Guide · Holidays
By Vinogrande · 6 min read
A magnum holds twice as much wine, but its real charm lies elsewhere: it arrives at the table as an event. We explain what it is, why so many wine lovers prefer it and how to choose the right one this Christmas.
Some bottles are simply opened; others are celebrated. The magnum bottle belongs to the second group. At 1.5 litres, the equivalent of two standard bottles, it is the format that turns a family dinner or a Christmas Eve meal into a moment shared around a single bottle.
Over the coming weeks, as the holidays approach, it is also the format most people look for as a gift. Here we bring together the essentials: size, advantages, how to store and serve it, and a selection of magnums from the Vinogrande wine shop.
In short
— A magnum holds 1.5 litres, the equivalent of two 75 cl bottles, or about 12 glasses.
— The larger format ages more slowly and is highly prized for wines built to age.
— It is a natural choice for large tables, celebrations and gifts.
— At Vinogrande you will find magnums of benchmark Portuguese reds and of Champagne.
The format
What is a magnum bottle?
A magnum is a 1.5-litre format. By comparison, a standard wine bottle holds 75 cl, so a magnum holds twice as much. At the table that means about 12 glasses, enough for a dinner of six to eight people.
There are larger formats. In Champagne, for example, the 3-litre bottle is called a Jeroboam. But the magnum is the most common large format, the easiest to find and to serve, and the one many producers reserve for their best wines.
Why magnum
Magnum bottles: the advantages of the format
It is widely accepted that wine in magnum ages more slowly and harmoniously than in a standard bottle. The most common explanation is simple: the amount of air between the wine and the cork is similar, but there is twice as much wine, so the proportion of oxygen in contact with the wine is lower.
In a magnum, the proportion of oxygen in contact with the wine is lower.
For wines built to age, such as the great reds of the Douro and Dão or a vintage Champagne, this makes the magnum the format of choice for many collectors. For those buying to drink now, the advantage is different: a single bottle serves the whole table, and everyone tastes exactly the same wine.
Our selection
Where to buy magnum wine
We have selected magnums from benchmark producers, all available in our online shop. We start with our top pick.
The sommelier's choice
Pape 2020 Magnum
Dão · Red · 1.5 L
A Dão from Quinta da Pellada that blends, in equal parts, Baga da Pellada and Touriga from the Outeiro vineyard. Floral and spicy, with raspberry notes and 30 months in barrel: a complex, elegant red, made to improve with time in a format designed for exactly that.
Discover the wine
02
Manoella Vinhas Velhas 2021 Magnum
A century-old vineyard with more than 30 grape varieties; Wine & Soul.
View →
06
Billecart-Salmon Vintage 2016 Magnum
Extra brut Champagne: brioche, dried fruit and toasted hazelnut.
View →See all our large formats in the Magnum Bottles collection.
Serving
How to store and serve a magnum
Store it lying down in a cool, dark place with no temperature swings, like any wine for ageing.
Stand it upright the day before if it is an older red, so the sediment settles at the bottom.
Give it more time to chill: with twice the volume, a Champagne or white in magnum takes longer to cool in the fridge or ice bucket.
Decant if it makes sense: young, structured reds welcome some aeration; one large decanter or two smaller ones will do the job.
Pour with both hands: one on the body and the other at the base of the bottle. When full, a magnum is quite heavy.
As a gift
A magnum as a Christmas gift
A magnum is a gift that stands out without elaborate wrapping. It works especially well for people who love to entertain, for a Christmas host or to mark a special year: an age-worthy red in magnum can wait a few years and be opened on a future occasion.
If you are looking for other ideas, see also our selection of wine gift packs.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about magnum bottles
How many litres is a magnum bottle?
A magnum holds 1.5 litres, twice as much as a standard 75 cl bottle.
How many glasses does a magnum pour?
About 12 standard glasses, enough for a table of six to eight people.
Is wine better in magnum?
The wine is the same, but it is widely accepted that it ages more slowly and harmoniously in the larger format. That is why magnums are so sought after for wines built to age.
What is a 3-litre bottle called?
In Champagne, the 3-litre bottle is called a Jeroboam. The names of large formats vary from region to region.
Does a magnum need decanting?
Not necessarily. Young, structured reds can benefit from aeration; older reds benefit from being stood upright beforehand to separate the sediment.
How long does a magnum keep once opened?
Like any still wine, it is best drunk the same day or the next, well stoppered and kept cool. That is why it is the ideal format for large tables.
✦
One bottle, a whole table. This Christmas, choose a format worthy of the occasion.
View Magnum BottlesPlease enjoy responsibly. Drink in moderation.
