Have you ever admired those bigger bottles on the shelf, wondering when it would be appropriate to crack one? There is no better time than the present, because surely you have a seasonal shindig coming up soon.
The math is simple, if a 750ml bottle is perfect for two people then 1.5 litres —or a magnum, as a 1.5L bottle is otherwise known – works out well for four. And when the group is even larger, a magnum ensures more people get a glass. Plus, the sheer magnitude of the bottle lends extra celebratory flair.
Contrary to what you might think, magnums rarely represent a savings, though. Packaging and production costs can actually add a premium. When it comes to investing in one, I’ll admit I have a double standard. For less expensive wines, I’m usually not willing to pay more than two times the price of the regular size bottle. However, if I am going to splurge on something special, I’m actually okay with paying a few extra bucks for the wow factor. Call it a thrill tax.
Below are my magnum picks for festive fêtes; a red and a white for those casual drop-in gatherings, and some elegant ideas for fancier dinner parties. Whatever the soirée, the whole idea is that you spend less time opening bottles and more time socializing and sipping. That must be worth something.
2014 Woodbridge, Sauvignon Blanc, California $23.49 BC Liquor Stores
This is worth the super size as you’ll actually save $1.50 by going bigger. A well-known brand under the Robert Mondavi umbrella, the Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, simple party-pleaser with fruity aromas and flavours of lemon, grapefruit, kiwi and green apple. Easily matched with whatever snacks are being passed and perfect for a selection of cheeses.
2007 Anciano, Tempranillo, Gran Reserva, aged 7 years, Valdepeñas DO, Spain $25.99 BC Liquor Stores
One of the more characterful, value-driven reds available in magnum. Long aging in wood and then in the bottle results in a mellowed and earthy wine. Nuances of mushroom and tobacco are offset by dusty raspberry, cooked strawberry and a touch of vanilla. Extra tasty with lamb skewers and winter stews.
n/v Pierre Paillard, ‘Les Parcelles’ Bouzy Grand Cru, Brut Champagne AOC, France $119.99 BC Liquor Stores
Really, just one of the best Champagnes for the money currently on our shelves, regardless of which size you purchase. However, there is compelling scientific and empirical evidence that Champagne just tastes better from a magnum… Enticing scents of brioche and marzipan followed by preserved lemon, orange peel and baked pear on the palate. Super finessed, rich and succulent with a fine persistent mousse. Beautiful with smoked salmon.
2013 Max Ferdinand Richter, Riesling Spätlese, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Germany $100-110 private wine stores (Marquis, Kitsilano)
The tall slender elegant bottle alone is enough to inspire oohs and ahhs. The wine itself is intense and concentrated, demonstrating slate, lime sorbet, apricot, guava, and lemon pith. Noticeable sweetness that is deftly balanced by rapier-like acidity. Serve with exotically spiced fish or flavourful pork preparations. As pretty as it is right now, you could also tuck it away for a decade or two.
2013 Vietti, ‘Perbacco’ Nebbiolo, Langhe DOC, Italy $100-105 private wine stores (Marquis, Kitsilano, Legacy Liquor Store)
Evocative nose of rose petal, anise and mint tea with brooding cherry and a savoury balsam edge. Elegantly framed by firm tannin that beg for food, it’s truly a treat alongside rabbit or mushroom risotto. Makes an equally appropriate gift when you want to impress.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
