We previously discussed the progress made by using oak barrels as containers instead of amphorae when transporting wine. In addition to the added value that wood brought to the aromas and flavours of the wine.

The use of glass bottles as a container, was the result of centuries of evolution. Although in the time of the Roman Empire vessels of about 270 ml were used, which was the daily consumption of Roman soldiers, it was not until the 13th century when, in Venice, they began to experiment with glass and its possibilities.

It was in the 17th century when wine consumption acquired special relevance, especially at celebrations and banquets, which is why a container that would allow it to be served and transported in a more comfortable way began to be considered, giving rise to the glass bottle, which, logically, , was not like the ones we have today.

The appearance of glass bottles, made using the technique of blown glass, was a revolution. Later, around 1821, the way of making bottles industrially, just like the ones we have today, was patented. we know today.

There are different theories about its size, from the fact that it was the measurement that the blowers could achieve in one go, to the version that it was something traditional because the daily ration per person was that amount.

Although the most accepted theory comes from the The Middle Ages, which explains that the measure is one-fifth of an English gallon (750 ml), a size that is easy to transport, store and serve.

The transition from oak barrels to bottles, until consumption, is the origin of the ageing of wine that is carried out today, with more or less time spent in each container, depending on whether the wine is crianza, reserva or gran reserva.

The size of the bottles was later fixed by an international treaty, although over time, other formats of different sizes have appeared depending on the needs of consumption and storage.

At Bodegas Federico, the marketing format for our wines is in bottles. 750 ml, except for our Federico Roble red wine, which is also available in a 1,500 ml Magnum format.