Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large wine bottle: A "double-magnum" is a specific size of wine bottle with a capacity of approximately 3 liters, which is equivalent to four standard 750ml bottles or 4/5 of a U.S. gallon.

Usage

• The term "double-magnum" is used almost exclusively in the context of wine and champagne to denote a bottle of a particular large size. It is a standard term in oenology (the study of wine) and among wine collectors and enthusiasts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The winery released a special vintage in a double-magnum format.
  • For the celebration, they ordered a double-magnum of Champagne.

Advanced Usage

• "To age in double-magnum": Refers to the practice of aging wine in this large bottle size, which can positively affect the wine's development due to a smaller ratio of air to wine.
  • This Bordeaux is known to age exceptionally well in double-magnum.

Variants and Related Words

• Magnum (n): A wine bottle holding 1.5 liters, equivalent to two standard bottles. A double-magnum is twice the size of a magnum.
• Jeroboam (n): In Bordeaux and most other wine regions, a jeroboam holds 3 liters, which is the same as a double-magnum. However, in Champagne, a jeroboam holds 3 liters for sparkling wine but can refer to a 4.5-liter bottle for still wine, creating a regional distinction.
• Bottle sizes: Other large format bottle names include Rehoboam, Methuselah, Salmanazar, Balthazar, and Nebuchadnezzar, each denoting progressively larger capacities.

Synonyms

• Large-format bottle: A general term for any wine bottle larger than the standard 750ml size.
• Three-liter bottle: A descriptive term specifying the exact capacity.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and essentially only meaning of "double-magnum" is as a noun describing a bottle size. It is a compound word formed from "double" (meaning twice) and "magnum" (a 1.5-liter bottle). It does not have other idiomatic or metaphorical meanings outside this very specific oenological context.

Noun

1. a large wine bottle (holds 4/5 of a gallon)