From the fertile valleys along the Nile and Tigris-Euphrates rivers to the undulating hills of the Mediterranean, the grapevine has been revered for its biological alchemy in transforming humble fruit into an exalted libation. Take a look at any culture from all parts of the world, and you would surprisingly discover one similarity in their way of life — drinking wine. Remnants of ancient wine jars and drinking vessels provide evidence of wine’s significance in the spiritual practices of our ancestors. Literary works from eras past, whether the poems of Hafez or the plays of the English Renaissance, demonstrate how profoundly wine has pervaded the human experience.
Fortunately, I had the opportunity to attend a 30-minute wine-tasting activity at the Cordis Hotel in Hong Kong with my mom. The experience was inspiring — instead of bombarding us with a deluge of facts, the Sommelier guided us like a time-traveling sage. He posed thought-provoking questions that unlocked the hidden histories behind the wine and the bottles. We pondered the ingenuity of those early glass artisans, molding the first fragile vessels to cradle nature’s nectar. We retraced the footsteps of merchants who risked all to introduce their wine to foreign soils.
What tales and mysteries lie within the wine bottles? I want to share a part of my experience regarding wine bottles with you, so follow my instructions and make wild, educated guesses.
Take a moment to make a guess before you move on to reveal the answer: why are wine bottles typically 750ml in size?
It’s a question that has puzzled many, with numerous conjectures proposed: whether it’s the ideal size for easy handling, perfect for sharing among 3 to 4 diners, or the maximum amount one can safely consume in a single sitting. Yet the answer is rooted in the historical craftsmanship of glassblowers. Dating back to the early days of glass bottle production, workers meticulously crafted each vessel by hand, blowing molten sand into shape. Only one breath is allowed when blowing the glass to ensure the smoothness of the bottle. While the average lung capacity of these artisans happened to be around 750ml, the standard wine bottle size was thus born.
Next time you reach for a bottle of wine, take a closer look at its bottom. You may notice that instead of being flat, it is curved inside, a design choice that was carefully made. Why is it?
This curvature traces its origins back to the challenges of transportation in centuries past. In an era before smooth highways and sturdy shipping containers, wine faced perilous journeys across rough terrain in horse-drawn carriages. The curved bottom, with its enhanced stability and reduced risk of breakage, emerged as a brilliant solution to mitigate the huge loss of wine during bumpy rides.
Therefore, the next time you savor a glass of wine, take a moment to ponder the secrets it holds and the journey it has traveled. However, remember to keep one foot firmly grounded in the present. Don’t overindulge and enjoy each offering with intention and prudence. Cheers!
