Most wine enthusiasts know the different wine bottle sizes, but few are aware of the massive, oversized wine bottle sizes that are also available. For those looking to buy a truly impressive bottle of their favorite vintage, size does matter.
In this article, we will explore the different bigger wine bottle sizes and big wine bottle names. We are focusing on some of the biggest wine bottle sizes in existence and examine their purpose and history.
From giants like the Nebuchadnezzar to more manageable magnums, discover what makes these bigger wine bottles so special. What are the biggest wine bottle sizes names?
Key takeaways
- The smallest commercially available bottle has a volume of 187 ml
- Maximus is the biggest wine bottle with a volume of 130 l
- The most common wine bottles are standard 750 ml and 1,5 l magnum wine bottles
- Wine sold in bigger bottles is more expensive per volume unit due to the more complex handling of large bottles
- Large wine bottles are better for long term storage or expensive wines
Is 375 ml a full or half bottle of wine?
Is 375 ml a full bottle of wine? This is a question many people ask when purchasing their favorite vintages. A 375 ml bottle of wine is also known as a “demie bouteille” or half bottle and contains just one-half of the standard 750 ml wine bottle sizes. This makes it 2 and a half glasses of wine.
In terms of ounces, this standard wine bottle size equals just over 12 ounces, or one and one-half glasses of wine or a single serving if you use a large glass of wine.
If you are looking for a bottle of wine which contains a single serving look for the “split” or piccolo bottle which just contains quarter bottle of 187,5 ml.
Where does the 375 ml bottle come from?
While it may seem like an odd size among bottle sizes, splits have been popular for years in regions such as Europe where smaller bottles are preferred due to their portability and convenience. This is due to stricter alcohol limits for drivers which were introduced in Europe in the late 90ies allowing a limited number of glasses of wine.
Why is 750 ml the standard among wine bottle sizes?
The bordeaux bottle is the most common form of the standard wine bottle. Other standard wine bottle sizes and shapes than the bordeaux bottle with a similar volume are the burgundy wine bottles or the long neck Riesling bottles used in France and Germany.
There are many theories trying to explain why a 750 ml wine bottle is the standard bottle.
EU packaging regulations
European Legislation on packaging (75/106) declared that in large format bottles the wine can be sold only if packed in certain measure containers in the mid 70ies. This made the 750 ml bottle among wine bottle sizes the standard bottle for customers and winemakers.
Glass bottle manufacturing techniques
In the 18° century people discovered the importance to store wine in glass bottles. Glass bottles were made by glass blowers. Their pulmonary strength was limited and permitted to create only bottles up to 650-750 ml size. So they decided most distributed wine to use the biggest one between those, the 750 ml bottle.
Metric system vs imperial system
The 750 ml standard bottle was a metric adaptation of the fifth (fifth of a gallon) which was standard in the US & Britain. At the time each box of wine could only contain 4.5 l or 2 gallons and Britain decided to put 12 bottles per box.
The result are 750 ml per bottle making them standard bottle sizes providing five glasses of wine.
What is a magnum bottle?
A magnum bottle is a large wine bottle containing the equivalent volume of wine of two regular-sized bottles, or 1.5 liters of liquid. This type of wine bottle is typically used to store larger quantities of fine wines and sparkling wines, such as Champagne.
Originally a gigantic bottle created in Burgundy, France by glassmaker André François in 1568. The oversized shape and size of the double standard bottle makes it an impressive sight that stands out among wine bottle sizes. A magnum wine bottle contains 10 standard glasses of wine.
Magnum bottle advantages
The sizable volume contained within these large format wine bottles also has practical benefits when it comes to storing quality wines for extended periods. The ratio between the amount of air trapped inside and liquid stored outside creates an ideal condition for preserving even delicate flavors over time without compromising their quality.
Why is magnum wine more expensive?
They require an increased production cost due to their size and shape. Secondly, they take up much more space when shipped or stored. Magnum bottles mostly do not fit standard logistic processes which increases transport costs.
The magnum bottles contain almost twice the amount of liquid compared to regular wine bottle sizes, suppliers tend to charge premium prices for them.
What is a 4x bottle of wine called?
A jeroboam bottle or double magnum bottle is a large wine bottle that holds the equivalent of four standard bottles, or 3 liters. Jeroboam or double magnum bottles are typically used to store sparkling wines and Champagne.
However, they can also be used to store still wines and spirits. These double magnum size bottles are often considered collector’s items due to their size and unique shape.
A jeroboam bottle for burgundy wines and champagne holds 3 l of wine. The corresponding wine bottle for bordeaux wine and sweet wines is called double magnum. The burgundy jeroboam bottle contains 20 glasses of wine.
The bordeaux jeroboam bottle holds 5 l of red wine. Therefore a double magnum bottle can hold different volumes depending on the region come from. This makes 35 glasses of wine.
Where does the name jeroboam come from?
The name ‘jeroboam’ comes from an Old Testament character who was the first king of northern Israel. The Jeroboam bottle is believed to have been named after him in the mid 1800s by French glass makers who were looking for a name standard wine bottles that would capture people’s attention.
Most bigger wine bottles are named after biblical kings.
The Rehoboam bottle
A rehoboam bottle is a large wine bottle, typically used to store champagne or sparkling wine. It holds 4.5 liters, which is equivalent to six regular bottles of wine. Named after a Biblical king and first created in the late 19th century. The rehoboam has remained an icon of luxury and opulence for over 100 years.
The unique shape of this oversized champagne bottle was originally designed to be an eye-catching statement piece at dinner tables during formal occasions. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing due to its exaggerated size, it also serves as a convenient way for hosts or restaurants to serve42 glasses of wine without having to constantly refill individual glasses.
What`s a 6L bottle of wine called?
When it comes to wine, bigger is usually better especially for large format bottles and the 6L bottle of wine is no exception. Also known as a mathusalem bottle or imperial gallon, this colossal vessel may be eight times the size of a regular 750ml wine bottle, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for show.
With an impressive capacity of 6 liters (or 8 bottles), this container could easily quench the thirst of a large gathering – or provide more than enough liquid refreshment for one person’s special occasion with 42 glasses of wine.
The mathusalem wine bottle can trace its roots back to 1859. It was first produced by Louis Roederer in Champagne, France. This unique bottle wasn’t intended to be sold. It served as a way to showcase Roederer’s luxurious wines distributed wine, at events and festivals.
What is a a Salmanazar bottle?
A salmanazar bottle is a large, nine-liter wine bottle. The salmanazar bottle is named after Salman I, also known as Salman the Great. He was a sultan who ruled in what is now modern-day Iraq in the ninth century.
The large size of a salmanazar bottle makes it ideal for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries. Especially when entertaining larger groups of people providing 63 glasses of wine.
The Maximus wine bottle
The largest wine bottle of all time is something that many oenophiles dream of. The Maximus bottle is standing at an impressive five feet tall. This enormous bottle holds the equivalent of over 120 standard bottles of wine. This makes it the biggest bottle among large format bottles. The largest-known wine bottle in existence has become a source of fascination for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
This gargantuan vessel was created by artist and sculptor Carsten Gollnick in collaboration with Austrian winery Weingut Schloss Gobelsburg. It was part of their limited edition Magnum Opus Collection. Utilizing traditional methods and materials, the colossal container consists entirely of glass. It weighs approximately 100 kilograms when filled with liquid.
Conclusion
Now you know the most common bottle sizes for red wine, white wine as well as for champagne bottles. There are other sizes
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