コレクション: Magnums & Large Formats

A magnum is 150cl — two standard bottles in one. Above that: Double Magnum 300cl (4 bottles), Methuselah or Imperial 600cl (8 bottles), Salmanazar 900cl (12 bottles).

Why they are not just bigger

Wine ages more slowly and more evenly in a magnum. The reason is simple physics: the amount of air trapped under the cork is roughly the same as in a standard bottle, but there is twice as much wine for it to act on. Less oxygen per millilitre means slower, steadier development.

Collectors have known this for a long time, which is why the same wine in magnum often costs more than two bottles — and why an old wine in magnum is usually in better condition than the same vintage in 75cl.

When to buy one

An occasion. A wedding, a milestone birthday, a company anniversary. One three-litre bottle on a table is memorable in a way four separate bottles are not.

Something to lay down. If you are buying a wine to open in fifteen years, magnum is the better format.

A table of eight or more. One magnum poured for everyone beats two bottles opened at different times.

Practical warning. Check you have somewhere to chill it — a 300cl bottle does not fit in most Hong Kong fridges. Tell us if you need it delivered cold and we will advise.

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