A walk through the old deposits: from mud to wood
For centuries, our venerated wine and beer found their home in containers made of natural materials, from the traditional clay amphorae that crossed civilizations and epochs, to the robust wooden barrels that defined the western tradition. In civilizations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome, the use of clay vessels was a constant, facilitating their transport, storage and conservation. However, over time, these options gave way to containers that would facilitate life in homes and wine makers.
The arrival of glass: a revolution in wine history
It was in the seventeenth century when the glass transformed the way to keep and appreciate wine worldwide. The first known bottle, dated in 1657, marks a milestone. But its origin dates back to the advances in the technique of the thirteenth century in Venice, where artisans and scientists began to study the properties of glass, perfecting its manufacture and characteristics. In those times, the bottles were more curves, with delicate walls made by blown glass, offering an aesthetic and functionality that we still value today.
Evolution in forms and capacities: adapting to tastes and needs
With the popularity of the champagne and other sparkling wines, the resistance of the bottles was subjected to tests to withstand the pressure of the carbon dioxide. This led, in the 18th century, to the manufacture of bottles with a more elongated profile, specifically designed to contain its effervescence. The standard size of 750 ml, which today seems natural, has its origin in various theories. The most accepted relates this measure to medieval traditions and the standardization of the British imperial system, where five fifths of a gallon were equivalent to this amount, facilitating its transport and marketing.
Color, closure and influence of oenology teachers
The dark green classic of the bottles is not a casual choice. It is a natural filter that helps protect the wine from the harmful ultraviolet rays, preserving its quality. As for the sealing, the cork, from the cork bark, became the favorite material after the discoveries of the monk Dom Pierre Perignon, who perfected the technique to seal bottles without risk of explosions due to gas pressure. This closing method, still in force, marks a key point in the quality and longevity of the wine stored in the bottle.
Why does the wine become better over time? The magicó of aging
As the wine remains in the bottle, it experiences a maturation process that develops its aromatic character and flavor. The reduction in oxygen – to be sealed by a quality cork – allows chemical compounds to evolve, creating the complex and sophisticated bouquet that we appreciate in old wines. The science behind this reveals how aldehydes, esters and other compounds are transformed, combining to offer enriched sensory experience. Therefore, many wealthy classes began to turn their wine into a kind of investment, accumulating bottles in special showcases and in controlled environments to enhance their aging.
Beyond the classic: new modern formats and trends
In recent decades, innovation has brought new formats and presentations that respond to different markets and market strategies. From the Magnum, with its 1.5 liters, to the medium or third bottles of liter, each responds to a purpose: to facilitate the consumption, export or marketing. The evolution continues, reflecting the adaptation of the world of wine to the demands of a globalized market, where practicality and exclusivity shake hands on each label.
