Magnum, Jeroboam, Methuselah… these names will surely be familiar to Champagne enthusiasts, but they represent only a small part of the full range of Champagne bottle sizes.
From the Quart to the Midas, every Champagne bottle has a unique and evocative name, reflecting the richness of the appellation. Discover the different Champagne bottle sizes, their volumes, and the ideal occasions to enjoy them. This comprehensive guide will help you easily choose the perfect Champagne bottle.
The Different Champagne Bottle Sizes, Their Volumes, and the Number of Glasses Served
Quart
One of the smallest Champagne bottles, the Quart holds 20 cl, which is equivalent to two glasses of Champagne. Few Houses offer Quarts to the general public; this size is mainly intended for the hospitality industry or certain railway and airline companies that favor this format for its convenience.
Half Bottle
Also known as a “Fillette,” the Half Bottle contains, as its name suggests, half of a standard Champagne bottle, or 37.5 cl. This size, widely available in stores, fills approximately three glasses. The Half Bottle is an ideal format for small gatherings.
Champenoise
Commonly referred to as the standard bottle, the Champenoise differs from bottles used in other vineyards due to its shape, which is specific to Champagne. It holds 75 cl, enough for approximately 6 to 8 glasses. Since the mid-19th century, it has been the standard format, prized for both its practicality in transport and its ideal number of glasses served.
Magnum
The Magnum takes its name from the Latin word “maxima,” meaning “large.” This bottle is the equivalent of two standard Champagne bottles, holding 1.5 liters, enough to serve around 12 glasses. The Magnum is the preferred format for events—weddings, family dinners, aperitifs with friends, and birthdays—thanks to its ideal volume, festive appeal, and oenological characteristics that allow the Champagne’s aromas to develop more fully.
Jéroboam
The Jeroboam holds the equivalent of four standard Champagne bottles, or 3 liters, serving around 20 glasses. This format is mainly used for large receptions or special ceremonies, such as baptisms, New Year’s Eve parties, or artistic events.
Réhoboam
The Rehoboam is a rarely used bottle size, holding 4.5 liters, which is equivalent to six standard Champagne bottles and approximately 36 glasses.
Methuselah
The Methuselah holds 6 liters of Champagne, equivalent to eight standard bottles. It is often chosen for grand occasions—gala events, engagements, weddings, birthdays—thanks to its capacity to serve 40 to 50 glasses and the dramatic, impressive effect of presenting such a large bottle.
Beyond the Methuselah, these Champagne bottle sizes are rarer and less commonly consumed, often due to storage constraints and the challenges involved in serving them.
Salmanazar
The Salmanazar holds 9 liters, equivalent to 12 standard Champagne bottles, or approximately 72 glasses. This size is typically used for large-scale events.
Balthazar
The Balthazar holds 12 liters of Champagne, equivalent to 16 standard bottles, serving approximately 90 to 100 glasses.
Nebuchadnezzar
Named after Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon who built numerous monuments including the famous Hanging Gardens, the Nebuchadnezzar holds 15 liters, equivalent to 20 standard Champagne bottles, and serves over 120 glasses. It is the ultimate choice for exceptional occasions where Champagne becomes a centerpiece of the celebration.
Solomon
The Solomon is one of the giant Champagne formats, embodying the opulence and grandeur of the King of Wines. This exceptional bottle holds 18 liters, equivalent to 24 standard bottles, serving approximately 144 glasses of Champagne.
Sovereign
The Sovereign, whose name perfectly reflects the grandeur and prestige of its nectar, holds 26.25 liters, equivalent to 35 standard bottles, serving approximately 210 glasses of Champagne.
Primat
The Primat is one of the largest Champagne bottle formats in existence. Relatively rare, it holds 27 liters of Champagne, equivalent to 36 standard bottles, and serves up to 216 glasses.
Melchizedek or Midas
The Melchizedek, also known as Midas, is the largest Champagne bottle format currently available. It has a capacity of 30 liters, equivalent to 40 standard bottles, and can fill up to 240 glasses. Weighing around 80 kilograms, it’s best served with assistance due to its impressive size.
The Influence of Bottle Size on Champagne
The size of a Champagne bottle indeed affects the quality of the wine. On one hand, the air exchange between the cork and the wine is lower in larger formats than in a standard bottle, reducing oxidation. On the other hand, due to their larger volume, big bottles allow Champagne to develop greater complexity and a richer aromatic palette during cellar aging.
It is important to note that only Champagne in standard bottles, Magnums, and Jeroboams are aged in their original bottles. Other large Champagne formats exceeding 3 liters are initially aged in standard 75 cl bottles before being transferred to their final large-format bottle, ensuring optimal Champagne quality.
Champagne Canard-Duchêne Bottle Formats Available
Within the Canard-Duchêne House, a variety of bottle formats are available to meet all your needs and suit every occasion for enjoying Champagne.
- Léonie Iconic is available in Half Bottle (37.5 cl), Standard Bottle (75 cl), Magnum (1.5 L), Jeroboam (3 L), and Methuselah (6 L)
- Blanc de Noirs Iconic, Blanc de Blancs Iconic et Rosé Iconic are available in Standard Bottle (75 cl) and Magnum (1.5 L)
- V2012 is available in Standard Bottle (75 cl) and Magnum (1.5 L)
- Brut Essentiel is available in Half Bottle (37.5 cl), Standard Bottle (75 cl), Magnum (1.5 L), and Jeroboam (3 L)
- Rosé Essentiel is available in Half Bottle (37.5 cl), Standard Bottle (75 cl), and Magnum (1.5 L)
Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about our special bottle formats.
How to Choose the Ideal Champagne Bottle Size?
The chosen format will primarily depend on the occasion and the number of guests expected :
- Magnums and Jeroboams are ideal for family and friendly gatherings, such as baptisms and birthdays, adding a touch of prestige without excess. They are also perfect for professional events with a larger audience, ensuring a surprising presentation while maintaining excellent service and tasting quality.
- You might opt for the Methuselah format for larger events, such as weddings, to surprise your guests with an exceptional bottle
- For your meals and aperitifs, Magnums and standard Champagne bottles are the perfect companions for festive tables, whether it’s a family dinner or a celebration with friends. These formats are often favored for their practicality, ease of storage and serving, and ideal volume.
- For a meal for two, a picnic, or a small gathering, you can opt for a Half Bottle of Champagne, providing the right amount without the risk of waste.
Choose the bottle size that best suits the number of guests to avoid waste and ensure everyone can fully enjoy the Champagne you serve.
Consider your storage and serving capabilities: while large formats are impressive, they require significant storage space and are very heavy. Proper logistics must be taken into account. If all conditions are met, they are perfect for serving a larger number of guests while minimizing the number of bottles to open.
Large Champagne formats are not just about volume: they embody a lifestyle and add a symbolic dimension to every celebration. Choosing the right format ensures your guests a memorable and convivial experience, while marking the occasion with style and generosity.
