Why should I buy half bottles of wine? Have you ever considered opening a full bottle but just can’t justify it?
See Fareham Wine Cellars selection of half bottles here.
Perhaps you are eating dinner on your own, or it’s mid-week and you have work in the morning. Maybe it is time to begin thinking about buying smaller bottles of wine. Many people will happily buy half bottles of Port or Dessert wine but rarely consider buying a half bottle of red, white, rosé or sparkling wine.
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker, a serious wine collector, a retailer or restaurateur, half bottles of wine offer many advantages. There are many reasons why people buy half bottles of wine and, in this post, we will consider some of the pros and cons.
What Is a Half Bottle of Wine?
A half-bottle of wine is the most widely available small-format bottle of wine.
Volume-wise, a standard half bottle of wine contains 37.5 cl (375 ml), exactly half the volume of a standard 750 cl bottle.
Therefore a half bottle contains 3 standard (125 cl) glasses of wine.
How Many Units in a Half Bottle of Wine?
The number of units in a half bottle of wine depends on the ABV of that particular wine.
You can work out the number of units in a bottle using the formula ABV x volume (ml) ÷ 1,000 = total units
For example, a half bottle of wine with a fairly average ABV of 13% would contain 4.87 units (13 x 375 ÷ 1000).
Other Names
They are sometimes known as “demi” bottles, from the French, or quite simply as “small bottles”. They should not be confused with mini bottles, quarter bottles or single-serve bottles.
Portion Control
A half bottle is great for someone who lives on their own, solo diners and those looking to limit their wine intake. With health consciousness on the rise, a half bottle of wine is perfect for moderate consumption. A full bottle might be a little too much for a single evening, especially mid-week and if you are not sharing. A half bottle gives you just the right amount without having to worry about finishing the rest later.
Perfect For Tasting
Half bottles make it easy to sample a variety of wines. Whether you wish to explore different regions, grape varieties, or vintages, half bottles allow you to taste more without committing to buying full-sized bottles. They’re great for trying something new and experiencing more for less.
Portability
Are you planning a picnic or an outdoor meal? Half Bottles of wine are ideal for picnics and al fresco dining, particularly if they have a screwcap for ease of opening.
Affordable Price
Half bottles of wine normally work out pro-rata a little bit more expensive than buying a full bottle. However, have you ever wanted to try an expensive wine but hesitated due to the cost? Half bottles are often a more affordable way to try more expensive. Instead of spending a significant amount on a full-sized bottle, you can try a half bottle at around half the price. Great for experiencing quality wines without breaking the bank.
Perfect For Gifting
Half Bottles of wine make great gifts and are ideal as stocking fillers, party favours or corporate gifts. If you are making up gift boxes or hampers, maybe Christmas hampers, a half bottle of Champagne makes an excellent addition.
Sustainability and Less Waste
How often do you clear up after dinner party to wine tasting and have to throw the last part of a bottle of wine away? With a smaller bottle, there is often less waste. You can open a bottle, enjoy it, and not worry about left over wine (me neither!) going off.
Myth: Wine In Half Bottles Is Poorer Quality
Untrue. Wine sold in half bottles is the same as that in a full bottle. Additionally, most producers do not bother putting cheaper wines in half bottles, so you find that half bottles are normally used for better wines in the first place.
The major difference is that wine in half bottles ages more quickly than in full bottles. So half bottles are probably not the best for extended cellaring, although they should be fine for the short to medium term, depending on the wine, of course.
Half Bottles Are Only For Sweet or Sparkling Wines
Untrue. You often see lots of half bottles of dessert wines but this is only because most people do not need a full bottle of sweet wine in one sitting and they are usually served in smaller measures.
Likewise, half bottles of Champagne are quite common as they are great for serving two or three glasses or for using as gifts when you don’t want to go to the expense of a full bottle.
Wines of all colours get bottled in half bottles, red, white and rosé and Madeiras, Ports and Sherries are often bottled in half bottles too.
Half Bottles Are Too Expensive
Untrue. A half bottle usually works a few pence more than the full bottle price but not by much. That is not to say you don’t get expensive wines bottled in smaller bottles.
Smaller bottles of wine always used to be an important part of a restaurant’s wine list and were a popular choice with diners. However, in recent years, half bottles have fallen out of fashion as wine-by-the-glass offerings have become so much better and wine preservation systems like Coravin have become the norm.
Half Bottles are great if you are a solo diner or if there are two people dining and you only require a glass or two. A half bottle of Champagne is a lovely way for a couple to start a meal with a glass each of fizz.
If your partner has chosen a dish which would pair best with a white wine and you have chosen a dish that requires a red wine, then why not choose two different half bottles?
As wine trends shift toward sustainability, variety, and moderation, half bottles are becoming an increasingly important part of the wine market. With a little bit of knowledge and the right selection, these smaller bottles can deliver a big impact.
Next time you are browsing your local wine shop or online store, don’t forget to check out the half bottles. They might be perfect for that certain occasion.
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