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Magnum Wine: Why They're Better | Our 9 Favorites!
- Last Updated - 2/28/23
Magnum wines are gaining in popularity all the time. But what are magnum wines? Why are they better? And what are the different sizes of wine bottles?
In this post, we’ll answer all those questions and more! And we’ll discuss why magnum wines are superior to your standard sized wine bottles. Including why its a better value!
Finally, we’ll list 9 of the best magnum wines available on the market today.
Table of Contents
What is Magnum Wine?
A magnum wine is a large bottle that holds the equivalent of two standard-sized bottles of wine. A Magnum bottle is double the size of a standard wine bottle (750mL), holding 1500ml or one and a half liters (1.5L) of wine. Magnums are often used for special occasions, as they allow you and your guests to enjoy more wine without having to open multiple bottles.
Why are Magnum Wines Better?
There are a few reasons why magnum wines are better than other types of wine.
- First, magnums age more slowly than standard-sized bottles. Despite the fact that the bottle grows in diameter, the cork usually does not. Because corks are not entirely airtight, there is less oxygen exposure when the wine is in a magnum bottle. This means that magnums can be stored and aged for longer periods of time without losing their flavor.
- Another benefit of a magnum bottle is that they tend to taste better than wine from standard-sized bottles. This is because magnums allow the wine to breathe more before it is served. This allows the flavors of the wine to develop and become more complex.
- Magnum wines are higher priced than standard bottles but normally cheaper than purchasing two standard bottles. Therefore it’s a good value purchase!
- Another advantage is that, when compared to a standard sized bottle, there is twice the wine. Always a plus!
- Finally, magnum wines are simply more impressive than standard-sized bottles. A magnum of wine is sure to impress your guests, make any occasion special, and a great gift option.
What are the Different Wine Bottle Sizes?
In addition to magnums, there are a few other larger wine bottle sizes. The next size up from a magnum bottle is a Double Magnum (3L), which holds the equivalent of four standard-sized bottles of wine. Double magnums are rarer and more expensive than magnums.
Even larger than a double magnum is a Jeroboam (4.5L), which holds the equivalent of six standard-sized bottles of wine. Jeroboams are even more rare and expensive than double magnums. For Champagne bottles, a Jeroboam is 3L.
The next largest size wine bottle is a Methuselah aka Imperial (6L), which holds the equivalent of eight standard-sized bottles of wine. Methuselahs are very rare and extremely expensive.
The next largest wine bottle sizes:
- 9.0 L Salmanazar: Equivalent to twelve (12) standard 750 ml bottles or one (1) case of wine.
- 12.0 L Balthazar: Equivalent to sixteen (16) standard 750 ml bottles
- 15.0 L Nebuchadnezzar: Equivalent to twenty (20) standard 750 ml bottles.
How Big Are Magnum Wine Bottles?
Now that we’ve answered the question “what is magnum wine?”, let’s talk about magnum wine sizes. As we mentioned before, magnum wines are double the size of a standard bottle (750mL) or 1.5L. But how big is a magnum actually?
What are the Dimensions of a Magnum Wine Bottle?
The dimensions of a magnum wine bottle vary depending on the producer and the type of wine. But on average, magnum wines are about 13 inches tall and about four (4) inches in diameter. They weigh about three pounds when empty and hold the equivalent of two standard-sized bottles of wine.
What are the 9 Best Magnum Wine Bottles to Buy?
MOST POPULAR
1) Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus Special Selection is one of the most popular magnum wines available. It is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated wines therefore it’s also a great option as a gift for any wine enthusiast!
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Tasting Notes: This wine is full-bodied with aromas of dark fruit and chocolate. The flavors are of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla.
- Pairings: Steak, lamb, and hamburgers.
- Aging: Up to 5 to 10 years
MY FAVORITE
2) Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon
Nickel & Nickel is produced by one of the top wineries in Napa Valley, Far Niente. This magnum bottle of wine is a single-vineyard cabernet sauvignon from Oakville, California.
This Cabernet is one of my personal favorites, since it’s silky tannins, smooth, and never fails to deliver in flavor.
- Region: Oakville, California
- Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and cocoa with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee beans.
- Pairings: Grilled meats, lamb, and dark chocolate.
- Aging: Up to 15 years
MOST WELL-LIKED
3) Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver Oak Winery is one of the most popular and well-liked wineries in Napa Valley. This Cabernet Sauvignon has excellent praise from everyday wine drinkers to wine experts. This is a fantastic gift for someone special or a lovely dinner with friends.
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and anise with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee beans, and cigar box.
- Pairings: Grilled meats, lamb chops, and red meats.
- Aging: Up to 15 years
ICONIC MERLOT
4) Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot
Duckhorn Vineyards is a world-renowned producer of Bordeaux-style wines from Napa Valley. And their Three Palms Merlot is one of their most iconic wines in all of Napa. This seductive wine even won one of the most prestigious awards for “Wine of the Year” in 2017 by Wine Spectator.
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- Grape Variety: Merlot
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of black cherry, chocolate, and cedar with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.
- Pairings: Roast beef, filet mignon, pork, and roast chicken
- Aging: Up to 15 to 20 years
FANTASTIC MALBEC
5) Alpha Omega Malbec Napa Valley 2017
For Malbec lovers, Alpha Omega is a top-rated winery in the Rutherford region of Napa Valley. This magnum is 100% Malbec of Bordeaux grape varieties and is aged for 15 months in 100% French oak barrels.
- Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
- Grape Variety: Malbec
- Tasting Notes: Aromas of redcurrants, dark cherries, wild strawberries, lavender, cedar, and chocolate-coated coffee bean
- Pairings: Grilled meats, lamb chops, and dark chocolate desserts.
- Aging: Up to 5 to 10 years
BORDEAUX BLEND
6) Opus One
Opus One is a world-famous Bordeaux-style blend from the Napa Valley. And this magnum is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- Grape Variety: Bordeaux-style blend
- Tasting Notes: Dark fruit and chocolate with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and spice.
- Pairings: Filet mignon, NY Strip, lamb, and other red meats.
- Aging: Up to 20 to 25 years
BEST VALUE RED BLEND
7) Prisoner Napa Valley Red
The Prisoner is a Napa Valley classic for this magnum bottle. It’s a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono. And for under $100, it’s a great value red blend that wine experts and wine beginners will all enjoy!
- Region: Napa Valley, California
- Grape Variety: Zinfandel-based blend
- Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, chocolate, and spice with flavors of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla.
- Pairings: Pizzas, Braised short ribs, and BBQ
- Aging: Up to 3 to 5 years
BEST SONOMA
8) Jordan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Jordan Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned winery in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. This magnum wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Alexander Valley region of Sonoma.
- Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
- Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
- Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, and spice with flavors of dark chocolate, coffee beans, and cigar box.
- Pairings: Grilled meats, lamb chops, and dark chocolate desserts.
- Aging: Up to 7 to 10 years
BEST PINOT NOIR
9) Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas Vineyard 2019
Belle Glos is a Pinot Noir specialist from the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County. The Las Alturas Vineyard is their flagship vineyard and this magnum wine is a single-vineyard bottling of Belle Glos’ best barrels.
- Region: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California
- Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
- Tasting Notes: Black cherry, strawberry, and spice with flavors of dark fruit, plum, and vanilla.
- Pairings: Mushroom dishes, bison, and strawberry desserts.
- Aging: Up to 3 to 7 years
Where to Buy Magnum Bottles?
Some of the best places to buy magnum bottles are your local wine shops or online retailers. Or if you’re looking for a specific magnum wine, you can search for it through the winery’s website under their library wines.
Summary
Magnum wines are the perfect way to impress your dinner guests or celebrate a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic Bordeaux blend, Champagne bottles, or a single-vineyard Pinot Noir, there’s a magnum wine out there for everyone! So pop open that bottle and enjoy!
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