A Guide to the Different Sizes of Wine Bottles and Their Importance

The Standard and Most Common Bottle Sizes

Split or Piccolo (187 ml / 18.7 cl)

The Split, also known as the Piccolo, is the smallest of the commonly used wine bottles. It holds 187.5 ml, which equals one glass of wine. This bottle size is frequently associated with sparkling wines, particularly in Champagne, but it is also found in some regions of Italy for Prosecco. The Piccolo bottle is a popular choice for individual servings, especially in settings where a single glass is more appropriate than a full bottle.

Historically, the Split has been a convenient option for those who want to enjoy fine wine without committing to a larger quantity. While it is often seen as a novelty in collections, the Piccolo bottle holds its own charm, particularly when it carries the label of a renowned producer.

Half-Bottle (375 ml / 37.5 cl)

The Half-Bottle, holding 375 ml, is exactly half the size of a standard bottle and provides 2.5 glasses of wine. This size gained popularity in the 19th century, especially in Europe, as it allowed for more accessible wine consumption in restaurants and homes. The Half-Bottle is widely used in regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux for wines that are enjoyed young, and it is also common for dessert wines like Sauternes.

For collectors, Half-Bottles offer an intriguing option, especially for high-end wines. Their smaller size means they age more quickly, providing a different tasting experience compared to larger bottles. The Half-Bottle is also more accessible in price, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in rare wines without the higher cost of a full bottle.

Half Litre or Jennie (500 ml / 50 cl)

The Half Litre, also known as the Jennie, holds 500 ml of wine, which is 2/3 of a standard bottle or three glasses. This size is less common but is found in some regions like the Loire Valley in France and parts of Germany, especially for dessert wines like ice wines. The Jennie bottle size is ideal for sweeter wines, where a smaller quantity is often preferred.

Collectors value the Jennie for its unusual size and the unique wines it often contains. It represents a middle ground between the Half-Bottle and the Standard Bottle, making it a versatile choice for both drinking and collecting.

Standard Bottle (750 ml / 75 cl)

The Standard Bottle, holding 750 ml, is the most common size of wine bottles around the world. It provides five glasses of wine, making it the perfect size for sharing. This bottle size became standard in the 19th century, particularly in France, due to its convenience and practicality.

Used in every wine-producing region, from Bordeaux to Napa Valley, the Standard Bottle is the most versatile and widely recognised. In wine collecting, it is often the preferred size, especially for investment-grade wines. The Standard Bottle’s balance between capacity and ease of storage makes it the cornerstone of any wine collection.

Litre Bottle (1 litre / 100 cl)

The Litre Bottle holds 1 litre of wine, which is equivalent to 1 1/3 standard bottles or seven glasses. This bottle size is more commonly seen in European countries like Germany and Italy, where it is often used for everyday wines. The Litre Bottle became popular in the 20th century as wine production and distribution expanded, making this size practical for larger gatherings.

Though less common in fine wine collections, the Litre Bottle is valued for its practicality and the regional wines it often contains. It is a great size for casual drinking and is sometimes found in the portfolios of traditional European producers.

Magnum (1.5 litres / 150 cl)

The Magnum holds 1.5 litres of wine, equal to two standard bottles or 10 glasses. This size is widely regarded as the ideal format for ageing wine, particularly in regions like Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy. The term "Magnum," meaning "great" in Latin, reflects the size's importance and the high regard in which it is held.

The Magnum bottle is especially popular in Bordeaux for red wines and in Champagne for sparkling wines. Collectors appreciate Magnums for their ageing potential, as the larger volume allows the wine to develop more slowly, often leading to greater complexity. The Magnum bottle is a symbol of prestige and is highly sought after in wine auctions and private collections.

Double Magnum (3 litres / 300 cl)

The Double Magnum holds 3 litres of wine, equivalent to four standard bottles or 20 glasses. In Champagne, this size is referred to as a Jeroboam bottle, while in Bordeaux, a Jeroboam refers to a 4.5-litre bottle. The Double Magnum is often used for high-quality wines intended for long ageing, as the larger format slows down the maturation process.

The Double Magnum bottle has a rich history, particularly in Bordeaux, where it is used for some of the most prestigious red wines. This bottle size is also popular in Tuscany for wines like Brunello di Montalcino and in Spain's Rioja region. For collectors, Double Magnums are prized for their rarity and the exceptional ageing potential they offer.

Larger and Less Common Bottle Sizes

Jeroboam (3 litres in Champagne / 4.5 litres in Bordeaux)

The Jeroboam is a large-format wine bottle with two different capacities depending on the region. In Champagne, a Jeroboam holds 3 litres of wine, equal to four standard bottles or 20 glasses, whereas in Bordeaux, it holds 4.5 litres, equivalent to 6 standard bottles or 30 glasses.

Named after the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, the Jeroboam bottle has been used in Champagne for centuries, primarily for special vintages. In Bordeaux, the 5-litre Jeroboam is typically reserved for grand red wines that benefit from extended ageing. The Jeroboam is also seen in Burgundy and Rhône, where it is used for both red and white wines.

For collectors, the Jeroboam represents a significant investment. Its large size and historical associations make it a standout in any collection. Whether it is the 3-litre Champagne Jeroboam or the 5-litre Bordeaux version, this bottle size is a prized possession. 

Rehoboam (4.5 litres / 450 cl)

The Rehoboam holds 4.5 litres of wine, equal to six standard bottles or 30 glasses. This size is commonly used in Champagne but is also found in Burgundy and other regions for premium red wines. Named after the son of Solomon and king of Judah, the Rehoboam bottle has a long history in European wine culture.

In Burgundy, Rehoboams are often used for grand cru wines, where the larger format allows for slower ageing and greater complexity. In the Rhône Valley, it is sometimes used for powerful red wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. For collectors, the Rehoboam is a valuable addition, especially when filled with wine from a top producer. 

Methuselah or Imperial (6 litres / 600 cl)

The Methuselah, also known as the Imperial, holds 6 litres of wine, which is eight standard bottles or 40 glasses. Named after the biblical figure Methuselah, known for his longevity, this size is favoured in regions like Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. The larger format is ideal for wines that benefit from long-term ageing.

In Champagne, the Methuselah bottle is used for special vintages, while in Bordeaux, it is reserved for high-quality reds. The Rhône Valley also uses this size for both reds and whites, particularly for wines that are destined for long cellaring. Collectors value the Methuselah bottle for its ageing potential and the historical prestige it carries.

Salmanazar (9 litres / 900 cl)

The Salmanazar holds 9 litres of wine, equal to 12 standard bottles or 60 glasses. This bottle size is named after an Assyrian king and is commonly associated with Champagne, but it is also used in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and other regions for both red and white wines.

The Salmanazar is often found in Bordeaux for top red wines, where its generous size enhances the ageing process. In Burgundy, it is used for grand cru wines, offering collectors a unique format that adds value and prestige to any collection. The Salmanazar’s rarity and historical significance make it a prized item for serious wine collectors. 

Balthazar (12 litres / 1,200 cl)

The Balthazar holds 12 litres of wine, equivalent to 16 standard bottles or 80 glasses. This bottle size is named after one of the three wise men and is used in regions like Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy. The Balthazar bottle is often reserved for the finest wines, where its large format allows for slow, careful ageing.

In Bordeaux, Balthazars are typically filled with premium red wines from prestigious châteaux. Burgundy also uses this size for its top wines, particularly for special releases. Collectors consider the Balthazar bottle a valuable and rare addition, especially when it contains wine from a renowned producer. 

Nebuchadnezzar (15 litres / 1,500 cl) 

The Nebuchadnezzar holds 15 litres of wine, which is 20 standard bottles or 100 glasses. This bottle size is named after the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II and is used in regions like Champagne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy for some of the most prestigious wines.

In Bordeaux, Nebuchadnezzars are often filled with grand vin, offering a format that allows for extended ageing and enhanced complexity. In Burgundy, this size is used for special releases, particularly for red wines that benefit from the larger format. The Nebuchadnezzar bottle is a symbol of luxury and is highly sought after by collectors for its rarity and potential for long-term ageing.