Viewpoint: Add a little sparkle

Champagne is the perfect beverage for a special occasion, but as operators we should look to serving more magnums, both for aesthetic value and for an improved taste. Joel Claustre explains

It is easy to see why a magnum of Champagne is an attractive choice for special occasions. It's dramatic, generous, and so much more fun than ordering two standard bottles.

Across our venues we're focusing our efforts on celebrating magnums this winter. There's no denying magnums are impressive, but there's more to ‘large formats' than just pure show.

There is the aesthetic argument. Let us face it, a magnum is the ultimate upgrade to a party, and they are incredibly ‘Instagrammable'. Their very magnitude portrays a sense of occasion, celebration and grandeur. Guests love the theatre, making them the perfect prop, as well as getting your brand splashed across social media. Who can resist having their picture taken with a giant bottle of Champagne?

It is not all about looks. Champagne poured from a magnum actually tastes better, according to our experts. While a magnum contains twice the volume of a standard bottle, it will always have the same neck size. This means that the Champagne matures more slowly and for a longer period of time, resulting in a more complex and harmonious taste. What is more, if a producer is making a specific wine or Champagne in magnum size, you know you are getting the best of their range as it will be a product they want to show off. Our Searcys Cuvée comes in magnums and can be ordered at all our restaurants and bars, as well as event venues like 30 Pavilion Road, the Assembly Rooms in Bath and Blenheim Palace.

Magnums are often better value for money for dinner parties and private dining. By offering 12 glasses per bottle, magnums are ideally streamlined for larger groups. Rather than having to open a new bottle every few minutes, larger formats make a lot of sense for big tables and celebrations.

Winston Churchill famously and allegedly commented: "A magnum is the perfect size for two gentlemen to share over lunch… Especially if one of them isn't drinking." We will drink to that!

Joel Claustre is beverage ambassador at Searcys

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