Champagne is synonymous with celebration and luxury, and nothing embodies this more than the grandeur of a large champagne bottle. Champagne bottle sizes come in a range of names, each with its unique history and association with grand celebrations. In this article, we will explore the different champagne bottle size names and their origins.
Several of the bottles are named for Biblical kings and historical figures.
Piccolo or Quarter
A Piccolo, or Quarter is 1/4 of a bottle. In Italian, it means “small”. It is 187.5ml which is exactly equal to one Tulip glass
Half Bottle
A Half Bottle is, exactly half a bottle, that is 0.375 litres.
Demi
A Demi is a 500ml champagne bottle. It is also known occasionally as ‘Fillete’ which means “little girl”.
Standard Bottle
The standard bottle of champagne is also known as the “bottle,” which holds 750 milliliters of champagne, equivalent to six glasses. The standard bottle is the most commonly used bottle size and is ideal for a small gathering or intimate celebration.
Magnum (2 bottles, 1.5 liters)
The Magnum is one of the most recognizable champagne bottle sizes, holding 1.5 liters or the equivalent of two standard bottles. The name “Magnum” comes from the Latin word for “great,” and it is the perfect size for larger gatherings or parties. It is also a popular choice for wedding toasts and special occasions.
Jeroboam (4 bottles, 3 liters)
The Jeroboam is a large champagne bottle size that holds three liters, equivalent to four standard bottles. The Jeroboam’s name is derived from the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and it is a popular choice for grand celebrations and corporate events.
Rehoboam (6 bottles, 4.5 liters)
The Rehoboam is a rare champagne bottle size that holds six liters or the equivalent of eight standard bottles. The name “Rehoboam” comes from the name of the son of King Solomon in the Old Testament. The Rehoboam is a popular choice for large gatherings and luxury celebrations.
Methuselah (8 bottles, 6 liters)
The Methuselah is a champagne bottle size that holds eight liters, equivalent to twelve standard bottles. The name “Methuselah” comes from the oldest person mentioned in the Bible, and it is a popular choice for luxury events and weddings.
Salmanazar (12 bottles, 9 liters)
The Salmanazar is a large champagne bottle size that holds twelve liters or the equivalent of sixteen standard bottles. The name “Salmanazar” comes from the name of a Babylonian king, and it is a rare bottle size used for grand celebrations, corporate events, and large gatherings.
Balthazar (16 bottles, 12 liters)
The Balthazar is a champagne bottle size that holds sixteen liters or the equivalent of twenty standard bottles. The name “Balthazar” comes from one of the three wise men mentioned in the Bible, and it is a rare bottle size used for luxury celebrations and large corporate events.
Nebuchadnezzar (20 bottles, 15 liters)
The Nebuchadnezzar is a champagne bottle size that holds twenty liters, equivalent to twenty-seven standard bottles. The name “Nebuchadnezzar” comes from the king of Babylon, and it is a rare bottle size used for grand celebrations and large corporate events.
Solomon (24 bottles, 18 liters)
King Solomon succeeded his father, King David of Israel. He was reportedly extremely wealthy and a very wise king. The Solomon bottle is relatively rare and is only produced by some of the original French Champagne producers.
Sovereign (34 bottles, 25 liters)
The Sovereign champagne bottle was reportedly created by Taittinger in 1988. It was to celebrate the launch of the then-world’s largest cruise liner ‘Sovereign of the Seas‘.
Primat or Goliath (36 bottles, 27 liters)
The Primat bottle has a capacity of 27 liters or 36 bottles. this bottle weighs around 65 kilograms (143 pounds) and stands 1 metre or 40 inches tall. “Primat” probably refers to the Latin word ‘prīmās‘, meaning ‘chief or noble’.
Melchizedek Or Midas (40 bottles, 30 liters)
The Melchizedek is the largest champagne bottle size, holding thirty liters or the equivalent of forty standard bottles. The name “Melchizedek” comes from the name of a biblical figure, and it is a rare and highly sought-after bottle size used for luxury celebrations and rare vintages.
Conclusion
Champagne bottle sizes come in a range of names, each with its unique history and association with grand celebrations. From the standard bottle to the Melchizedek, each bottle size has its unique place in the world of champagne and luxury celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or any other special occasion, choosing the right champagne bottle size can add an extra touch of grandeur and elegance to any celebration. So, next time you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your celebration, consider the different champagne bottle size names and their histories.
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