New Bollinger bottle to reduce oxidation rate

Bollinger used the London International Wine Fair yesterday to unveil a unique 75cl bottle that mimics the shape of a magnum.

The new packaging was inspired by a bottle of Bollinger from 1846 found in the company’s cellars, and will be used across the entire range, starting with the Brut NV Special Cuvée.

Speaking at the launch, Bollinger CEO Jérôme Philippon told the drinks business that the switch was motivated by a desire “to develop a unique and authentic bottle for Bollinger”.

“My objective is to further the differentiation of Bollinger: our taste is different and our bottle shape should be different, and unique to us,” he added.

He also explained that the new shape had a “side benefit”.

This is connected to the bottle’s slightly broader base and narrower neck, which ensures there is a reduced oxygen contact with the Champagne compared to a standard bottle.

This change should mean that oxidation of the Champagne in the bottle will take place at a slightler slower rate, which, Jérôme believes, will be somewhere between the rate for a standard bottle and a magnum.

Indeed, the new bottle’s appearance makes it look like a scaled down magnum, and Jérôme pointed out that the ratio of the new bottle’s diameter at the neck to the diameter at the base is closer to a magnum than it is to a standard bottle (see figures below).

Nevertheless, despite the bottle’s slighly broader base, it still fits in the same gift carton and Bollinger promised it won’t effect merchandising.

Format             Neck diameter (mm)     Base diameter (mm)      Ratio

Standard          29                                85                                0.34

Magnum           29                              115                                0.25

New 75cl          26                                93                                0.28