For a passport to pleasure, champagne is the obvious choice throughout the summer social season and there's no doubting Taittinger Brut Reserve NV Champagne, France (£81, 1.5 litres, Majestic) tastes even better from a magnum.

The wine ages more slowly, and the carbon dioxide in the wine also acts as a preservative which helps keep it fresh over time and enhances the delicate fruits and biscuity flavours.

Hugely practical on a grand scale, a magnum will serve 12 x 125ml glasses and create some wonderful theatre while keeping your guests happy.

For smaller pockets, Sainsbury’s is one of the few supermarkets to stock magnums throughout the year, and JS Blanc de Noir (£39.99, 1.5 litres, Sainsbury’s) is rarely left languishing on the shelves. A blend of black grapes (pinot noir and pinot meunier), it’s rich and vibrant with layers of lingering patisserie flavours and toasty aromas.

For a posh patio wine to imbibe a Mediterranean lifestyle, reach for a large ice-bucket to cradle Jean-Luc Colombo, Les Pins Couches Rose 2011, France (£19.49, 1.5 litres, www.cambridgewine.com).

For casual cookouts over the bank holiday, a spicy shiraz from Down Under such as The Black Stump Durif Shiraz Magnum 2011, South Eastern Australia (£17.99, 1.5 litres, www. laithwaites.co.uk) will satisfy bigger thirsts.

Powerful with blackberry aromas, sweet, spicy oak, velvety smooth tannins and a berry-laced finish, it's fun, easy to enjoy and may soon disappear, even in this large format.