The names of the different champagne bottles
When we talk about the size of champagne bottles, most people can easily mention the magnum. However, beyond that, it's difficult to name others. And it's even more challenging to associate a volume with a bottle name. To make it easy for everyone when placing an order, we present to you the names of champagne bottles.
Table of Contents:
- The names of champagne bottles in the Champagne region
- The origin of the names of large champagne bottles
- Does the size of a champagne bottle matter?
- Magnum or Jeroboam?
The names of champagne bottles in the Champagne region
In the Champagne region, tradition dictates that champagne bottles are marketed in three main sizes. The three main champagne bottle sizes are the standard 75 cl champagne bottle, the magnum with a capacity of 1.5 liters, and the Jeroboam, which holds 3 liters, equivalent to 4 champagne bottles.
While the names of large champagne bottles are well-known in the region, houses like De Lozey don't often use them. For example, for the Tradition champagne, De Lozey even offers half Tradition bottles of 37.5 cl. This size is very convenient and suitable for any celebration, serving 3 to 4 glasses, making it ideal for small gatherings or when you need to drive afterward.
This size can also be very practical for restaurants, allowing them to offer champagne to solo customers or those who don't wish to order a full bottle. We also suggest some good restaurant recommendations for a weekend in Champagne.
The size of champagne bottles is not proportional to the exceptional quality of a champagne. However, certain cuvées like the Cuvée du Dimanche or the Cuvée des Gentlemen from the house of De Lozey cannot be marketed in half bottles. Indeed, these prestige champagnes deserve packaging that matches their ambition.
In the past, champagne bottles and their designs were meant to please the guests. It was a true symbol of conviviality and sharing. The small bubbles produced in Champagne gradually gained recognition and became more prevalent in the courts and grand receptions of Europe. It was thanks to wealthy clients that large glass containers began to emerge. While champagne had long been an exceptional beverage, do you think you know its history? Maison De Lozey invites you to delve into the history of champagne and its significant dates to remember.
The origin of the names of large champagne bottles
The largest champagne bottle sizes from Champagnes De Lozey are the magnum and the Jeroboam. However, it's worth knowing that there are even larger sizes. Therefore, it's not uncommon for the names of large champagne bottles to have historical or even biblical origins.
The magnum contains 1.5 liters, equivalent to 2 bottles of 75 cl each. It is offered for all De Lozey champagne bottles, except for the Cuvée du Dimanche and the Cuvée des Gentlemen. The name of this champagne bottle simply comes from the Latin word "magnum," meaning large.
The Jeroboam, which remains the largest container for De Lozey champagne bottles, equals 4 bottles of 75 cl, or 3 liters. To understand the origin of the champagne bottle name, you need to look to biblical history. The name is that of the first king of the northern part of Israel, Jeroboam I. He was crowned after his victory over Rehoboam, the son of Solomon.
The Rehoboam contains the equivalent of 6 bottles of 75 cl, or 4.5 liters. It bears the name of King Solomon's son. He was a tyrannical king and not well-liked by the tribes of Jerusalem.
The Methuselah is equivalent to 8 bottles of 75 cl, or 6 liters. It references the name of the oldest person in the Old Testament, Methuselah, who is said to have lived 969 years and perished during the Flood. He is attributed to the planting of the first vines.
The Salmanazar contains 12 bottles of 75 cl, approximately 9 liters. It references the names of Assyrian kings. There were five kings with this name, but the most famous is Salmanazar III. He was renowned as a great builder.
The Balthazar contains 12 liters or 16 bottles of 75 cl each. Needless to say, it's the name of one of the three wise men who came to visit the infant Jesus. However, it is said that the name of this champagne bottle size derives from the Babylonian king killed during the capture of the city.
The Nebuchadnezzar contains 15 liters or 20 bottles of 75 cl each. This container is referred to as an exceptional bottle. Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem after defeating the Egyptians. He was the greatest king of Babylon.
While large bottle sizes may be enticing, it's important to consider that they should be reserved for exceptional champagne. A Jeroboam, for example, is given to celebrate a significant event like an anniversary or a wedding. For instance, our Tradition champagne is marketed in Jeroboam, which is practical for weddings. But do you know which champagne to serve at a wedding? At De Lozey, we also like to provide advisory services to our clients, so discover which champagne to choose for a successful wedding?
Discover our Brut Tradition
Delightfully fruity, energetic, refreshing, and easy to enjoy, it's the essential champagne, the reliable choice. A classic champagne that will truly tantalize your taste buds.
Does the size of a champagne bottle matter?
At De Lozey, we have chosen to market our champagne bottles in three sizes, and not for all our bottles. So, one might wonder if the size of a champagne bottle matters?
Why is our Tradition champagne the only one we offer in both half Tradition and Jeroboam? In general, in larger containers, aging is slower and more homogeneous.
The magnum is a very interesting container. In fact, the neck and cork are the same as those for a standard-sized bottle. The amount of air inside the bottle is similar to that of a 75 cl bottle. However, the magnum contains double the volume of wine. As a result, the exchange between air and wine is much slower. The magnum ages longer in the cellar, and the wine's character becomes more complex. As we explain in our article, "the magnum is a smart choice for champagne enthusiasts and parties."
For De Lozey champagnes, magnums and Jeroboams are the only containers that are easy to use in terms of aging. Indeed, they are the only ones that age in the bottle. For larger champagne bottle sizes, the wine must first be aged in the bottle and then transferred to the container before sale.
Large containers are reserved for exceptional occasions like weddings or baptisms because they are quite heavy and bulky. They are reserved for special bottles.
Magnum or Jeroboam?
Magnum champagne bottles are among the best-selling flasks. In fact, you will easily notice that at De Lozey, all our wines except for our Cuvée du Dimanche and Cuvée des Gentlemen are also available in magnum size. It's a popular size when you have a larger group.
It's so popular because it enhances the aging process of champagne. Remember, it's all about oxygenation and the exchange of air with the outside. The magnum promotes even and harmonious aging. Like any self-respecting winemaker, we believe it's perfect for preserving excellent vintages.
And let's not be afraid to say it: opening a great vintage in a large bottle is quite impressive! If you want to impress in social settings, bring out the magnum.
In terms of tasting, its ideal temperature should be between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that with a magnum-sized champagne, you'll need at least 24 hours of refrigeration. For all festive moments, champagne excites all the senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch (for those who enjoy the tradition of a drop behind the ear for good luck).
Champagne is undoubtedly the drink of choice for all your festive appetizers. With a magnum, you'll have the equivalent of 2 bottles of 75 cl each. So, now that we agree on the container, let's find the content. Do you not know which champagne to serve as an aperitif? Follow our advice for a successful moment!
The Jeroboam is undoubtedly a star bottle. It's the most requested among all champagne bottle containers. While its name has biblical origins, in English, it simply means "Large bottle." Moreover, this name alone for a large champagne bottle exudes prestige.
In terms of aging in the cellar, it is well-suited for that purpose. It remains an exceptional bottle that makes an excellent impression at events. It can serve up to 30 people, making it suitable for weddings. For added spectacle, we recommend sabering the champagne.
We know that champagne should be served chilled, around 8°C. Therefore, you need to plan ahead for refrigeration, especially since the Jeroboam takes more time due to its volume.
At De Lozey, you will notice that only our Tradition champagne is available in Jeroboam, which is 3 liters. Many will wonder why? Simply because this large and voluminous champagne bottle container is reserved for exceptional bottles. Our Tradition champagne is one such case. It is made from our reserve wine aged for 15 years, blended with younger Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It's our signature cuvée.
There you have it; you are now well-informed about the names of large champagne bottles. Furthermore, if you want to know more, don't hesitate to ask for additional information about the packaging of De Lozey champagne bottles. But once you've purchased your champagne bottles, do you know what makes a vintage champagne valuable? We give you 3 reasons to choose a vintage champagne.
Discover our Cuvée des Gentlemen
This cuvée impresses with its balance between refined maturity and dynamic youth. Crafted by our master oenologists for discerning palates. It's the most prestigious of De Lozey champagnes.