Choosing the right bottle and label is the final step in the art of winemaking.
While the bottle and label are more about marketing, branding, and presentation than the winemaking process itself, they do play a role in creating a complete wine experience.
The bottle shape and design can tell about the wine's character and its heritage. For example, a Burgundy bottle (tall, slender) is often associated with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while a Bordeaux bottle (with straight sides and a high shoulder) is commonly used for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and red blends. And, clear bottles are almost alway used for rosé wines in order to show off their color.
The weight of the bottle can also imply quality with heavier bottles often being used to bottle higher-end wines. But, again, this is largely marketing - just because the wine bottle is heavy doesn’t mean it’s a great wine.
As for the label, this is a way to tell a story and give the wine its own identity. A well-designed label can reflect the wine’s origin, the winemaker’s style, and the character of the winery. It's also a way to differentiate a wine from the competition on the shelf. Labels often feature artwork, typography, and even storytelling elements that make the wine stand out and feel unique. For some wineries, creating a memorable label can be just as important as producing a quality wine.
The bottle closure, cork vs. twist-off, and whether to have a foil capsule or not, are other aspects of the chosen wine bottle. Again, a cork is not necessarily better than a twist-off cap (a subject of much debate) and a foil capsule, while providing some protection for a cork, is just another part of the winery’s marketing and method of making their bottle look special.
But, what it all comes down to is what’s Behind the Cork™ - the wine itself. Cheers!