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Dimples in the bottle

The dimple or indentation in the bottom of a bottle is called a PUNT. Originally meant to strengthen handblown glass containers; now mostly for show, except in sparkling wine bottles. Bottles for Champagne and sparkling wines, which must withstand extra pressure, have especially deep punts. The dimple does give the wine waiter a place to put their thumb, allowing an elegant way to pour the wine. Trying to guess a wine based on the dimple is risky but there is some truth in this urban myth. Extra glass is needed to to create a dimple and the extra glass costs money. Cheap and very cheap bottles tend not to have a dimple or have very shallow dimples and they use the cheapest, lightest glass available. More expensive wines are more profitable and are able to afford higher quality, heavier glass and extra glass to create bigger dimples. Have a look next time you open a bottle!