Definition: Bottom of the bottle

Name given to the lower part of the bottle. The bottom of some bottles often has a conical bulge on the inside, known as the piqûre. This indentation has a traditional technical explanation: it provided glassblowers with a grip for their tongs when shaping the bottle. It was later discovered that this conical indentation at the bottom of the bottle facilitated the precipitation of sediment. In Champagne, cellar masters claimed that this indentation increased the strength of the bottle and had a positive effect on the fineness of the effervescence. Furthermore, this shape of the bottom of the bottle allows the sommelier to place their thumb there when serving "à la pince" (with tongs). This is an elegant way of serving, allowing guests to read the label. It should also be noted that this indentation allows the bottle to be wrapped more carefully in tissue paper. Finally, the upright bottle gains in stability.