Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

How many bottles are in a Balthazar?

1. 12 Bottles

2. 16 Bottles

3. 20 Bottles

4. 24 Bottles

The correct answer is: 16 Bottles

A Balthazar holds 12 liters of wine, which is equivalent to 16 standard 750 ml bottles. This size is part of a classification of large-format wine bottles used for special occasions or celebrations, where the larger volume helps preserve the wine's quality over time. Understanding the capacity of a Balthazar is valuable for sommeliers, as it aids in pairing wine with the appropriate service and storage options, especially for events that may require larger quantities of wine. This knowledge also reinforces the hierarchical naming convention for large bottles, which is relevant in the context of both wine service and storage logistics.