Similar shapes

Wine bottles, by and large, can be divided into about six different shapes:

The Bordeaux bottle has cylindrical walls and high shoulders

The Port bottle is of similar shape, but sports a bulbous neck.

Burgundy and Rhône bottles have sloping shoulders (Châteauneuf-du-Pape is embossed with crossed keys).

Rhine, Mosel and Alsace wines are presented in tall, slender bottles.

Wines from the Franconia region are traditionally bottled in the “bocksbeutel” (Do you remember the shape of a Mateus Rosé bottle?)

Champagne bottles are similar in shape to Burgundy bottles, but with a more robust construction to withstand the pressure of the sparkling wine.

Wineries of the New World tend to use a bottle based on its grape varietal’s most common European region. A producer of Pinot Noir in Prince Edward County, for example, will use a Burgundy bottle.

Why are wine bottles colored? Their contents need to be protected from natural sunlight that can break down the antioxidants and shorten the longevity of the wine. Some producers use clear glass for white wine or sparkling rosé wine, since these wines are created for more immediate consumption.

And, while the shape might be dictated by tradition, the composition of its glass is changing. The cost of transporting traditional bottles is substantial: manufacturers are working to develop stronger, lighter glass to minimize this expense.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
This week, I tasted the Harwood Estate Vineyards’ 2010 Admiral’s Blend of Pinot Noir and St. Laurent ($25).

Since the St Laurent varietal is a result of crossing Pinot Noir and another unidentified vine, it is not inconceivable that blending these two fruits would produce a sublime wine. Pinot Noir never disappoints with its expression of satiny red fruits. St. Laurent has been said to come across as a Pinot Noir “with boots on”. These two are definitely kissing cousins.

The “Admiral’s Blend” has a delightfully rich colour, with a ripe bouquet of red fruits, smoky Italian sausage, and pencil shavings. The flavours are full dark fruit with a cherry cola finish, firm acidity, hints of cigar box, and generous tannins. This wine is neatly presented, with an approachable alcohol level of 11%, which allows the nuances of the fruit to present themselves for your enjoyment.

Harwood Estate Vineyards is located at 18908 Loyalist Highway, just west of Hillier.