As wine consumers everywhere know size matters and whether we are talking about the normal size of a glass pour or the many size formats of wine bottles a bit of definition helps. We are all familiar with the standard wine bottle size of 750ml, but what of the alternatives and what should a consumer's expectation be when ordering wine by the glass, bottle or really big bottle?

The industry standard size pour of wine is 4 ounces. In the most common sized wine bottle of 750ml there are about 4.25-4 ounce pours per bottle. In sparkling wine sometimes the pours are a bit smaller by the glass as the most commonly used flutes are tall and narrow and at least appear to hold a bit less; so many times folks hesitate to fill them up to the rim to reach a 4-ounce measure.

Now for the alternative sized bottles and their names. In the smaller than typical size the ones we see most frequently are the split which measures 187ml and the half bottle which carries 375ml of wine. While there are many still wines that are bottled in halves the 187s or splits are almost strictly used for Champagne and sparkling wine. We can all do the math, but a 187 is about 1 glass so perfect when you might crave just one glass of bubbly, and there is a wide selection of sparkling wines bottled in this size.

On to larger formats... The big bottles are great for parties and we sell quite a few in the summer months and around the holidays when folks are entertaining large groups, as it allows all to have more than just a sip from the featured bottles, although when using the "really" big ones pouring may be a bit of a challenge! The empties are also great to keep around as mementos from large gatherings.

The names of the larger bottles are mostly biblical in origin, and there is little agreement in the wine world about the reason for this. The two most common reasons sighted are either to honor those the bottle is named after or to reference some quality of the biblical characters life, like the Methusela the oldest man in biblical times perhaps referring to how long it might take to drink 6 liters, or 8 full bottles of wine.

Some wine professionals will also sight the better age worthiness of large format bottles, although in most cases I cannot detect the difference with my palate. The names used for the various sizes of bottles will differ too based on the wine region in France they originate from, with the three main ones being Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy. Wines from all appellations though are bottled in larger formats so the names we sight below are those most commonly used.

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All of the alternative bottle sizes both large and small serve their purpose. The smaller ones allow folks to still enjoy wine with their evening meal even though they may be dining alone. It also is helpful when dining with another and one of you prefers white while the other chooses red. As we mentioned previously the big bottles are a great way for all in a larger party to enjoy the same special selection. They are also a great way to commemorate a special occasion; have the "big ones" etched and you have a truly special present for a milestone birthday, a wedding or an anniversary.

Most shops and restaurants in the area carry both smaller than regular and larger than normal bottles so consult with your favorite wine professional about price and availability, as in most cases the alternative sized bottles you seek if not in stock can be ordered.

If there is a topic you would like to read about or questions on wine you can email George@thedinnerpartyshop.com or make suggestions by contacting the Healthy Community section at the Coeur d'Alene Press.

George Balling is co-owner with his wife Mary Lancaster of the dinner party - a wine and table top decor shop in Coeur d'Alene by Costco. George is also the managing judge of The North Idaho Wine Rodeo and is the wine editor for Coeur d'Alene Magazine (www.cdamagazine.com). You can learn more about the dinner party at www.thedinnerpartyshop.com. You can get all of these articles as well as other great wine tips by friending us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop.