Half bottles

[Fred Huggins]

Can anyone give me a list of moderately priced Merlots and Chardonnays that are available in half bottle sizes?

[Thomas]

I may be wrong, but I do not think you will have any luck with your request.

First, because of the cost and some technical problems that may kill the wine faster than normal, half bottle production is minimal. And most producers of moderately priced wine go in the other direction: they bottle in 1.5 litre containers, or larger.

Twenty-five years ago, when I worked at a corporate job in New York City, I used to have lunch at my desk quite often. For that reason, I kept a supply of half bottles in my desk. The ones I could find readily were Spanish and I cannot for the life of me remember the producer's name.

[Innkeeper]

Believe Edna Valley Vinyard puts out their Paragon Chardonnay in 375 ml. Don't know of any Merlots, but a Zinfandel, that enjoys some degree of popularity around here, Storybook Mountain Vinyards Mayacamas Range Zinfandel does too. Both half bottles run around $10, so don't know if that falls within your definition of "moderate price."

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 12-08-1999).]

[Jerry D Mead]

I believe Simi and Robert Mondavi and maybe Rodney Strong still make some half bottles...but your other problem will be finding a store that stocks them.

Another option is to buy a product called Private Preserve (nitrogen/argon gas in a can)which can be spray in a partially consumed bottle, recorked and it will hold for days...even weeks and months in my experience. A can is about $10 and contains about 120 applications.

[Jason]

Clos Du Bois fits the bill for both wines, but Foodie is right, slim pickins overall.

[Fred Huggins]

Thanks a million. All helfpful hints, especially the one about Private Preserve. Will definitely look into that. Great response. Thanks again.