Red Wine Bottles

Red Wine Bottles: A Guide to What You'll Find in Restaurants in the USA

As a food columnist, I'm often asked about the different types of red wine bottles that can be found in restaurants in the USA. Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the wine list:

Bordeaux Bottles

Bordeaux bottles are the most common type of red wine bottle found in restaurants. They are tall and slender, with a pronounced shoulder and a long neck. Bordeaux bottles are typically used for wines from the Bordeaux region of France, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Burgundy Bottles

Burgundy bottles are shorter and wider than Bordeaux bottles, with a sloping shoulder and a shorter neck. Burgundy bottles are typically used for wines from the Burgundy region of France, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Rhône Bottles

Rhône bottles are similar to Burgundy bottles, but they are slightly taller and have a more pronounced shoulder. Rhône bottles are typically used for wines from the Rhône Valley region of France, such as Syrah and Grenache.

Italian Bottles

Italian wine bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common type is the Chianti bottle. Chianti bottles are short and squat, with a wide base and a narrow neck. Chianti bottles are typically used for wines from the Chianti region of Italy, such as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Spanish Bottles

Spanish wine bottles also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common type is the Rioja bottle. Rioja bottles are tall and slender, with a pronounced shoulder and a long neck. Rioja bottles are typically used for wines from the Rioja region of Spain, such as Tempranillo and Garnacha.

American Bottles

American wine bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common type is the California bottle. California bottles are tall and slender, with a pronounced shoulder and a long neck. California bottles are typically used for wines from the California region of the USA, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Other Bottles

In addition to the bottles listed above, there are a number of other types of red wine bottles that can be found in restaurants in the USA. These bottles include:

Choosing the Right Red Wine Bottle

When choosing a red wine bottle, it's important to consider the type of wine you are drinking and the occasion. For example, a Bordeaux bottle is a good choice for a full-bodied red wine that is meant to be enjoyed with a meal. A Burgundy bottle is a good choice for a lighter-bodied red wine that is meant to be enjoyed on its own. And a Chianti bottle is a good choice for a fruity red wine that is meant to be enjoyed with a casual meal.

No matter what type of red wine you choose, be sure to enjoy it responsibly!