Condition of wine bottles

It is normal for a bottle that is 10, 20 or 50 years old or more to change in appearance: the levels of wine in the bottle may change, the labels may have suffered from high humidity, the capsules may be damaged.  

What you need to know: 

 

LEVELS

The higher the level of the liquid in the bottle, the better its storage. The markers on the bottles differ depending on whether they are in the Bordeaux or Burgundy style. 

For Bordeaux wine bottles: 

    • Mid neck fill: perfect level, normal for wines younger than 15 years old - exceptional after this date  
    • Base neck fill: perfect for wines that are over 20 years old, acceptable for wines of over 15 years 
    • High shoulder fill: perfect for wines over 40 years old, normal for wines over 30 years old 
    • Upper shoulder fill: level normal for wines that are 40 years old, exceptional for wines dating back to before 1960  
    • Mid shoulder fill: slightly risky, acceptable for wines dating back before 1960 
    • Low shoulder fill: risky, possibly acceptable for wines dating back before 1950   

 

For Burgundy wine bottles or other types: 

The level is defined according to the number of centimetres under the cork:    

  • Less than 2 cm: perfect, excellent fill level 
  • 2 to 4 cm: bottle over 20 years old 
  • 4 to 6 cm: adequate for bottles over 30 years old 
  • Over 6 cm: poor fill level with higher risk 

 

LABELS

The labels on old vintages offer suffer damage during a long cellaring period. This is due to the high level of humidity, necessary to ensure optimal storage of the wine. 

Whatever the state of the label, this has no effect on the quality of the wine! 

Note the following information concerning label conditions based on the following criteria, combined or otherwise: 

  • slightly damaged: may be slightly stained, torn, show traces of humidity 
  • damaged: stained, and/or faded, and/or dirty, and/or torn, traces of humidity, may be difficult to read 
  • heavily damaged: very stained and/or torn, significant traces of humidity, label difficult or impossible to read 

 

CAPSULES

Damaged capsules generally have no effect on the quality of the wine.  

Note the following information on capsule condition based on the following criteria: 

  • slightly damaged: trace of wear or slight marking 
  • damaged: the top of the capsule is pierced.