Bottle vs Magnum: what impact on ageing?

When we buy wine, we don't often think of the magnum format. And yet, the advantages are twofold. In addition to the convenience of being able to serve a larger number of guests, the larger the container, the greater the aging capacity of your wine. So, in a half-bottle, the wine will age faster than in a classic 75cl bottle, which in turn will age faster than a magnum.

Why age wine in a Magnum?

Because even though the bottle is larger, the neck remains the same size. You'll also notice that the cork size is identical on all these different formats. Oxygen is a factor in wine evolution, so aeration is more limited on a magnum, which slows down the natural aging process.

In short, for the same vintage, the magnum will always have a greater ageing potential than the 75cl bottle. You can therefore "forget" it in the cellar a little longer than its little sister.

It's important to open it when it's ripe, if possible, to take full advantage of its potential. Whatever the format, wine storage conditions remain essential.

Note: a good wine cellar or ageing cellar will guarantee the natural, healthy evolution of your wines.