For the past thirty years, manufacturers have started employing colored bottles. Colors are frequently linked with specific wine periods and regions. For example, Bordeaux wines were generally offered in amber-colored glass, while Champagne and Riesling were usually served in green glass.
Most modern winemakers are aware that the color of the glass affects how well the wine is protected. For example, scientific research has shown that UV radiation can negatively impact wine, producing oxidation and the development of uncomfortable tastes, particularly in white wines.
The technical and cultural factors that influence manufacturers’ decisions between colored and clear wine bottles are discussed in this article.
UV Light and its Unseen Impact on Wine Aging:
Wine has been stored in dark caves and containers since the 1700s, where it remains protected from light while being processed, grew older, and even matured in bottles. But as industrialization developed, a large number of bottles had to be sent to retail locations and put on shelves in supermarkets or specialty wine shops.
As a result, this wine can be exposed to natural lights, even at night. Because bottles are subjected to UV-A and the ultraviolet end of the visible light spectrum, this accidentally affects its integrity and decreases its physical quality.
Why Glass Color Matters for Wine Integrity:
Wine integrity is the most significant thing to consider when choosing a glass color. One hour of sunlight can change the character and flavor of wine and cause undesirable tastes since it is light-sensitive to both daylight and fluorescent light.
In fact, wavelengths of light that can pass through the glass of a wine bottle can trigger biotin (vitamin B2), which is found naturally in wine. According to science, the photochemical process occurs when wine is exposed to light with energies between 350 and 500 nanometers (nm).
This is a brief explanation of the differences in UV protection between colored and clear wine glass bottles:
Clear Glass allows a significant amount of UV light to enter, especially in the dangerous UV band, which damages the delicate scents of white and sparkling wines. According to reputable studies, wines in clear glass may develop unpleasant flavors and lose their citrus scents when exposed to light. If the wine is not stored correctly, this eventually impacts the tasting experience.
Colored Glass: The levels of UV protection offered by Deadleaf, Champagne Green, and Antique Green color glass are different. In general, deadleaf color glass allows less than 30% of UV light, whereas antique green glass allows around 70 percent.
Wine Types and Suggested Bottle Colors:
When it comes to bottle color, different wine varieties have different recommendations:
Red Wines: are usually protected from UV radiation by being packaged in Deadleaf glass, Antique Green, and Champagne Green Bottle. Additionally, the darker color corresponds with custom, which raises the wine’s perceived quality.
Sparkling Wines: Green bottles are a common way to find these wines. However, some high-end manufacturers use clear bottles but add additional security measures, including wrapping and packaging, to reduce light exposure.
White Wines: Clear bottles are frequently used for these types of wines. On the other hand, white wines that are meant to be aged should be stored in amber or green bottles. This is because bottles with this color provide superior defense against light damage.
As we’ve seen, choosing between colorful and clear wine bottles requires careful evaluation of a number of variables, such as the type of wine, the ageing plan, and marketing tactics. As a result, the best option is heavily influenced by personal wine preferences and storage conditions.
Distributing colorful and clear wine bottles in Washington, Innovative Sourcing provides a large selection of premium glass wine bottle, ranging from ultra-premium to lightweight.
