Champagne comes in a surprising array of bottle sizes, each with its own name and purpose. From the petite “piccolo” to the enormous “Primat,” this guide will quench your thirst for knowledge (and maybe some Champagne) as we explore the fascinating world of Champagne bottle sizes.
Champagne Bottle Sizes and Names
Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones, moving from smallest to largest:
Mini bottle (20cl): Also known as a “piccolo” or “quarter bottle,” this tiny size holds just one serving of Champagne. Perfect for a single celebratory toast or adding a touch of bubbly to a picnic basket.
Half bottle (37.5cl): This size is ideal for two people or for those who want to enjoy a glass of Champagne without committing to a full bottle.
Standard bottle (75cl): The most common size, holding approximately six glasses of Champagne. This is the classic choice for celebrations and everyday enjoyment.
Magnum (1.5L): Equivalent to two standard bottles, a magnum is perfect for larger gatherings or for those who truly appreciate Champagne. The larger bottle size allows for slower aging and potentially more complex flavors.
Jeroboam (3L): Named after a king of Israel, this size holds four standard bottles and is ideal for impressive presentations or large parties.
Rehoboam (4.5L): The son of King Jeroboam gets his own bottle size! This one holds six standard bottles and is sure to make a statement at any event.
Methuselah (6L): Named after the biblical figure known for his longevity, a Methuselah holds eight standard bottles. This size is often reserved for special occasions or for serious Champagne collectors.
Salmanazar (9L): Named after an Assyrian king, a Salmanazar holds twelve standard bottles. Get ready for a truly epic celebration!
Balthazar (12L): This size, named after one of the three wise men, holds sixteen standard bottles. Prepare for a truly extravagant celebration with this behemoth.
Nebuchadnezzar (15L): The largest commercially available Champagne bottle size, named after a Babylonian king, holds twenty standard bottles. This is a bottle fit for royalty (or a very large party).
Solomon (18L): This size, named after the wise king, is even larger than a Nebuchadnezzar and holds twenty-four standard bottles. It’s a rare sight, but truly unforgettable.
Primat (27L): The biggest bottle you’ll likely encounter, a Primat holds a whopping thirty-six standard bottles. This is a bottle for the most extravagant celebrations imaginable.
What is a Melchizedek bottle?
Beyond the List: The Rare Melchizedek
While the list covered a wide range of Champagne bottle sizes, there’s one more worthy of mention – the Melchizedek. This behemoth holds a staggering 30 liters, equivalent to 40 standard bottles of Champagne.
Due to its immense size, Melchizedeks are not as readily available and are typically reserved for extraordinary celebrations or for serious collectors. The name, like many Champagne bottle sizes, pays homage to a biblical figure – King Melchizedek.
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