Wine bottles are 75 cl in size due to the standardization of the format adopted in France since the 19th century. This capacity was chosen to offer a good balance between quantity, transport, conservation, and sharing.
This somewhat strange format of 75 cl dates back to the 19th century, a time when the English bought a large portion of French wines. The British then measured in imperial gallons, and the Bordeaux barrels of 225 liters corresponded exactly to 50 gallons. Convenient for everyone: it was simply a matter of dividing the barrel into 300 bottles, which results in exactly our famous 75 cl bottles. It suited both producers and buyers, and this format has remained standard ever since. Therefore, we owe this peculiar capacity to a mix of Bordeaux traditions and British commercial demands.
The 75 cl format quickly established itself because it represents an ideal quantity to serve around six glasses, with a bottle generally being enough to satisfy two people during a meal without waste. Moreover, this size is large enough to be cost-effective to produce — glass, storage, transport — but small enough to easily attract consumers. From a commercial standpoint, it also allows merchants and restaurateurs to sell at a price perceived as reasonable by the customer, while maintaining an interesting margin. In short, it's a perfect compromise between practicality, cost, and customer satisfaction.
A 75 cl bottle is an ideal size for easy handling. Its weight is convenient for pouring with one hand on the bottle and the other under the base. In terms of storage, it fits perfectly into standard wooden cases that have been used for a long time. This allows for easy stacking and saves space for storage. Overall, this format is simply a good compromise between size, weight, and sturdiness.
Once the 75 cl format naturally established itself over time, it was primarily European regulations that solidified it. Since the late 1970s, a European directive has clearly defined the different quantities allowed for the sale of bottled wine, in order to facilitate trade within Europe. The 75 cl standard thus becomes a practical compromise that suits almost everyone, from producers to distributors and consumers, without getting lost in a ton of different formats. There is no question of having bottles of all possible sizes: the rules of the game are simplified for everyone.
The 75 cl bottle format has become a true reference worldwide, somewhat like the Big Mac of wine. It is recognized as a standard, whether in Europe, America, or even Asia. It greatly simplifies international trade and consumer habits, as you don’t need to check every time what quantity you are buying: you already know what you will receive. This standard also facilitates the comparison of prices and qualities, and it has established itself as a sort of cultural code related to wine. When someone says "a bottle," everyone immediately understands that they are talking about the famous 75 cl bottle. It has become a real identity element, a sort of universal common reference that transcends borders.
The color of the glass in bottles plays an essential role: the darker it is, the more it protects the wine from light by limiting exposure to UV rays, thereby helping to preserve all of its taste qualities.
The 'Magnum' format (1.5 liters), highly favored by enthusiasts, preserves wines better in the long term, as the ratio between the surface area of the wine and the volume of air is optimal.
The tradition of the 75 cl format is believed to stem from the average lung capacity of glassblowers who used to create bottles by mouth, thereby naturally limiting the size of the containers.
The recessed bottom of the bottle, also known as a 'punt', enhances the strength of the glass and facilitates stability, while giving an impression of luxury and elegance.
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