Why are white wines typically served in smaller quantities?

Serving white wines in smaller quantities allows for a higher frequency of enjoyment, as this practice encourages guests or drinkers to taste a variety of wines throughout a gathering or meal. Smaller pours make it feasible for people to enjoy different styles and flavors without overindulging on any single wine, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

This practice aligns with wine tasting culture, where sampling multiple wines—often with diverse tastes—can complement different dishes and personal preferences. Additionally, smaller servings can also help maintain the wine's ideal serving temperature, particularly for white wines, which are best enjoyed chilled.

While the other factors listed may have some relevance in specific contexts, they do not fundamentally address the social and experiential motives behind serving white wines in smaller quantities. For instance, expense and spoilage are considerations in certain situations but do not encapsulate the core reason for the serving practice itself.