Bottles of wine come in different shapes and sizes.
I’m a big fan of bigger sized bottles for the following reasons:
- They age more gracefully: less oxygen exposure, hence they age at a much slower speed to that of their 75cl friends.
- Thicker glass: protects your precious wine from heat, light, etc.
- WOW Factor: Imagine presenting your friends with a 3L bottle, wouldn’t it be a fun touch to your party? Plus, it is always amusing to watch the bottle opening and being served.
Let’s take a look on our options:
Piccolo or Split 18.7cl – the single serve, for the ones that do not want to share. It is also the recommended proportion for daily consumption.
Demi or Half 37.5cl – half of the standard one. Ideal to be shared with your special someone, on a relaxing afternoon- a perfect serving proportion!
Standard 75cl – the norm, or let’s say the all-time-classic!
Magnum 150cl – the double norm aka the collector’s choice for the wines that deserve to be improved with age!
“Jeroboam” 3L – where things get much bigger! Research suggests that it was named after the first biblical king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Rehoboam 4.5L – Again, its name goes back to a biblical king, Rehoboam. This is used by big Champagne Houses.
Imperial or Methuselah 6.0L – the 100 people party size! Named after the oldest person ever, mentioned in the bible. I suppose it takes time to bottom it up!
Salmanazar 9L – again, named after a king (shocker!) Equivalent to full, 12 bottled box of wines. However, it only comes in a single bottle which is very practical.
Balthazar 12L – named after the Three Wise Men. A very wise choice for a single portion of wine.
Nebuchadnezzar 15L – should I just stop…?
Solomon or Melchoir 18L – last one, promise! Equivalent to twenty-four standard 750 ml bottles.
If you think the wine industry has tons of packaging ideas, allow me to say that bottle sizes go from 26 to 40 litres (rare, yes! but they do exist!)
The point is: whenever applicable, get your hands on a bigger bottle! Trust me, you won’t regret it.
See you next week!
Cheers, Santé and Yiamas…
Until then.. Strike for a glass half full !
Nicole x
