Kick

Kick meaning on a wine bottle

A kick is an alternative name for the punt, which is the concave indentation molded into the base of a wine bottle. This upward-curving depression typically measures 15-20mm in depth and serves multiple practical functions in winemaking and bottle handling. The kick strengthens the bottle’s structural integrity by distributing pressure more evenly, particularly important for sparkling wines that contain 6 atmospheres of pressure. It also facilitates proper riddling during méthode champenoise production, allowing bottles to rest securely in riddling racks at various angles. The indentation provides a secure grip point for servers when pouring, with the thumb placed in the kick while fingers support the bottle’s body. Historically, the kick helped collect sediment away from the bottle’s shoulder, though modern filtration techniques have reduced this necessity. The depth and shape of kicks vary by bottle style and producer preference, with Champagne bottles typically featuring the deepest kicks due to pressure requirements. While some wine enthusiasts mistakenly associate deeper kicks with higher quality wines, the indentation’s primary purposes remain structural and functional rather than indicative of wine quality or value.