We get asked lots of questions about the large format Champagne Bottles we sell and usually have an answer to hand...how do you chill them? (our advice is in the bath if you’re not lucky enough to have a walk-in refrigerator)…how do you open them? (carefully)…how many people will they serve? (this one really depends on your friends). Recently though, I was asked about the names and drew a blank. So, having done a bit of research, here is a rundown of the various sizes and where the names come from…
Veuve
Magnum is the Latin for ‘great’, and a Magnum of Champagne holds 1.5 litres (twice the size of a standard Champagne bottle)
Jeroboam is a Biblical reference to the first King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who reigned for 22 years in the 10th Century BC. Jeroboam literally means ‘his people are many’ and a Jeroboam of Champagne holds 3 litres.
Methuselah is the oldest man mentioned in the Bible – he lived to the ripe old age of 969 and died seven days before the Great Flood (in which his Grandson, Noah, had a well-documented role). A Methuselah of Champagne holds 6 litres.
Salmanazar is a variation on the name of the King of Assyria from 727 to 722 BC. This bottle of Salmanazar Champagne is named in his honour and is 9 litres.
Balthazar was the third of the Magi (more commonly known as the Wise Men) who were said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (but not Champagne). Balthazar means ‘God protect the King’ and a Balthazar of Champagne holds 12 litres.
Nebuchadnezzar was the greatest of the Babylonian Kings, who reigned c.605 BC – 562 BC. A Nebuchadnezzar of Champagne holds 15 litres (and is a seriously impressive centrepiece to a party).
This sums up all the larger sizes of champagne available on the market, we have a category dedicated to them all. Check out the Largest sizes of Champagne available here