Bottle Fill Level

The assessment of the wine level, also called ullage, is one of the most important criteria for evaluating the overall condition of an old bottle. Over time, it is perfectly normal for the level to drop slightly: cork, even of high quality, is never completely airtight and allows a tiny portion of the wine to escape over the decades. This natural phenomenon intensifies depending on storage conditions (temperature, humidity, environmental variations), the age of the wine, or the porosity of the cork.
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Bottle condition
Condition of a Petrus bottle label

Label condition
Photo of a Petrus capsule for bottle condition assessment

Capsule condition

Details on bottle level assessment

At SoDivin, we analyze each bottle individually to understand whether its level is consistent with its age and history. A 50-year-old Bordeaux bottle showing a more or less low level is often perfectly normal, whereas the same level on a recent vintage might require more attention. Conversely, certain old wines stored in ideal conditions may still display an exceptionally high level, testifying to exemplary aging.

Bordeaux bottle levels

10 to 15 years:
Level at the base of the neck or better.
Label in good condition.
16 to 30 years:
Level slightly below the base of the neck or better.
Label in good condition or slightly marked by time.
31 to 50 years:
Level at high shoulder or better.
Label in good condition or marked by time but perfectly legible.
Over 50 years:
Level between high and mid-shoulder or better.
Label in good condition or heavily marked by time but legible.


If there is no additional information on the wine sheet, this means that its condition is normal considering its age.

Levels for other bottle formats

Wines aged 10 to 15 years:
Level at approximately 2 cm below the cork or better.
This level is considered perfect, a sign of optimal preservation in a temperate and humid cellar.

Wines aged 16 to 30 years:
Level at approximately 3 cm below the cork or better.
This is a completely normal level, corresponding to controlled aging without excessive loss.

Wines aged 31 to 50 years:
Level at approximately 4 cm below the cork or better.
This is a level consistent with the wine's age, typical of a well-preserved old bottle.

Wines over 50 years old:
Level at approximately 5 to 6 cm below the cork or better.
This level is common for very old wines and remains acceptable if the cork and capsule are in good condition.

A lower level (beyond 6 cm below the cork) may indicate greater evaporation. This does not necessarily mean a defect, but it is advisable to inspect the bottle before opening or entrust it to a professional.