The term “split” in the context of Champagne refers to a smaller-sized bottle that contains 187 ml of wine. This size is one-fourth of the standard 750 ml bottle. The term “split” is commonly used in the wine industry to describe this specific size of bottle, and it has become widely recognized and accepted by wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The origin of the term “split” in relation to Champagne is not entirely clear. However, one theory suggests that it may have originated from the practice of splitting a full-sized bottle into smaller portions. In the past, Champagne was often served in larger bottles, such as magnums (1.5 liters) or even larger formats like jeroboams or methuselahs. These larger bottles were typically opened and shared during special occasions or celebrations.
In order to make Champagne more accessible and convenient for individual consumption, the idea of splitting a larger bottle into smaller portions emerged. This allowed consumers to enjoy Champagne without committing to a full-sized bottle, which can be quite substantial for one person. The 187 ml size was chosen as it provides a generous single serving of Champagne.
The term “split” may also have been influenced by the idea of splitting the cost or sharing the bottle with others. It allows people to indulge in a glass or two of Champagne without having to purchase a full bottle. This concept of sharing and experiencing Champagne in a smaller format has become quite popular, especially for those who want to enjoy Champagne on their own or for special occasions.
Furthermore, the term “split” is not exclusive to Champagne; it is also used to describe smaller-sized bottles in other sparkling wine regions around the world. This includes other traditional method sparkling wines like Prosecco, Cava, and even some domestic sparkling wines. The use of the term “split” has become a standard way to denote this specific size of bottle, regardless of the type of sparkling wine it contains.
The term “split” in relation to Champagne refers to a smaller-sized bottle containing 187 ml of wine. The exact origin of the term is not known, but it likely emerged from the practice of splitting larger bottles into smaller portions. This allowed for more convenient and individual consumption of Champagne. The term has since become widely recognized and used in the wine industry to describe this specific size of bottle, not only for Champagne but also for other sparkling wines.