Wine bottle size | Have fun choosing wine by knowing the types and names

ワインボトルのサイズ|種類や呼び方を知って楽しくワイン選び

There are wine bottles of various sizes around the world.

Bottles of various shapes and sizes began to be made in the early to mid-1700s. Before that, people drank wine directly from the barrel or covered the wine with oil to prevent it from spoiling. Advances in glass-making techniques and the discovery that cork insulated wine from the air, preventing it from spoiling, led to the creation of bottles of various shapes and sizes.

standard size of wine bottle

Wine bottles come in various sizes, but the standard size worldwide is 750ml. Furthermore, the standard for one glass is 125ml. In many restaurants, it is common practice to take 6 glasses from one bottle of wine.

Typical wine bottle sizes and names

・Piccolo: 187ml = 1 glass

・Quarter: 200ml = 1-2 glasses

・Chopine: 250ml = 2 glasses

・Half Bottle/Demi: 375ml (1/2 bottle) = 3 glasses

・Standard: 750ml = 6 glasses

・Magnum: 1.5 liters (2 bottles) 8-12 glasses

・Jeroboam/ Double Magnum: 3 liters (4 bottles)

・Rehoboam: 4.5 liters (6 bottles)

・Methuselah/Imperial: 6 liters (8 bottles)

・Salmanzar: 9 liters (12 bottles)

・Balthazar: 12 liters (16 bottles)

・Nebuchanezzar (Nebuchadnezzar): 15 liters (20 bottles)

・Melchoir: 18 liters (24 bottles)

・Solomon: 20 liters (26 bottles)

・Sovereign: 25 liters (33.3 bottles)

・Primat: 27 liters (36 bottles)

・Melchizedek: 30 liters (40 bottles)

・Maximus: 130 liters (184 bottles)

Wine bottle size | Many names come from the Bible

Every wine bottle size has its own name. It is also interesting to note that many names are based on Biblical characters.

The name of the bottle is the same as a character in the Bible (from the Old Testament)

・Jeroboam: Jeroboam I, the first king of the Kingdom of Israel     

・Rehoboam: Rehoboam, the first king of the Kingdom of Judah

・Methuselah: the legendary figure Methuselah

・Nebuchadnezzar: Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II

・Solomon: King Solomon of Israel who built the temple in Jerusalem

There are many stories about wine in the Bible, and the names of wine bottles also give us a glimpse of Europe's history, which is closely connected to Christianity.

Wine bottle size also affects taste

The size of the wine bottle affects not only its appearance but also the taste of the wine. The reason is due to the air (oxygen and sulfur dioxide to be exact) that exists between the cork and the wine.

A high ratio of air between the wine and the cork will oxidize the wine and speed up its aging. Therefore, half bottles age much faster than large bottles.

Large bottles are recommended for old vintage wines.

Large wine bottles have less surface area for the wine to come into contact with air than smaller bottles, and oxidation is more gradual. Therefore, it is said that larger wine bottles allow the wine to age more slowly, fostering complexity and nuance than smaller wine bottles.

Another advantage of larger bottles is that the glass is thicker than smaller bottles, making it less likely that the temperature of the wine will change. Stable temperatures help wine age more evenly.

When purchasing older vintage wine bottles, we recommend choosing a larger bottle.

How to choose wine wisely|Choose wine based on bottle size according to the occasion

Feel free to enjoy it even on weekdays! piccolo size

I have work to do tomorrow, but I'd like to have a drink with dinner. In that case, choose a piccolo size that is equivalent to 1-2 glasses.

We recommend Pierre Lamotte, where you can casually enjoy Burgundy wine.

The company's wines are highly regarded for their stable supply of high-quality wines. It is also used by many airlines including British Air, Air France, and American Airlines.

A half-bottle where you can enjoy a variety of wines little by little.

For a meal with a couple or a small gathering of 2-3 people, we recommend a half-bottle that is enough for 3 glasses.

Sparkling wine for an aperitif or toast. During the meal, enjoy white or red wine to match the food, and after the meal, enjoy a sweet dessert wine. With half wine, you can open the perfect wine at the right time.

A half bottle is especially suitable for bubble wines that you want to finish within the same day.

A luxurious champagne made from 100% Grand Cru Ambonnay grapes, this bottle is perfect for toasting a special occasion.

We also recommend this set of half bottles, which are attractive because they allow you to enjoy a variety of flavors little by little.

A half bottle of the popular, reasonably priced, high quality wine "Konosul". Perfect for everyday meals or small casual gatherings. You can easily enjoy wine every day with this 6-bottle set of half sizes.

Magnum bottles for birthdays and anniversaries

When choosing wine as a gift for a birthday or anniversary, you want to choose something that will leave a lasting impression. Just by having a different size from your usual wine, you can create a little bit of a special feeling.

The bottle design is also an important point for gifts. Feud Makkari/Saia has an impressive simple and modern design. It also comes in a wooden box, making it perfect as a gift.

The big bottle has a big impact! A double magnum you'll want to open on a special anniversary.

A large champagne to open for special parties and gatherings.

It is also recommended to use it for wedding parties and anniversary parties. Opening a huge 3 liter bottle in front of your guests will give you a different kind of toast. It's sure to be a memorable party for everyone! is.

Have fun choosing wine while imagining how you will drink it

When would you like to open this wine? A couple? Or at a party or a gathering of friends? Enjoy how you drink it with any food...

Wine will become more enjoyable if you choose it while thinking about what you are drinking.

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