🍷 Demijohn

A demijohn, or carboy, is a large glass container in a woven covering. It usually holds from five to fifty litres. The neck is narrow, so it is easy to pour into and to close with a stopper. The wickerwork of vine, straw or plastic protects the glass from knocks and makes it easier to carry.

Such bottles have long been used to store and carry wine, water and oil. The name comes from the French dame-jeanne. In Italy they are called damigiana. Home winemakers like demijohns. They are handy for leaving young wine to ferment: an airlock is fitted on the neck, so gas escapes but air does not get in. The wine then settles and is bottled.

The demijohn is tied to home winemaking and to wine in general. It is household equipment, like a milk churn on other farms. Glass lets in no odours and does not affect taste, but light can harm wine, so demijohns are kept in a dark place. Such a container must be washed and sanitised very carefully.