Magnums are Forever

Sparkling Magnums: The Ultimate Centrepiece for a Rathfinny Christmas

Words by Mark Driver

There is always something really special about a magnum. It screams celebration, not only do they contain the perfect measure to share with friends or family – one bottle serves 12 glasses – they also provide theatre to any evening.

At Rathfinny, we’ve always encouraged people to begin Christmas with Sussex Sparkling. Crafted on our single-site Estate in the South Downs, our wines make a wonderful festive aperitif. King among our wines however, is the magnum: nothing captures the magic of the season and brings people together quite like opening these double-bottle formats which embody quality, generosity and occasion.

Why Sparkling Wine Tastes Even Better from a Magnum

Maturing wine in a bigger bottle produces a different wine. We allow our wines to age for longer in the magnum bottle so they develop richer and more complex flavours, colours and aromas, but the wines still retain that freshness and vitality that you want in a vintage sparkling wine.

The science behind this is fascinating. You have roughly the same amount of air trapped between the wine and cork in a standard and magnum bottle, called “ullage”. Over time, air passes through the cork allowing the wine to age, but a magnum has twice the volume of wine – 150cl versus 75cl in a standard bottle – so twice the amount of wine is exposed to the same amount of oxygen. Hence why the wine ages at a slower pace.

A Magnum for the Festive Table

For larger gatherings this Christmas, our magnums are the ultimate showstopper. They bring everyone to the table with delightful anticipation and elevate even the simplest moment into something memorable. Grand and generous, they make a celebratory feature at Christmas parties, Boxing Day feasts or New Year’s Eve toasts.

Personally, I love our Rosé in magnum format. It’s incredibly expressive: bursting with wild strawberries, raspberries and red cherries. It’s drinking beautifully now, and because it ages so gracefully, we know it will taste even more complex in two years’ time. And when it comes to food, it’s a star — the dominance of Pinot Noir means it pairs sublimely with white meats and lamb, as well as panna cotta or a winter berry roulade. Sparkling Rosé is my go-to celebratory wine!

The Perfect Gift for Someone Who Has Everything

If you’re planning gifts for wine lovers, hosts or those hard-to-shop-for friends, a Rathfinny magnum is as generous as it is memorable. Whether tucked into a beautifully curated hamper or unveiled with a dramatic flourish at a party, a magnum is always met with delight.

So, get the cameras out, “Instagram ready” and crack open a magnum at your next event!