🍷 Balthazar
A 12-litre bottle, equal to sixteen standard ones.
Balthazar is a large wine bottle holding 12 litres. That equals sixteen standard 0.75-litre bottles.
Large formats were named after biblical figures. Balthazar is part of that series: wine bottle sizes grow from the standard one to very large ones, each with its own name. Next to it are Methuselah at 6 litres, Salmanazar at 9 litres and Nebuchadnezzar at 15 litres. Such bottles are most common for sparkling wines such as Champagne, and for Bordeaux.
Balthazar bottles are made rarely and are mostly filled for special occasions and collectors. The glass has to be strong, and pouring and opening such a bottle is awkward. Some say wine develops more slowly in large formats, but there is no firm rule. Such a bottle is more a gift or table centrepiece.
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Frequently asked questions
How many litres is a Balthazar?
12 litres, equal to 16 standard bottles.
Why are the bottles named after biblical figures?
It is a tradition for naming large formats.
Which wines come in such bottles?
Most often Champagne and other sparkling wines, and Bordeaux.
Similar
🍷 Half bottle (0.375 l) · 🍷 Jeroboam · 🍷 Methuselah · 🍷 Salmanazar · 🍷 Nebuchadnezzar · 🍷 Magnum