In praise of the half bottle
By
Wine is a beverage that holds no appeal for my teetotal fiancée, meaning I tend to find myself the sole imbiber when at home. Of course, the half bottle seemed the obvious solution, though I confess it took longer than it should for me to embrace the logic. Irrational first impressions, alas, do count, and while the thickness of a magnum can make it appear lavishly more than two bottles’ worth, a humble 375cl half looks rather diminutive next to a regular bottle.
My feelings began to change last year upon noticing a well-priced half of a favourite Tuscan red on a restaurant list. Finding the amount therein just right, I remember leaving sated and, well, remembering leaving. Though most of the wine at home remains in 75cl bottles, the experience made me realise I have been guilty of overlooking the handiness and enjoyment that the half bottle affords.
In my view, the greatest asset the half possesses is that it is a reliable guard against the domestic phenomenon of ‘wine fatigue.’ Unless the wine is truly something, having drunk a couple of glasses from a regular bottle one night and another the following evening, I simply tend to crave something different by night three.
Fatigue leads to indignation at the remaining dregs: Why should I have to drink you yet again? Opting for a half therefore makes me feel at greater liberty to experiment. The range of wines bottled in halves affords choice as well as convenience, so one can try a good deal of wines in quantities more conducive to a ‘tasting.’
As well as everyday favourites for instance, I now find myself lured by halves of Bordeaux, Barolo and more; the good thing being that these more serious and structured wines mature a little faster in a smaller bottle.
Yet whether it’s a couple of glasses at home or a relaxing picnic without being stalked by thoughts of Breathalysers, it just feels rather nice enjoying wine from a smaller bottle. For all the above, the half is greater than the sum of its parts.
Click here to view The Society’s range of half bottles, including a new release of Château d’Angludet 2007.
The Wine Soc’s array of half-bottles was probably one of the biggest reasons for my joining — because I, too, am a lonesome ol’ wino. Have yet to come across a better selection elsewhere.
I’m gradually working my way through reviewing them all on my wine blog: http://oldparn.com/2011/04/wine-society-half-bottles-roundup/
The article on half-bottle is interesting. I am a lover of Fino and Manzanilla, but my wife is not. Buying such Sherries by the Bottle is wasteful, because they will be well past their best by the time, they are half drunk.
Why does the Society not stock dry sherries by the half bottle ?
Why is it that it is virtually impossible to find half bottles of Fino Sherry?
….also Manzanilla..