Magnum 101
What’s better than a bottle of wine? An even bigger bottle of wine, of course. A showy magnum (1.5 litres) is twice the size of a regular bottle and it’s ridiculously large size is one surefire way to make people’s eyes light up these holidays.
Here's what you need to know about these three big guys:
- You're guaranteed quality
If a producer is making wine in a large format, you’re guaranteed their best as these are the wines they want to show off with bespoke
materials (the bottles, labels and corks are produced in limited runs).
- It saves you time
You’ll get around 12 glasses out of a magnum so it makes complete sense if you’re serving a large group. Who wants to open a new bottle every five minutes?
- They taste better
No, really. Because there’s more wine in the bottle and less empty space between the wine and cork (called ullage), there’s a proportionately smaller amount of air in the bottle and the wine will often develop greater nuances and more complex flavours than wine aged in standard bottles.
OUR TOP 3 MAGNUM BOTTLES
Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons Classique 1.5L
Made in partnership between Anthonij Rupert and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, it’s a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackcurrant and plum aromas combined with cedar wood and graphite nuances.
Pierre Jourdan Tranquille Blush 1.5L
A supersized bottle of this well-loved Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend by Haute Cabrière in Franschhoek. The fragrant bouquet introduces a wine with fine fruit flavours and a dry finish.
The Chocolate Block 1.5L
Made by Boekenhoutskloof in Franschhoek, it’s a fine blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut and Viognier available in a craft gift box. But that doesn’t mean you can’t buy it for yourself! You’ll love the floral notes and red berry and dark chocolate flavours.