At a recent champagne masterclass, I've tasted a popular Champagne that comes in a magnum size. I was pleasantly surprised that the size of the bottle makes a real difference to the taste, that the pour from the party-sized bottle tasted so much nicer than from the standard.
So I asked the Sommelier why. The simple answer is that while the volume is doubled (that of a standard bottle), the neck size of the bottle remains the same, so it allows the champagne to mature slower and develop a more complex, mature and harmonious taste. The lesser space left in the bottle relative to the volume of its content also reduces the amount of oxidation over time.
What I thought was made for party and better sharing was in fact also designed for better aging and storage!
Magnum format is also a better practical choice. Magnum champagnes are usually cheaper per volume unit than standard bottles. For a large party, i.e. more than 6 pax assuming each drinks two glasses, or a not-so-large but alcoholic party, a magnum sized bottle is fantastic practical buy!
I purchased a few bottles of the Magnum Ernest Rapeneau at a super-good price at the Champagne-tasting event that I think it is a serious steal in Singapore where drinks are generally expensive. I will share more when I drink them at appropriate occasions.
Cheers to Bigger the Better!
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