Magnums, Jeroboams & More

The magnum is one of the best-known large-format wine bottles. Its name comes from the Latin magnus, meaning ‘great’. First produced in the 18th or early 19th century, depending on which historical account you follow, magnums became more widely available as glassmaking techniques improved. Today, they are closely associated with special occasions and fine wines that benefit from ageing.

A magnum holds 1.5 litres of wine, equivalent to two standard 75 cl bottles. Depending on the size of the pour, it can serve up to 12 glasses, making it ideal for sharing over a meal with 6 to 8 guests. Despite its generous size, a magnum remains relatively easy to handle and transport.

Whether you prefer red, white or rosé, wine can benefit from being stored in a magnum for several reasons:

• Slower oxidation: Although a magnum holds twice as much wine as a standard 750ml bottle, the neck is generally similar in size. This means that the amount of oxygen trapped between the cork and the wine is proportionally lower, helping to slow oxidation. As a result, the wine can mature more gradually, allowing its tannins to soften and more complex aromas to develop.
• Greater thermal stability: Thanks to its larger volume, a magnum is less susceptible to temperature fluctuations than a standard bottle. This helps maintain more stable conditions for the wine to mature.

Wines aged in magnums can develop greater aromatic complexity and a silkier texture, making this format particularly appealing for wines intended for ageing.

As well as being ideal for ageing, magnums are wonderfully versatile. Whether you're hosting a special occasion, adding to your wine collection or looking for an original gift, a wine magnum is a great choice for a wide range of occasions.

When hosting 8, 10 or 12 guests, opening several standard bottles can make serving more complicated. One or two magnums make things easier, allowing you to serve everyone the same wine at the same temperature, with fewer trips back and forth to the wine rack.

Le magnum de vin constitue un excellent choix pour les moments exceptionnels et grandes occasions : mariage, anniversaire, naissance, fêtes de fin d’année, réussite professionnelle… Avec son allure spectaculaire et sa taille imposante, cette grosse bouteille marque les esprits et donne immédiatement une dimension plus festive à l’événement.

Ideal for ageing, a magnum is an excellent choice for building a wine collection. If you're looking to lay down a fine red wine from Bordeaux or Burgundy, a magnum of Grand Cru can be a particularly good investment, with ageing potential ranging from 15 years to several decades. Compared with the same wine in a standard bottle, a magnum can encourage slower, more gradual development, allowing the wine to evolve and develop greater aromatic complexity over time.

Looking for a unique and prestigious gift for a loved one, friend or colleague? A magnum of wine is sure to make a lasting impression. Its generous size is often associated with generosity and sophistication, while a magnum from a prestigious estate is bound to delight even the most discerning wine enthusiast. For collectors, it is the perfect gift, as wines in this format can age particularly well when stored under the right conditions.

The magnum size really comes into its own when it comes to a fine wine with ageing potential. There are plenty of options to enhance your wine cellar:

• A magnum of Bordeaux wine for ageing: for serious collectors, a magnum of Grand Cru red wine is an excellent choice. The richness, power, structure and elegance of a Pauillac; the delicacy, finesse and remarkable harmony of a Margaux; the power, richness, freshness and velvety texture of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru… you’re spoilt for choice. Do you enjoy luscious white wines? Opt for a prestigious magnum of Premier Cru Classé white wine from Sauternes. The magnum format is particularly well-suited to these fine wines, which have ageing potential spanning several decades.
• A magnum of fine Burgundy wine: to enhance your finest dining occasions, discover the finest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay through the great wines of Burgundy: Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis Grand Cru, Meursault Premier Cru, Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru…
• A magnum of Rhône wine: are you looking for a structured and complex red wine? The Hermitage and Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellations are excellent choices in magnum format. The Côte Rôtie AOC is a safe bet for red wines combining power, elegance and great ageing potential. Also discover the complexity, silky texture and lingering finish of the Viognier grape variety by choosing a magnum of fine white wine from Condrieu.

Whether to accompany a large gathering, celebrate a special occasion or give a prestigious gift, other regions are also well worth considering. A magnum of Alsace wine, such as a Riesling Grand Cru, is an ideal choice for special occasions such as a wedding, the festive season or even a gourmet dinner. To enhance a chic aperitif or a refined meal, both in summer and throughout the year, indulge in the freshness, elegance and sophistication of an exceptional magnum of rosé from the Côtes de Provence. Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire, Corsica… Wines from other regions are also available in magnum bottles for a variety of tasting experiences and the opportunity to discover different regions and estates.

For those who love discovering new wines, explore other wine-growing regions of the Old World or the New World by choosing a magnum of wine from Italy, Spain, Argentina or even South Africa. Valle de Uco DO, Rioja DO, Ribera del Duero DO, Barolo DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino… These wines from around the world in large formats offer a wonderful opportunity to savour different aromatic profiles.

Other bottle sizes, with capacities reaching impressive proportions, are also used in the world of wine. In addition to the Magnum, the Jeroboam and the Methuselah are among the best known.

The 3-litre bottle, equivalent to four standard bottles, goes by different names depending on the region. In Burgundy, the Rhône or Champagne, this bottle is called a Jeroboam, named after two kings of Israel. For the people of Bordeaux, a 3-litre magnum of wine is called a Double Magnum. By contrast, a Jeroboam holds 5 litres.

The 6-litre bottle, which is equivalent to 8 standard bottles, is called an ‘Impériale’ in Bordeaux. In other wine-producing regions, it is known as a ‘Methuselah’, referring to the oldest figure in the Old Testament.

Good news: magnums of wine are affordable for almost every budget. At Vinatis, prices start at around £10 to £20 for certain light, fruity reds, whites or rosés, perfect for delighting the taste buds at impromptu large gatherings. Among the most prestigious appellations of Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône and Provence, the price of a magnum of fine red wine, white wine or gastronomic rosé can reach several hundred euros.

Vinatis is here to support you in all your wine-tasting occasions, from the simplest to the most festive or formal, thanks to a wide selection of magnums of wine, as well as other large formats (Jeroboams or Double Magnums of 3 litres, Bordeaux Jeroboams of 5 litres, Methuselahs or Imperials of 6 litres). Our online catalogue covers all colours, various wine-growing regions and a multitude of appellations, from the lesser-known to the most prestigious. Each magnum of wine comes with a detailed description including tasting notes, recommended food and wine pairings and ageing potential. Easily find the magnum of wine that suits you thanks to our intuitive filter system (price, colour, country, region, aromatic profile, etc.). Looking for great deals? Vinatis regularly offers promotions and other special offers to help you save even more when buying magnums of wine.