While Prosecco or Cava are decent stand-ins for brunches and parties, Champagne has always been reserved for those landmark life moments; engagements, big birthdays, weddings.
Which is interesting because they’re actually quite similar, just made using slightly different methods and grapes. However, while Italy and Spain make delicious versions and English sparkling wine is starting to give them all a run for their money, Champagne remains the undisputed king of fizz - with a top-end price to match.
That's because back in the 17th to 19th centuries, Champagne became associated with royalty, and producers have taken great care to reinforce that luxurious image through advertising and packaging ever since.
You can buy bottles in every size, from miniscule 20cl bottles – which make excellent hen party favours – to the colossal six litre methuselahs, eight times the size of a standard bottle and with enough liquid to fill 48 flutes.
Right at the top of the scale, you can even get 30 litre giants called Melchizedek or Midas - if you have around £50,000 to splash, that is.
The origins behind large Champagne bottle names
Wine expert Nicholas Jones from Winebuyers explains why bottles are named after the Kings of Israel: "In the 18th century, Bordeaux in Double Magnum started to be named Jeroboam to denote its scale and grandness. Later, this naming convention was expanded to include other Kings of Israel.
It’s possible the names are attributed to wines for their properties; Methuselah’s being age-worthy whereas Balthazar was thought to be carousing whilst the Persians invaded Babylonia.”
Naughty Balthazar. Some theorise that naming a bottle that's 16 times bigger than the standard 750ml after a King who lost his empire because he was inebriated AF may be a playful reminder of what's at stake if you follow in his footsteps.
Considering getting an above average-sized bottle?
Louis Roederer brand manager Alex Tilling is hosting a Drinking Champagne like a Pro workshop at the Spirit of Christmas Fair on November 7. So, who better to ask for a few tips on handling XXL bottles of bubbles?:
- Storage: “They rarely fit in a rack or comfortably in a fridge, so they're best kept in the box it was purchased in and stored in a cool, dark place where you won't trip over them.
- Chilling: "I highly recommend sticking them in a bath tub of ice when the time comes…”
- Pouring: "Make sure you have a wingman to share the weight of the bottle so you don’t drop it, or use a table to bear the weight.”
To honour Champagne and its royal status, we’ve rounded up some of the best king-size bottles out there for your sipping pleasure. Open now, or save for a special occasion to share with your favourite people.
See our favourites below
Fortnum's Brut Reserve N.V, Louis Roederer Magnum
Just about affordable, this Magnum (1.5 litres) has been made especially for Fortnum & Mason's customers by esteemed Champagne house Louis Roederer.
The non-vintage blend is made with three classic grapes; Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The result? A rounded and complex glass lifted with the sweet freshness of the Chardonnay.
Considering some of Louis Roederer's XL bottles go for the best part of £600, this is a great chance to taste the heritage brand's expertise for a snip at the price.
£80 | Fortnum & Mason | Buy it now
Shop all Champagne at Fortnum & Mason here
Laurent Perrier Brut Champagne Jeroboam NV 3 Litre
Holding three litres, this bottle is four times the size of a typical bottle of Champagne, making it a fantastic party piece at your next big bash. Champagne fountain, anyone?
£249.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne
Named Nebuchadnezzars after the longest-reigning and most powerful monarch of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, this colossal bottle of Moët holds an astounding 15 litres - that's a lot of bubbles.
Make sure you have plenty friends and family gathered around before popping the cork on this one; it’s carrying enough fresh, florally liquid gold to fill 120 Champagne glasses.
£1,650 | Harrods | Buy it now
Shop all Champagne at Harrods here
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Nebuchadnezzar
Full of mineral notes and juicy citrus, this gigantic bottle holds 15 litres of premium Champagne.
Named Nebuchadnezzar (try saying that quickly after a few flutes) after the Babylonian king who was the most prominent of his dynasty, it should be stored away from bright or artificial light.
£1,920 | Clos 19 | Buy it now
Armand de Brignac Brut Gold Melchizedek
You may have to sell your house to afford this, but who needs the security of bricks and mortar anyway? In the event that you one day strike it lucky on the lottery or perhaps get yourself adopted by an oligarch, add this to your luxury shopping list pronto.
It's from the house of Armand de Brignac, considered by many as one of the finest Champagne houses in the world, and this bottle is a whopping 30 litres. That's 40x the size of a normal bottle of Champers.
The pale gold liquid is full of light and fruity notes on the nose before deepening into a rich cream on the tongue.
A more modest Jeroboam is also available here for an equally more modest price.
£51,161.23 | Drinks and Co | Buy it now
