The case for magnums...
Why buy a magnum?
Aside from the obvious aesthetic advantages, (although let’s admit, they do simply look great!) magnums are widely lauded as the ‘best format’ for ageing traditional method sparkling wines. This is not simply down to enthusiastic gastronomes wanting to look generous!
There are a number of factors which mean that the magnum has a number of advantages over the normal 75cl bottle when it comes to the ageing process – and these positively impact the resulting wine.
Magnums slow down the traditional method bottle-aging process as they hold twice as much wine as a bottle, but have the same space between the bottom of the cork and the wine’s surface (called the ‘ullage’ for any geeks out there).
The resulting reduced exposure to oxygen will slow down the wine’s aging – resulting in more complex flavours. As well as this the large liquid quantity of a magnum means that they are naturally less sensitive to temperature fluctuations – which can impact wine quality.
Autolysis – the key process in traditional sparkling wine production whereby the yeast used for second fermentation in bottle breaks down and imparts flavour to the wine (bready / biscuity notes) – works differently in a magnum to a bottle.
The process is slower (it can take up to four weeks longer in a magnum) and magnums have proportionally more glass surface than 75cl bottles – so there is more contact between lees on the inside of the bottle and the wine. This slower autolysis, and greater contact with the yeast generates more roundness and greater complexity.
But ultimately – you don’t need to worry about why the magnums taste better – just take our word for it. Treat yourselves to a few to have at special moments through the festive season.
Our Celebration Magnums Case is a great place to start – £200 for three magnums – saving £30!
Explore our cellar...
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The Wiston NV Collection
£99.00Try out our wines with this three-bottle case for under £100- English Sparkling Wines
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OFFER
Celebration Magnums Case
£200.00Guaranteed to enhance any special occasion from weddings to small family events.
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Wiston Estate Blanc de Blancs 2018
From: £58.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageBlanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) is what Wiston has won the most awards for over the years. Chardonnay and our chalky South Downs soils were made for each other.
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Magnum of Brut NV
£70.00For celebrating and creating memorable moments- a magnum is always the answer!
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Wiston Estate Cuvée 2009 in Magnum
£120.00Our most prized vintage cuvée
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Coquard Club
£500.00Award Winning Wine Delivered Straight to your door, plus much more!
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Vintage Membership 2024
£800.00An opportunity to become part of the Wiston Estate story
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Library Collection Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 2014
From: £68.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Fifty Summers Rosé
From: £24.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageCompleting our trio of still wines – a delectable rosé.
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Wiston Estate Rosé 2018
From: £54.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageA bold and beautiful Rosé for connoisseurs – nothing frivilous or light going on here this is a rosé for grown ups.
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Library Collection Blanc de Blancs 2010
From: £130.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageWinner of multiple trophies…. Our first ever Library Collection release – aged an extra long time in our cellars – it is a much awarded example of the quality and potential of English Sparkling Wines.
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Wiston Estate Cuvée 2016
From: £48.00Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product pageThe Wiston Flagship – a single vineyard wine from Wiston’s original South Downs plot, aged first in oak barrels and then for several years in our cellars.
