Bottle formats are the standard sizes wine is sold in, from the half-bottle (375ml) and standard bottle (750ml) up through magnum (1.5L), jeroboam, methuselah and beyond. Larger formats age more slowly and gracefully because the ratio of wine to oxygen (through the cork) is lower, which is why magnums are prized for cellaring. Many large formats are named after biblical kings.
WHY IT MATTERS FOR COLLECTORS
Large formats command premiums for both aging quality and rarity. A magnum of a great vintage is often more desirable than two bottles, and oversized formats are showpieces at auction and celebration.
Related terms
Put your wine knowledge to work
Know what to open tonight — and never miss a wine at its peak.
Build a cellar, track windows, and pair from what you actually own.
Free Taster: up to 100 bottles · 20 AI scans · 10 pairings / month
Free forever · No credit card