The world of wine is always evolving, and one latest innovation has caught the attention of everyone involved in the wine world: from curious youngsters to connoisseurs to producers all over the world: the 100ml FirstGlass. This new wine bottle format promises to bring a significant change in the way we know, appreciate and consume the famous nectar of the gods.
Wine bottles have been around for centuries in a variety of sizes and shapes, each with its own distinct charm and utility. Here is a list of wine bottle sizes, from the largest to the FirstGlass:
- Melchizedek (30 litres): The name is derived from Melchizedek, a biblical character from the book of Genesis, often associated with the concept of greatness and abundance.
- Primat or Goliath (27 litres): The name is derived from the French word ‘Primat’, meaning ‘primate’, indicating the prestigious and important position of this format within the scale of wine bottle sizes.
- Sovereign (25 litres): The term ‘Sovereign’ was chosen to represent the majesty and authority of this format, suggesting absolute dominance over the range of wine bottle sizes.
- Solomon (20 litres): The name ‘Solomon’ refers to King Solomon, known for his legendary wisdom and wealth, evoking a sense of opulence and magnificence.
- Melchior (18 litres): The name ‘Melchior’ has biblical origins and refers to the Magi, the wise men who brought gifts to Jesus at his birth, symbolising generosity and wealth.
- Nebuchadnezzar (15 litres): The name ‘Nebuchadnezzar’ is taken from the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II, known for his power and grandeur, reflecting the grandeur of this bottle format.
- Balthazar (12 litres): The name ‘Balthazar’ is associated with one of the three Wise Men, who according to tradition brought gold as a gift to Jesus, representing wealth and nobility.
- Salmanazar or Mordechai (9 litres): The name ‘Salmanazar’ comes from Salmanassar, an Assyrian king known for his authority and power, lending a sense of grandeur to this format.
- Methuselah (6 litres): The name ‘Methuselah’ is taken from the Bible and refers to one of the longest-lived characters mentioned in the sacred text, evoking the idea of longevity and durability.
- Rehoboam (4.5 litres): The name ‘Rehoboam’ is taken from a biblical king of Israel, known for his turbulent and divisive reign, perhaps reflecting the idea of a more controversial format.
- Jeroboam (3 litres): The name ‘Jeroboam’ refers to another biblical king of Israel who was responsible for the division of the kingdom, perhaps suggesting a connection to complexity and variety.
- Marie Jeanne (2,25 litres): If the magnum is the result of multiplying a standard bottle by two, the one called Marie Jeanne is the result of multiplying the same bottle by three. Its 2.25 litres make it a favourite among cognac bottlers.
- Magnum (1,5 litres): The term ‘Magnum’ comes from Latin and means ‘large’, indicating the significantly larger size compared to standard bottles.
- Bordeaux (750ml): The 750ml bottle is commonly known as ‘Bordeaux’ because of its historical origins and its association with the Bordeaux wine region in France. This region is famous for producing some of the world’s most renowned wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Demi (375ml) The 375ml bottle is commonly known as ‘Half bottle’ or ‘Demi’ in French. This term is simply derived from its ability to hold half the quantity of a standard 750ml bottle, and is widely used around the world to refer to this format.
- Chopine (250 ml): The chopine is a unit of measurement that has been used in the past to indicate a quantity of liquid, mainly in France and Canada. In some regional or historical contexts, the 250 ml bottle might be called ‘Chopine’. However, it is important to note that this designation is not universally recognised or standardised in the same way as other wine bottle sizes are.
- Benjamin (200 ml): The term ‘Benjamin’ is sometimes associated in France with the 200 ml champagne bottle.
- Piccola o quarter (187,5ml): A 187.5 ml bottle does not have a standardised designation in the wine industry. However, in some contexts, it might be called ‘Small Bottle’ or ‘Small Format’ to indicate its smaller size compared to standard formats such as the ‘Half Bottle’ (375ml).
- FirstGlass (100ml): The name ‘FirstGlass’ might suggest the concept of a ‘first sip’ or ‘first experience’, and was invented in Florence by the FirstGlass brand of the same name, based in Ponte Vecchio, emphasising the importance of the moment of tasting wine and the innovation of this new format.
In addition to these formats, which we might call standard, many special formats have been created over time. The record size for a bottle of wine is generally attributed to several special bottles, often created for special events or celebrations. Two of the largest and most famous bottles ever made are the ‘Maximus’ and the ‘Five Virtues’.
The ‘Maximus’ is a giant bottle created in 2013 by Castello di Amorosa Winery, located in Napa Valley, California, USA. This bottle has a capacity of about 173 litres (about 230 standard 750 ml bottles) and was created to celebrate the opening of a new wing of the winery. The ‘Maximus’ was recognised as the largest commercially available wine container at the time of its creation.
The ‘Five Virtues’ is another giant bottle created by Blackwood Distillers in the UK in 2007. This wine bottle has a capacity of about 480 litres (about 640 standard 750 ml bottles) and was created to promote a new line of wines from the winery. The ‘Five Virtues’ gained recognition as the largest bottle of wine in the world at the time of its creation.
Both these records have been officially recognised and documented, but it is important to note that the world of wine is full of exceptional creations and that new challenges to records may always emerge.
And this is indeed the case with the new 100ml format. FirstGlass are distinguished by their bold decision to drastically reduce the capacity to just 100 millilitres. But what makes this format so special?
Firstly, the 100ml FirstGlass breaks with tradition by offering an extremely compact and portable size. While standard wine bottles are usually available in 350ml, 750ml or 1.5 litre sizes, the FirstGlass offers a smaller, more manageable option that is perfect for a wide range of occasions, from wine tastings to small intimate gatherings.
Reducing the capacity of wine bottles offers numerous advantages for both producers and consumers. For producers, FirstGlass represents an opportunity to experiment and introduce new varieties of wine in more accessible formats to reach new market segments, including younger consumers or those interested in exploring a variety of wines without committing to a full-size bottle.
For insiders and experts, a new opportunity to research a wide and new range of wines with a more streamlined and cost-effective approach. The use of FirstGlass also facilitates the use of samples both for personal use and when participating in trade fairs and competitions.
For consumers, the 100ml FirstGlass offers greater flexibility and convenience. This compact format is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a variety of wines without having to commit to a whole bottle. It is also perfect for situations where a standard bottle of wine might be too much, such as picnics, hiking or travelling.
In addition, the 100ml FirstGlass also stands out for its sleek and modern design. The bottle’s sleek, streamlined shape is designed to catch the eye and reflect the innovative spirit of the wine it contains. In addition, the bottles are made of high-quality materials to ensure optimal preservation of the wine, keeping its flavour and aroma intact.
The introduction of the 100ml FirstGlass marks a turning point in the wine industry, highlighting the desire to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of modern consumers. With their compact size, convenience and attractive design, FirstGlasses promise to become a popular option among wine lovers worldwide, offering an exciting new way to enjoy this precious beverage.
