Gusbourne staffer Emily Miles extolls the virtues of a half bottle.
My husband doesn’t really drink wine. He’s more of an ale and Henderson’s Relish kind of chap. If you venture into our cellar, there’s a wine-rack with his name on it (literally) – bottles he can help himself to without worrying about whether he’s accidentally opened the Ch. Pichon Longueville Baron 2000 which I’ve been saving for the right occasion.
And, by and large, his disinterest in all things vinous hasn’t caused too much contention over the years.
But… then, there are those evenings which call for a glass of sparkling – and it’s those moments which have me questioning whether I should have given more consideration before saying “I do”.
Given the above context, it should come as no surprise that I’m a vociferous advocate of the half bottle. The perfect format*.
It’s a bottle you can open and enjoy in your own company over an evening – or two – without waste or excess. And its virtues don’t stop there. Need convincing? Here are three recent scenarios where a half was the answer.
1. A riverbank picnic with my father
Robert’s a keen fly-fisherman, living a rod’s-length from the banks of Hampshire’s fabled chalk streams. While I lack his elegant, effortless, pinpoint cast, I do find that I’m much better – and more relaxed – after lunch. A half bottle is just right for this setup. It’s slightly decadent, as befits the majesty of the Itchen in springtime, but not so indulgent as to risk toppling in in pursuit of a three-pounder.
2. Impromptu sushi night
When, in life, are you at maximum juggle? I suspect it’s your mid-forties. Or, at least, I’m rather hoping it is. So when a great friend – whose life is peak hectic thanks to NHS/four kids/two dog set-up – suggests driving over for a rare mid-week catch-up, it’s an offer you grab with both hands. A platter of freshly prepared, beautifully presented sushi from Little Fish (strong recommend) alongside a lightly chilled half of Brut Reserve is a hard-to-beat combination.
3. Friends round Friday
I don’t want to give entirely the wrong impression – as I write this, there’s a magnum chilling in the fridge and we have a house-full incoming (it’s not all half measures). But, often, Friday is an end-of-week shuttle run of children between clubs, cricket and choir. So, when my two girlfriends swing past, a half bottle gives us each one pitch-perfect glass of bubbles with which to raise a glass and draw a well-deserved breath and declare the weekend officially open.
See? The perfect format.
If you were already a 37.5ml fan – but just feeling vaguely miffed about the fact that – as a Gusbourne staffer – I’ve been quietly able to access half bottles, and you haven’t, then happy news. I’m delighted to let you know that Gusbourne Brut Reserve 2021 is now available to purchase by the half bottle on gusbourne.com. (Minimum order, two bottles).
*Not a view which I’m likely to share with any of our winemaking team, or our CFO. Half bottles are more costly to produce; harder to fill; complex to close and sadly don’t enjoy the ageing benefits of their larger brethren. But don’t let that stop you from adding a couple to your cellar. You won’t regret it, I promise.
