Why Choose Large Formats

• Presence: Instant centrepiece at weddings, launches and milestone birthdays.
• Pouring power: Fewer bottles to open, consistent serving for larger groups.
• Ageing advantage: A lower oxygen to wine ratio can preserve freshness and build complexity over time.
• Gifting impact: The same houses and vintages you trust, amplified.

Size Guide

• Magnum 1.5 L: equals 2 standard bottles, about 12 flutes.
• Jeroboam 3 L: equals 4 standard bottles, about 24 flutes.
• Methuselah 6 L: equals 8 standard bottles, about 48 flutes.
• Salmanazar 9 L: equals 12 standard bottles, about 72 flutes.
• Balthazar 12 L: equals 16 standard bottles, about 96 flutes.
• Nebuchadnezzar 15 L: equals 20 standard bottles, about 120 flutes.

Estimates assume a 125 ml pour. Adjust to suit your glassware and event style.

Wines Worth Knowing

• Krug Grande Cuvée: multi vintage prestige in 1.5 L and rare 3 L editions.
• Louis Roederer Collection and Rosé: 1.5 L and 3 L formats for elegant, orchard fruited drinking.
• Bollinger Special Cuvée and La Grande Année: Pinot led depth in 1.5 L, 3 L and 6 L.
• Billecart Salmon Brut Rosé and Brut Réserve: benchmark rosé and versatile brut in 1.5 L and 3 L.
• Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label: iconic non vintage in 1.5 L, 3 L and 6 L.
• Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut: celebratory classic in 1.5 L, 3 L and 6 L.
• G. H. Mumm, Piper Heidsieck, Taittinger, Pommery, Pol Roger, Charles Heidsieck: entertainer friendly formats across magnum, 3 L and 6 L.

Serving and Presentation

• Chill: Use an ice and water bath. For a 1.5 L allow about 30 minutes. For 3 L to 6 L allow 60 to 90 minutes. A handful of salt helps speed chilling.
• Open: Keep the bottle at 45 degrees, hold the cork firmly and twist the base slowly to release a quiet sigh. Avoid sabering large formats.
• Pour: Support the base with one hand and the neck with the other. A pouring cradle helps for 6 L and above.
• Glassware: Tulip or white wine glasses focus aroma and texture for most styles.

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

• Non Vintage Brut: oysters, caviar, sushi, fried snacks, triple cream cheeses.
• Rosé: charcuterie, glazed ham, grilled prawns, duck, berry desserts.
• Vintage and fuller styles: lobster, roast chicken, truffle risotto, aged Comté and Parmesan.
• Occasions: weddings and engagements, milestone birthdays, corporate launches, New Year’s Eve, long lunches, cellar celebrations.

Large Format Questions, Answered

How many glasses are in a Jeroboam or Magnum?
A Magnum 1.5 L pours about 12 flutes at 125 ml. A Jeroboam 3 L pours about 24 flutes.

What is the best large bottle for a party or event?
For welcome drinks and broad appeal, choose well known non vintage bruts such as Bollinger Special Cuvée, Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut, or Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in Magnum or 3 L. They are reliable, crowd pleasing and photograph beautifully.

How do you chill a large format Champagne bottle?
Use an ice and water bath in a 50 to 50 ratio. For a Magnum allow about 30 minutes. For 3 L and above allow 60 to 90 minutes. Add a handful of salt and rotate occasionally.

Are large format bottles a good gift for a wedding or milestone?
Yes. The perceived rarity and presence of a Magnum or larger format makes a memorable gift that can be served on the day or cellared for an anniversary.

Why are large formats more expensive?
They are produced in smaller quantities, require different bottling and packaging, take more storage space, and are in higher demand for events and collectors.

Do large format wines taste better?
Many drinkers find magnums and above age more slowly with finer mousse and extra freshness due to the lower oxygen to wine ratio.

What is the safest way to open a Jeroboam or larger?
Chill thoroughly, secure a firm grip on the cork, and twist the bottle slowly while keeping it angled at 45 degrees. Use a cradle or two person pour for 6 L and above.

Are large formats a good investment?
They can be collectible due to rarity and condition sensitivity, but values vary by house, vintage and provenance. Buy what you will be proud to pour.

Why Shop Large Formats at Kent Street Cellars

• Deep selection from top houses in Magnum, Jeroboam, 6 L and beyond
• Careful packing and event friendly advice from our team
• Same day delivery across Sydney Metro
• Fast, secure Australia wide shipping
• Optional gift wrapping and gift messages

Explore Large Format Champagne & Sparkling and make your next celebration unforgettable.