From Piccolo To Nebuchadnezzar: The Wine Bottle Size Guide

When you think of a bottle of wine, you probably picture the standard 750ml version that line the supermarket shelves. However, as independent wine retailers, we know that bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from single serves to showstoppers. Here’s a look at the reason for this and when to choose one over the other. 

The first wine bottles

It wasn’t until the 18th century that producers began storing their wine in glass bottles rather than jugs or pots, and the size and shape wasn’t so different from the standard 750ml of today. This contains about five glasses of wine and is perfect for sharing at the dinner table. It’s manageable to carry, pour and store, and accounts for the majority of wine bottle sales. 

Larger bottles

Eventually, winemakers began to experiment with larger bottle sizes, and this led to the rise of the magnum. At 1.5L, it’s twice the size of a standard bottle and you might have seen them at larger events and parties. However, the reasons for the larger size weren’t primarily to make a statement or serve bigger crowds.

Wines in larger bottles age more slowly due to the lower oxygen-to-wine ratio, which can allow the body and flavour of the wine to mature in a more pleasing and complex way. This is why specialist wine shops who cater for collectors might sell magnum bottles (they are also often in demand for special occasions such as weddings).

If you want to purchase a high-quality wine as a long-term investment, you could go for a double magnum (a 3L bottle, also known as a jeroboam). More rarely, wine bottles are found in 6L or 8L sizes (known as methuselah and nebuchadnezzar respectively). These showstoppers take some handling, but certainly make grand centrepieces. 

Smaller bottles

It’s also possible to go smaller than the standard 175ml. Mini bottles, sometimes called piccolo or split bottles, contain a single serve (187.ml) and are most often used for sparkling wine. They are perfect for when you want an easily portable wine, or just want to sample something new without committing to a whole bottle. 

A demi contains half the volume of a standard bottle, at 375ml. It is a useful size if you want two or three glasses to share over a meal, or to enjoy a quiet evening in without having to store the leftover wine. 

Smaller bottle sizes are best for wines that will not be stored for too long, because they can deteriorate faster than larger bottles. They were originally developed by Champagne  producers who wanted to give customers an affordable taste of luxury wine, in the hope that they would be tempted to buy a larger bottle next time. 

So, there you have it: There’s a size of bottle for every occasion, whether you want to make a big impression or savour a little taste of heaven. If you are a serious collector looking to stock up the cellar, consider larger formats. If you just want to have fun experimenting with new wines, small bottles are ideal.