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Melchior (18l) Wines : Key Points

The Melchior is one of the family of large sizes of bottles of Bordeaux wines.

What is the capacity of a Melchior?

The capacity of Melchior is 18 litres, the equivalent of 24 bottles of 75cl, or 144 glasses of wine. Although this name is used exclusively in Bordeaux, bottles of this capacity in Burgundy and Champagne are called Solomon.

What does the name Melchior mean?

The name Melchior is of biblical origin. Melchior is the name of one of the three Wise Men.

Does the size of the bottle influence the quality of the wine?

The size of the bottle does indeed have an influence on the quality of the wine. The exchange of air between the cork and the wine is less in a large bottle than in a small one, which limits its oxidation. In addition, because of their large capacity, large bottles exude the complexity and aromatic palette of the wine.

What is the best way to open a Melchior?

To open a Melchior properly, it is best to follow a few steps to ensure that the bottle opens properly. Because of its size and capacity, the Melchior can, depending on the type of wine, be closed with a wire cage, a capsule or even wax. In the case of a wire cage or a capsule, you can proceed as for a classic bottle. In the case of a wax-covered neck, after piercing the top of the waxed surface with your corkscrew, gently remove the cork by gradually removing the wax shavings so that they do not fall into the bottle after opening.

At what temperature should a Melchior be served?

The Melchior should ideally be served at a temperature of 16-18°C.