'Carafe,' is French for a decanter or water jug. In Italian it translates
as 'caraffa'. Though alas, it is neither. I believe it is better known to
our Tuscinian friends as a fiaschi bottle, though I have seen it spelt
numerous other ways, (including, fiasco !)though this traditional packaging
includes the bottle shape aswell. I've never heard of a reason for it, at
least not a sober one, but a mate of mine in the wine industry suggests its
an old marketing gimmick. I suppose a bit like the Tanqueray bottle.
Take it easy
Paolo