A collector's guide to large format wines
Wine collecting involves more than just enjoying the wine; it also means understanding the bottles that hold it. For collectors and investors, the size of a wine bottle is a crucial factor that can affect the wine’s ageing process, value, and historical significance. This article will explore the unusual sizes of wine bottles, their names, where they are used, and the history behind them. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new investor, knowing the various bottle sizes of wine will deepen your appreciation for your collection.
Important Terms
Magnum comes from the Latin word magnus, meaning “great.” Today, it commonly refers to the wine bottle size of 1.5 litres, which is twice as large as the standard size of 0.75 litres. Since advances in glass-making in the 19th century, wines have been produced in a variety of sizes, from demi (375ml) to methuselah/imperial (6 litres), which is the equivalent of eight standard bottles. This biblical naming convention extends up to salmanazar (9 litres), balthazar (12 litres) and nebuchadnezzar (15 litres).