Large Formats

Large format wines are a popular choice for special occasions and for wine collectors. They come in different sizes and offer a variety of benefits over standard bottles. In this article, we'll explore everything there is to know about large format wines, from the benefits to storage and purchase.

The advantages of large format wines

Large format wines offer numerous advantages compared to standard bottles. Firstly, most wines in large formats age better than in standard bottles. This is because the amount of oxygen entering the bottle is less than in standard bottles. Additionally, the greater quantity of wine in a single container means that temperature fluctuations are less significant, reducing the risk of damage to the wine.

Secondly, large format wines are an ideal choice for special occasions. A large bottle quickly becomes the center of attention and makes an impression on guests. Also, one large bottle is much easier to handle than many smaller bottles. For example, if you're hosting a dinner party for a large group, you can use a few large bottles to make serving easier.

Dimensions of large format wines

Large format wines are available in different sizes, each with a specific name:

Magnum : 1.5 litres, equal to two standard bottles

Jeroboam : 3 litres, equal to four standard bottles

Rehoboam : 4.5 litres, equal to six standard bottles

Methuselah : 6 litres, equal to eight standard bottles

Salmanazar : 9 litres, equal to twelve standard bottles

Balthazar : 12 litres, equal to sixteen standard bottles

Nebuchadnezzar : 15 litres, equal to twenty standard bottles

Conservation of large format wines

The conservation of large format wines is an important aspect to consider. Because these bottles are larger than standard bottles, storing them can be trickier. Most wineries don't have shelves or spaces suitable for large bottles, so you need to plan ahead.

Also, large bottles may take longer to adjust to the ambient temperature in which they are stored. To avoid sudden changes in temperature, it is important to store large bottles in a cool, dry place.

Purchase of large format wines

Buying large format wines can be an excellent choice for wine collectors and for special occasions. However, it is important to pay attention to the origin of the bottles. Large bottles can be more susceptible to counterfeiting than standard bottles, so it's important to buy from reputable, reputable sellers.

What are wines in large formats?

Large format wines are bottles of wine that have a higher capacity than the classic 750 ml bottles. There are a number of larger wine bottle sizes including the Magnum (1.5 litres), Double Magnum (3 litres), Jeroboam (4.5 litres), Rehoboam (4.5 litres), Methuselah ( 6 litres), the Salmanazar (9 litres), the Balthazar (12 litres) and the Nebuchodonosor (15 litres).

Why choose wines in large formats?

There are many reasons to choose a bottle of wine in a larger format than the classic 750ml bottles. Firstly, wine in large formats has greater stability than standard bottles, thanks to the greater quantity of wine present in the bottle and the lower quantity of air that comes into contact with the wine.

Secondly, wines in large formats have a slower evolution, which means they can be kept for a longer period without undergoing any alteration. Furthermore, these wines have greater harmony and balance than standard bottles, thanks to the greater contact surface between the wine and the cork.

Finally, wines in large formats are ideal for special occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or corporate events, because they have a greater visual impact and are able to satisfy the palate of a greater number of people.

How to choose a large format wine?

Choosing a large format wine depends on the type of wine and personal needs. In general, the wines best suited to larger formats are those that require a longer aging period, such as structured red wines, complex white wines or sweet dessert wines.

Furthermore, it is important to choose a high quality wine, because the greater quantity of wine present in the bottle also increases the possibility that any defects will appear. It is therefore important to buy wines in large formats from reliable retailers who offer guarantees on the quality of the wine and its conservation.

Finally, it is important to consider the number of people who will participate in the event, in order to choose the right bottle format. For example, a bottle of Magnum (1.5 litres) is enough for around 10 people, while a bottle of Balthazar (12 litres) can cater for up to 100 people.

In conclusion, wines in large formats are an excellent choice for special occasions and for wine collectors, thanks to their greater stability, their ability to evolve more slowly and their ability to satisfy the palate of a greater number of people.