When it comes to selecting the perfect bottle of wine for yourself or a special occasion, you’ll often be presented with a variety of different sizes and styles of wine bottles. While some of the different sizes may look familiar, it can be hard to keep track of what each size represents. To help get you up to speed, we’ve put together this guide on the different types of wine bottle sizes, from magnum to Nebuchadnezzar.
The Magnum is one of the most well-known sizes of wine bottle and perhaps the most popular. This standard 750ml bottle holds between six and eight glasses of wine and has been around since the 1700s. In recent years, the magnum has become a popular gift item, perfect for sharing at dinner parties or celebrating special occasions.
When shopping for wine, it’s likely you’ll come across the Jeroboam, a larger version of the magnum, usually found with red wine bottles. This 3-litre (aka 4½ bottle) bottle contains between 24 and 32 glasses of wine and is ideal for larger dinner parties.
For those looking for an even bigger bottle, the Rehoboam is the way to go. This 4.5-litre (aka 6 bottle) bottle is four times the size of a standard magnum and typically filled with sparkling wines.
If you’re looking for a truly unique bottle, then the Methuselah or Imperiale might be for you. The 8.5-litre (aka 12 bottle) bottle is popular for gifting on special occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays.
One of the most impressive bottles of wine out there is the Salamanazar. A 9-litre (aka 12 bottle) bottle, the Salamanazar is thought to be named after an Assyrian king and is ideal for large celebrations.
But if you really want to make a statement, then it’s time to reach for the Nebuchadnezzar. The 15-litre (aka 20 bottle) bottle is a real showstopper, and would undoubtedly be the centrepiece of any party or gathering.
As you can see, there are plenty of choices when it comes to wine bottle sizes. Whether you’re looking for a fun gift for a special occasion or a showstopping piece for a party, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether your preference is for a magnum, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Methuselah, Imperiale, Salamanazar or Nebuchadnezzar, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
But there’s another bottle size that’s making its way onto the scene – the Balthazar. The 12-litre (aka 16 bottle) bottle is twice the size of a magnum and typically holds 48 to 64 glasses of wine. It’s perfect for large celebrations, anniversaries or wedding receptions, and has recently become popular with some high-end restaurants and hotels.
Moving up in size, the Melchizedek is yet another impressive bottle sharing the limelight. This 18-litre (aka 24 bottle) bottle is even bigger than a Nebuchadnezzar and will surely have your guests impressed.
This guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Solomon. Containing an impressive 20-litre (aka 26 bottle) of wine, this size is truly something special. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, the Solomon makes a truly unique gift.
For those looking for something really different, the Primat is a good place to start. This 27-litre (aka 36 bottle) bottle is usually filled with Champagne and can hold up to 288 glasses of bubbly. Perfect for weddings, anniversaries or even corporate events, the Primat is sure to make a big impression.
The Midas is, as its name suggests, fit for kings. Containing an astonishing 30-litre (aka 40 bottle) bottle, it’s the largest standard size of wine bottle available. Its size and glamour make it ideal for large wedding receptions, milestone birthdays and other grand occasions.
But if you’re looking for something truly spectacular, you won’t find anything bigger than the Goliath. This giant 45-litre (aka 60 bottle) bottle is the biggest standard size of any wine bottle and will easily hold over 400 glasses of wine. Unsurprisingly, the Goliath is popular among corporate and high-end clients, and is an excellent choice for very special occasions.
And last but not least, the largest standard sized bottle of wine on offer: the Melchizedek. At a whopping 54-litre (aka 72 bottle) capacity, this size dwarfs even the Goliath and is capable of holding up to 576 glasses of wine. Needless to say, the Melchizedek is an excellent choice for celebrations that require something truly extraordinary.
As you can see, there is no shortage of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a bottle of wine. From the humble magnum, to the massive Melchizedek, there’s something for every occasion and budget. So whether you’re looking for a small bottle of wine for a dinner party, or a showstopping gift for a special occasion, you’ll find exactly what you need right here.
