Find out more about our large format wines (methuselah; magnum and jeroboam)
What is a magnum?
A magnum is a large format bottle of wine , with a capacity of 1.5 L. This represents 12 glasses of wine, or 2 traditional 75 cl bottles. This bottle format emerged in the 18th century, and its name is taken from the Latin word, which means "large". The magnum is very present in the festive environment, where wine lovers are delighted to be able to enjoy a large container, which remains easy to handle. Twice the size of a classic bottle, the magnum nevertheless has a neck of identical size, to limit the oxidation of the wine once the bottle is opened.
What is a jeroboam?
The jeroboam has a variable capacity depending on the type of wine it contains. Thus, a jeroboam from Burgundy, Rhône and Champagne has a capacity of 3 L (24 glasses or 4 classic bottles), while a jeroboam from Bordeaux has a capacity of 4.5 L (36 glasses or 6 bottles). In Bordeaux, the 3 L bottle is called a double magnum.
These large format wine bottles are suitable for aging red wines, but also for all types of wine. Its name comes from the Bible, where Jeroboam was a king of the northern part of Israel.
The wine jeroboam is one of the bottle formats that remains quite manageable, and which always impresses guests. Ideal format for festive events, it fits on all tables and can serve 16 to 24 people .
How to successfully serve a jeroboam?
Opening large format wine bottles is not anticipated in the same way as for a traditional bottle of red wine. Due to its large capacity, a jeroboam must be opened 2 to 3 hours before serving . This gives the wine time to aerate and reveal all its aromas and characteristics.
Then there is the question of service, because a 3 L jeroboam weighs almost 3 kg, and a 5 L jeroboam can weigh up to 7 kg. Fortunately, despite this rather heavy weight, serving by hand remains possible.
How long does a jeroboam last?
This may seem surprising, but proportionally, the empty space between the wine and the base of the cork in a jeroboam is smaller than in a 75 cl bottle. Thus, the oxidation of wine is much slower, as is the development of yeasts, bacteria and microbes.
As a result, a jeroboam of red wine, white wine or rosé wine has a prolonged storage potential , allowing wines to be kept for at least 10 years, and much more.
What is a Methuselah?
The Methuselah is a glass bottle of wine with a capacity of 6 liters (48 glasses or 8 classic bottles). In Bordeaux, this bottle format is called Impériale.
His name is also taken from the Old Testament, where Methuselah was the oldest person. Methuselah is today a symbol of longevity.
A bottle of Methuselah is imposing, so it always makes a great impression at festive events, such as a celebratory meal. It is also a very popular gift to mark a special date. The person is then offered a bottle of Methuselah from the vintage of this significant date (birth, marriage, etc.), which they will open several years later.
How to transport and serve a bottle of Methuselah?
A bottle of Methuselah can weigh up to 15 kg. Hand serving then seems complicated. Fortunately, there is an accessory called a "cradle", on which you position the large format bottle. Simply tilt the cradle from bottom to top to pour red wine , white wine, Champagne or rosé into the wine glass.
Without a cradle, it is then advisable to carefully pour the wine into a carafe, in order to facilitate serving.
As for transporting a bottle of Methuselah, the weight is also a criterion to take into account, without forgetting the ideal storage conditions. The bottles of Methuselah and all large formats are then installed in a wooden box , and delivery is made by carrier specialized in wine logistics , where the bottles will not receive any shock and will be placed in the dark, protected humidity.
Does large format wine retain its taste qualities?
In a magnum or in a larger container, the wine develops more freely, it settles in better. First of all, by its sheer volume, it has a better chance of having a greater share of the aromatic components that were previously in the barrel or vat.
But above all it will ventilate more effectively during serving since the surface area of the wine in contact with the air will be significantly greater than it would be in the bottle. As effective as a carafe without having to do extra dishes!
