Planning For The Holidays?
Here's why you should serve magnums at your next gathering.
First, the obvious: They're bigger.
Whether you're hosting or attending a party, chances are you're going to need more than one bottle of wine. A magnum is 1.5 liters, the equivalent of two standard bottles (and around 16 glasses of wine), making them super convenient for parties of any size.
Less space for oxygen = better quality wine.
In the wine-making process, oxidation is a challenge, both before and after bottling. And although it can be minimized by factors such as the size of the bottle, the introduction of inert gas prior to closure, and the closure itself, once wine oxidizes in the bottle it falls apart, losing flavor, fruitiness, and structure.
A magnum bottle has less space for oxygen and more space for wine, meaning slower oxidation, preserving the wine for longer stretches. (This means they're better for aging too!) They provide a better environment overall for the wine, leading to more complex flavors, textures, and aromas.
Once the bottle is open, oxygen is necessary for the release of aromas, flavors, and the development of wine feel in the mouth. Be sure to let the wine open up prior to consuming. This can be accomplished with the use of a decanter, or by simply pouring 4-6 oz into two glasses and letting them sit for 30 mins before enjoying.
They're more fun.
There's something incredibly satisfying about pouring wine out of a magnum. It's a quick way to be the life of a party and impress wine enthusiasts and novices alike. And if you don't manage to get through the entire bottle before the end of the night, you can rest easy knowing that magnums generally keep wine fresher than a standard size bottle.
What are you waiting for? Head to our Large Format section to order a magnum for yourself!