Did you know that wine bottles are as diverse and carefully designed as the wines they contain? From the knurling at the base to the bead at the top, each feature contain  aesthetic, functional and historical aspects to winemaking.⁠ 

The punt provides structural support and helps sediment settle. Shoulders vary by tradition—pronounced in Bordeaux bottles, soft in Burgundy. The narrow neck provides a seal and minimizes oxygen transfer, while the bead adds rigidity where machinery makes contact and grasps the bottle.⁠ ⁠

Understanding bottle anatomy helps us appreciate the history and meticulous attention to detail that goes into every pour. Curious to learn more about the fascinating design of wine bottles? 

Check out our latest blog:  https://gravitywinehouse.com/blog/the-history-and-anatomy-of-a-wine-bottle/ for a more in-depth discussion on wine bottle anatomy.

Two classic styles of shoulders used today are the Bordeaux and Burgundy bottle styles, pictured above.