Bottles are changing and If you think they are a detail in preserving quality, think again.

Humanity has been trying to find the best way to transport drinks while maintaining their quality for millennia. It is essential for all steps in the supply chain. 

At Meron, our team of chemical analysts, who have specialized in wine and spirits quality assessment for 30 years, witness firsthand the impact bottles can have on the overall sensory experience, aging, and, ultimately, enjoyment. 

Holding a global database and analyzing thousands of bottles annually, our team can stay ahead of the curve and has compiled some of the most important considerations to have when choosing a bottle:

Protecting from Light Exposure:

Just as a shell guards a hermit crab’s fragile body, the color of the bottle serves as armor, shielding the wine from harmful UV rays. Dark-colored glass bottles, such as green or amber, act as sentinels, safeguarding the wine’s delicate flavors and aromas from light-induced degradation.

Ensuring Optimal Weight:

The thickness of the glass is like the foundation of a skyscraper, providing stability and resilience. Thicker glass bottles not only insulate the wine against temperature fluctuations but also fortify it against physical damage, ensuring that every sip retains its intended essence. This said, @Janis Robinson (https://www.linkedin.com/company/jancisrobinson/) advocates for a maximizing the weight of a wine bottle to be 420 grams. Is yours lower or higher? 

Preserving with the Right Closure:

Like a trustworthy companion, the choice of closure plays a crucial role in preserving the wine’s integrity. Whether it’s natural cork or screw caps, each closure method influences the wine’s aging potential and development, ultimately shaping its character over time. Choose the proper closure for the quality and aging potential you want to provide. Not sure? Ask us!

Enhancing Presentation:

Beyond mere functionality, the shape and design of the bottle elevate the wine’s presentation, transforming it into an artful masterpiece. A more convenient shape for logistical reasons can also decrease your transportation costs. Some examples in the wine industry are the Bocksbeutel mostly from Germany (Rheinhessen) and Portugal (especially for Rosé), the high slender bottles in Alsace, the so-called Flûte de Alsace. In Bordeaux its typical Bordeaux bottle is a staple standing high on the shoulders. Do you know how much changing the bottle design can affect the quality of its interior? 

Embracing Sustainability:

Winemakers and distillers increasingly embrace lighter bottle options to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising quality. There is no legislation regarding sustainability yet, but Meron and its international partners are leading the way to raise awareness on this matter. In the past year, the lightest bottle we analysed was 350g and the heaviest 1100g. How are you leveraging how sustainable your bottle can be without compromising quality?

By understanding the profound impact of bottle choice, we can unlock every bottle’s full potential, enriching the sensorial experience visually and taste. Beyond that, the type of bottle often gives consumers a recognition. Within that recognition, many more varieties of bottles have arised from wines outside of Europe.

Do you have an objective analysis that helps you choose the bottle for your upcoming harvest? Are the bottles you stock breaking easily? Is your bottle ahead of the curve and future proof to the upcoming legislation? Ask us and find out!