THEWINEMONOLOGUES.COM: Half-Bottles. . .

Half-Bottles. . .

You may have seen them in your local wine shop. . . those "little" wine bottles. You may have wondered. . . "what's up with that?" Are they "junior wines", "runt wines", or "leftovers" from their bigger brother bottles? No, they are just real "half-sized" bottles. But should you try one? Well, here is what you need to know.

When my son makes a "big decision" these days, he makes a list of "good" things and "bad" things about whatever he is considering. So I will follow his lead. . .

The "Good". . .

1.   Half-bottles are wonderful for a couple (they contain 375 ml, or about 2 1/2 glasses per bottle)— you do not have to worry about the "extra" wine from a full bottle or feel the "pressure" to finish the full bottle so it is not wasted;

2.   Half-bottles are very convenient to take with you to parties, picnics, or any other get-togethers where you want to bring some wine;

3.   Half-bottles are a great way to try a new wine, in that, if you do not like it, you have not paid for the full bottle; and

4.   They are cute and different than the norm (for those who enjoy cute and different).

The "Bad". . .

1.   Wine in half-bottles ages faster because of a greater oxygen to wine ratio (Champagne seems to age at a particularly higher rate than others forms of vino). . .

2.   Half-bottles are more expensive to produce than their "big brothers". Half-bottles are more expensive to box and ship and tend to fall off production lines in wineries;

3.   "Half-bottle" does not equal "half-price". . . the price of a half-bottle is probably 60%-70% of their "big brothers" because of the increased cost of production.

Conclusion. . .

Although they may be convenient, "buyer beware" in terms of half-bottles. If you choose to go that route, choose a young wine and stay clear of champagne (or other sparklers) in half-bottles! Cheers!