Punt to the finish

“Punt” is the correct name for the dimple on the end of a wine bottle. There is no actual agreement as to why it still exists.

When wine bottles were hand-blown, a dimple was left on the inside of the bottle to prevent glass-blowing imperfections from scratching a wooden surface. Eliminating the blown bottom surface also provided a more stable base for the bottle. A modern, more practical reason for the punt is to allow the steam sterilization of bottles prior to filling with wine. The dimple also allows wine bottles be stacked in cellars end-to-end.

Compare the weight of a champagne bottle to a regular wine bottle: the champagne bottle is usually made of thicker glass. Combined with a “punt” and the wired cork, this allows a bottle to sustain the pressure of the champagne.

Wine producers who take exceptional pride in their creations showcase their wine in heavy bottles with deeper punts. The volume of contents remains the same as more common wine bottles. Because of shipping costs, however, this exclusive packaging is becoming more and more rare.

Although there are other rationales for the retaining the punt, some are best described as old wives’ tales. One of the best is “the bigger the punt, the better the wine.”

Next week we will find out why wine bottles are coloured.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
Black Prince Winery has released an award winning 2010 Cabernet Franc Terroir ($29.95).

Beautifully crafted by Geoff Webb, who carefully selected the best local fruit, this wine was aged for 18 months in barrels made from Prince Edward County oak. The impact of local wood, in barrels made by Peter Bradford of the Carriage House Cooperage, is amazing.

The wine is a deep rich blood red, with aromas of frankincense, cherry, pomegranate, and a hint of licorice. An unexpectedly balanced palate is layered with cherry, raw chocolate, oyster shell, and black truffles.

This Cabernet Franc has a respectable alcohol level of 12 per cent and well deserves the 2012 Canadian Wine Award Bronze Medal. Cabernet Franc Terroir is available at the winery, located at 13370 Loyalist Parkway, in Picton.