Old French measure for liquids (especially wine and spirits) with regionally very different volumes. Possibly the name is derived from the Latin cupa (barrel) or culleus (leather bag). In the past, the wines of Hospices de Beaune in Burgundy were sold at auction in cues of 456 litres (today in Pièce). Other sources also mention 405 l and 411 l (Burgundy), 227 l (Demi-Queue, Loire) and 360 l(Champagne). For more information, see also barrel types, hollow measures and wine vessels.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien