Contrary to popular myths about 75cl being the amount of wine somebody needs with a meal, or the lung capacity of glass blowers, the reason is purely mathematical and based on history.
In the 19th century, the main customers of French wine producers were the English and the unit of volume of the English was the “imperial gallon” which was equivalent 4.54609 litres.
Wine was transported in 50 gallons barrels. 50 gallons is equivalent to approximately 225 litres. The British wine merchants decided that the 225 litres made a convenient 300 bottles of 75cl each. 225/300=0.75.
This is also why many wines are sold in cases of 6 bottles because six bottles equals one gallon.
Did you know?
The indentation in the base of a wine bottle is known as a punt. It is there to help the bottle remain more stable when standing upright.
HEAL 