A magnum is a 1.5 liter bottle of wine, equal to two standard 750 ml bottles and roughly 10 glasses. Magnums make memorable gifts because they look impressive on the table, serve a crowd and generally age more slowly and gracefully than standard bottles.
Giving wine is easy. Giving wine people remember is harder. A magnum solves that. It is the bottle that gets photographed, shows up at the center of the table and says you put thought into the gift.

What Is a Magnum?

• Size: 1.5 liters, or 50.7 ounces.
• Equivalent: Two standard 750 ml bottles.
• Pours: About 10 five-ounce glasses, enough for a dinner party of six to eight with a glass left over.

Why Magnums Make Great Gifts

They make an entrance. A magnum looks like an event before it is even opened.
They are built for sharing. Ten glasses means the gift gets enjoyed by the whole table, not just the recipient.
They age gracefully. Larger bottles have less air relative to the wine inside, which is why many collectors believe wine in a magnum develops more slowly and more evenly than in a standard bottle.
They fit the season. Holiday gatherings are exactly the kind of occasion a magnum was made for.

Two Magnums to Know

Beringer Quantum Red Blend (1.5L). A Cabernet Sauvignon-led Napa Valley red blend made in a Bordeaux style, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and other varieties. A strong pick for the steak lover or the dinner host.
Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir (1.5L). Etude's Heirloom Pinot Noir is grown on the estate's Grace Benoist Ranch in Carneros and made from heirloom selections of Pinot Noir that produce small bunches and small berries. The first Heirloom vintage was 1995. It is a gift for the Pinot Noir devotee.

How to Serve a Magnum

• Handle with two hands. A full magnum is heavy.
• Serve Pinot Noir around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and Cabernet-based blends around 60 to 65.
• Decant older or more structured wines for an hour or two.
• Plan on a table of six to eight people for one magnum.

Gift-Giving Tips

• Add a note with the wine's story or a suggested pairing.
• Pair a magnum with a nice decanter or a set of glasses for a full gift.
• Check shipping deadlines early in the season so the bottle arrives on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bottles is a magnum? Two standard 750 ml bottles.
How many glasses are in a magnum? About 10 five-ounce pours.
Does wine age better in a magnum? Many collectors believe so. The larger volume of wine relative to the air in the neck tends to slow aging.
Are magnums a good value? They often are, since you are getting the equivalent of two bottles in one, and they work well as gifts.
How long can I keep a magnum? It depends on the wine, but structured reds and top Pinot Noirs often reward patient cellaring.