Definition: bottle (colour of the)

However, the colour of the glass is even more important. It has a direct influence on the ageing process. In other words, depending on its colour, glass allows more or less UV rays to pass through, which accelerate maturation, especially neon light. White glass offers no protection against light, which is why it is used for white wines that are meant to be drunk young and to highlight the colour of rosé wines. Green bottles provide better protection from light, but brown bottles are the most effective. Light also alters the taste. We refer to this as 'light taste' in wines that have been exposed to neon light for long periods of time.
It is therefore recommended to store bottles in a dark cellar or in wooden cases. Even cardboard boxes stored in a damp cellar can become mouldy and impart a bad taste to the wine.
Avoid buying bottles that have been displayed in a shop window or under a light source for a prolonged period. Neon tube light is particularly damaging to bottled wine, especially if the bottles are made of white, transparent glass.