Almost every glass bottle, whether it’s wine, beer or mineral water, has a recognizable indentation at the bottom. Although many notice it, hardly anyone knows its real purpose.
At first glance, it may seem like an aesthetic detail, but behind it there is a practical reason that dates back to the time when bottles were made by hand.
In the past, when bottles were blown into a mold, their bottoms were often not completely flat. This is precisely why the indentation was introduced, which helped to cover up irregularities and make the bottle stand more stably, without swaying and tipping over.
Even today, despite modern production, this detail has several useful functions. Thanks to it, the bottom of the bottle is stronger and more resistant to cracking, and in the case of carbonated drinks and sparkling wines, it enables an even distribution of pressure.
Also, sommeliers use the indentation to hold and pour the wine more elegantly, while in wine, the sediment stays at the edges, so the drink in the glass remains clearer.
However, although it is often believed that a deeper recess means a better quality wine, experts point out that this is not the rule. Its depth depends more on the design of the bottle than on the quality of its contents.
