Magnums of Wine

The term ‘magnum’ refers to the size of a bottle of wine. Specifically, a magnum-sized bottle holds 1.5 litres, equivalent to two standard 750ml wine bottles. These large bottles are an excellent choice for parties and celebrations. A magnum of wine can help ensure you have enough wine for your guests and make an exciting visual centrepiece. Winemakers may choose to bottle their wine in magnums for other reasons, too. Wine ages more slowly and arguably better in a magnum than in a standard-sized wine bottle. This is because the amount of oxygen that enters the wine through the cork is proportionally less in a magnum compared to a standard bottle. This can result in a slower, more even maturation process, allowing the wine to develop complex flavours and aromas. Magnum-sized bottles aren’t limited to one type of wine. These larger bottles can be used for crisp whites, robust reds and aromatic rosés. Sparkling wines such as Champagne are frequently bottled in magnums, as are red wines intended to age for an extended period. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur looking to explore the subtle differences that a larger bottle brings or you’d like to add a touch of glamour to a special occasion, explore our range of magnums of wine.

Magnum bottles hold 1.5 litres of wine – equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles. They are widespread across the world, though some wine regions use them more extensively. The wines most commonly bottled in magnums include:

• Champagne – Magnum bottles are often used for Champagne and other types of sparkling wine. The increased volume is believed to be beneficial for sparkling wines as it slows down the ageing process and helps the development of new, complex flavours. Champagnes are known for their fine bubbles, high acidity and complex notes of citrus, green apple, brioche and almond.
• Bordeaux – In France, many prestigious Bordeaux estates release magnums, particularly for their premium fine wines. The Bordeaux style is typically structured and tannic, often with dark fruit flavours and notes of tobacco and cedar. Slow ageing in magnum bottles can benefit the development of these complex wines.
• Burgundy – Both white and red Burgundies (from the Burgundy region in France) can be found in magnums. Known for being ‘terroir expressive’, these wines can offer a wide profile of flavours, from red and black cherry in Pinot Noir to lemon, apple and sometimes buttery or nutty notes in Chardonnay-based whites.
• Barolo and Brunello – The renowned Italian wines Barolo (from Piedmont) and Brunello di Montalcino (from Tuscany) are often available in magnums. These wines are known for their ageing potential. Barolo offers complex notes of cherry, rose, and tar and Brunello features rich, dark fruit flavours complemented by leather and spice notes.

For collectors, magnums look good on display, and some have possible investment value.

A magnum is just one option when it comes to wine bottles, which are available in a number of sizes –listed here from smallest to largest:

• Piccolo (aka Split) – Holds 187.5ml, equivalent to a quarter of a standard bottle or one glass of wine.
• Half/Demi – Holds 375ml, half the volume of a standard bottle or approximately 2.5 glasses.
• Standard – Holds 750ml. This is the most common size of wine bottle and holds about 5 standard glasses of wine.
• Magnum – Holds 1.5 litres, equivalent to two standard bottles or 10 glasses.
• Jeroboam (or Double Magnum) – Holds 3 litres, equivalent to four standard bottles. In Champagne and Burgundy, a Jeroboam is 3 litres, but in Bordeaux, it’s 5 litres.
• Rehoboam – A sparkling wine bottle that holds 4.5 litres, the equivalent of six standard bottles.
• Imperial (aka Methuselah in Burgundy, Champagne) – Holds 6 litres, which equals eight standard bottles.
• Salmanazar – Holds 9 litres, equivalent to twelve standard bottles or a full case of wine.
• Balthazar – Holds 12 litres, equivalent to sixteen standard bottles.
• Nebuchadnezzar – Holds 15 litres, which is equivalent to twenty standard bottles.

These larger formats are often used for celebratory events or for ageing fine wines, as the wine-to-air ratio allows for slower, more even ageing.

Read our complete guide on wine bottle sizes.

Serving wine from a magnum bottle, which holds 1.5 litres, can add a fantastic sense of ceremony to a special occasion.

The serving temperature for your magnum will depend on the type of wine it contains. If it’s still white or sparkling wine, chill it to around 8-10°C before serving. A temperature of about 16-18°C is typically recommended for red wines.

Regardless of the bottle’s size, the wine’s style should determine your choice of glassware. Use a large, wide glass for reds to allow the wine to aerate and release its aromas. A smaller, more tapered glass is suitable for whites or rosés to concentrate their more delicate aromas. Sparkling wines should be served in flutes to sustain the bubbles.

Depending on the wine’s age and style, you may wish to decant the wine. Young, full-bodied reds and whites can benefit from decanting to soften their tannins and enhance their aromas. Older wines, especially those with sediment, can also benefit from decanting. However, they should be served soon afterwards to prevent too much oxygen exposure.

Always bear in mind a magnum’s larger size and heavier weight when pouring. It might be easier to pour your wine by tilting the bottle with the base resting on the table rather than attempting to hold the magnum mid-air.

Store magnum bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place. A stable temperature of 10-15°C helps to keep the cork moist and prevents it from drying out and letting air in. Let magnums of aged red wine stand upright for a few days before serving so that any sediment falls naturally to the base.

After opening your magnum, it’s best to enjoy the wine within 1-2 days to drink it at its best. However, resealing the bottle with a wine stopper and refrigerating it (space permitting) can extend its life by a few more days. Larger bottles, such as magnums, may retain the wine’s quality slightly longer because of a lower surface-to-air ratio.