Half-bottles

[cjsadler]

Am heading to a BYOB in Philly on Friday (Django). Since there's only two of us, in order to have different wines with different courses, I was thinking of getting a couple of half-bottles. We're traveling, so taking 750ml bottles and then bringing what we don't drink home isn't an option. My companion doesn't drink that much, so I think two bottles will be about all we can handle. Any recommendations? I'm looking for half-bottles under $25, probably one white and one red. Am open to any varietals. (Also, if anyone knows of a wine store in DC with a large half-bottle selection...) Thanks.

[KatieLoeb]

Have fun at Django! Great little BYO we're proud to have here in Philly.

I'd suggest finding one 1/2 bottle of an unoaked Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling (if you were lucky enough to find such a thing that wasn't dessert-level sweet) and one 1/2 bottle of Pinot Noir. That should have the most flexibility in terms of pairing with whatever you order. The Pinot Noir in particular is versatile enough to have with meaty "steaky" fish (i.e. Tuna, Swordfish), or duck or anything with a mushroom component. The white you'll have to wing it, but choose something you usually like and it'll probably taste good too!

I wish I could give you a specific wine recommendation, but not knowing what is available in your area prevents me from going out on tha limb. Perhaps Mark Sommelier who is more familiar with the market there could be helpful? His choices always sound good to me!

[Mark Sommelier]

I, personally, don't play with half bottles unless they are dessert wines. The wines by the glass I have are better than any half bottles I could buy. Half bottles are usually re-filled from large bottles, many things can go wrong with them.

[Mark Sommelier]

I, personally, don't play with half bottles unless they are dessert wines. The wines by the glass I have are better than any half bottles I could buy. Half bottles are usually re-filled from large bottles, many things can go wrong with them.

[Marlene]

I really like the Carmenet Dynamite wines, the Merlot and the Cabernet. They come in half bottles.

[jackal10]

Needs to be something fairly tough to stand up to the rigors of travelling and flavourful food I have a case of Vieux Telegraph (Chateuneuf-du-Pape, Rhone) 1996 half bottles for just such occaisons. A quick Google indicates the Wine Specialist in DC http://winespecialist.com/ic/process?id=4aVrwBPj&mv_pc=253 has some 2000, although its $35. Have them decant it.

OTH half bottles of decent fizz are easy to obtain, and universally popular. Besides they don't need a corkscrew...

Edited December 18, 2003 by jackal10 (log)

[Schneier]

Half bottles are usually re-filled from large bottles, many things can go wrong with them.

Do you mean what I think you mean? Aren't half bottles bottled at the same time/place as full bottles? I've been buying half-bottle Burgundy and Rhones for a while, and it never occured to me that someone else was taking bottles and splitting them up in his garage.

Bruce

[docsconz]

I love the half bottle format. It is the perfect thing for a weeknight dinner. My experience with them has been good, but what do you mean, Mark?

[DaleW]

. Half bottles are usually re-filled from large bottles, many things can go wrong with them.

I knew that was the case with Champagne, but have never heard of 375s being filled from 750s any place else.