnay, Rose" - Clear Burgundy

Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah, (some) Chardonnay - antique green burgundy style

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Danparagillo, Malbec, Red Blend, Zinfandel - Antique Red Style

Reisling – Antique green or transparent hock style

Rose’ – Clear Hock style

Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends, petite syrah, da Palaniello - antique green cone red wine

A good indicator when choosing a bottle based on a wine's price point is that heavier glasses are considered to hold better quality wines, while lighter and thinner glasses are considered less expensive, or for quick drinking of wine. The indent at the bottom of the bottle is called a pan or "push-up." The deeper or wider the punt, the more premium the wine is considered to be. Also, the neck of the bottle can be a cork or screw cap. Cork-finished necks are often considered traditional, and screw caps are considered practical, especially if the wine is to be drunk in one sitting. Both have good barrier protection.