Ullage and Fill Levels Explained: Quick Guide for Sellers
A simple visual and terminology guide for fill levels and how they impact value.
Quick Answer
Ullage is the empty space between the cork and the wine. As wine ages, it slowly evaporates, lowering the level. Lower level = Higher oxidation risk = Lower value.
- Into Neck: Perfect/Like New.
- Base Neck: Acceptable for any age.
- Top Shoulder: Good for wines >20 years old.
- Mid Shoulder: Risky, major value drop.
- Low Shoulder: Drinkability unlikely, value is minimal.
Bordeaux Terms (Shoulder)
For Bordeaux-shaped bottles (high shoulders), we describe where the line hits the curve.
- Into Neck (IN): Wine is up in the narrow neck. Standard for young wines.
- Base of Neck (BN): At the wider base of the neck. Normal for 10-15 year old wines.
- Top Shoulder (TS): Level has dropped to the start of the curve. Acceptable for 1980s era.
- Very Top Shoulder (VTS): Between BN and TS.
- Mid Shoulder (MS): Level is halfway down the curve. The cork is drying out. Saleable only if rare.
Burgundy Terms (CM)
For Burgundy/Rhone bottles (sloping shoulders), there is no 'shoulder' to measure. We measure the gap in centimeters (cm) from the cork.
- <2cm: Excellent.
- 2-3cm: Normal for age.
- 3-5cm: Warning sign.
- 5cm+: High risk.
Why Levels Drop
Every cork breathes. Over decades, tiny amounts of water and alcohol vapor escape.
- Good Ullage: Slow, natural evaporation over 40 years (Top Shoulder on a 1961 is great).
- Bad Ullage: Fast drop due to heat or loose cork (Mid Shoulder on a 2010 is ruined).
Common Mistakes
Failing to check fill levels before buying or selling.
- Buying a 'bargain' bottle with Low Shoulder fill (it's vinegar).
- Photographing bottles lying down (we can't see the fill level!). Stand them up for photos.
- Confusing sediment for fill level (shine a light to see the liquid line).
What to Do Next
Assess your bottles.
- Stand old bottles up for 24 hours.
- Use a flashlight to see the line clearly.
- Compare against our chart descriptions.
- Submit photos so we can classify the ullage accurately.
What to Do Next
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Low Shoulder ever okay?
Only for extremely old antiques (e.g., 1800s-1940s) where any surviving liquid is historical.
Do spirits suffer ullage?
Yes, but spirits don't oxidize like wine. Lower fill in whiskey means less quantity, but flavor might still be fine. We still deduct for 'angels share' loss.
How do you measure blind?
We use bright LED lights to see through dark glass. If we can't see, we weigh the bottle.
Does ullage affect price?
Yes. A 'Base Neck' bottle might sell for $1000, while a 'Mid Shoulder' of the same wine might be $300.
What is 'High Fill'?
A synonym for Into Neck or very high level, indicating excellent storage.