Condition of bottles

At SoDivin, we systematically document three visible criteria: the wine level in the bottle, the condition of the label and the condition of the capsule.
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Bottle level

Bottle level
Label of a Petrus available at Sodivin

Label condition
Capsule condition taken into account in the assessment of bottle condition

Capsule condition

How to interpret the condition of a bottle based on its age?

It is normal for the condition of bottles to evolve over time in the cellar: a 10-year-old bottle does not have the same appearance as a 60-year-old wine bottle. As cork is not completely airtight, the wine level decreases slowly. Two parameters can accelerate this phenomenon: a cellar that is too warm and/or a cork that is more porous than average.

If there is no additional information on a wine product sheet, consider that the condition is normal given its age.

Frequently asked questions about the condition of bottles

Not necessarily. For old vintages, a slight drop in level is normal. When we consider a level to be unusually low, we clearly indicate this in the wine's description.

This level is an essential indicator of preservation, as it provides information about the natural evaporation of the liquid through the cork over time.
A well-preserved wine presents a level consistent with its age.

Learn more about bottle levels.

A marked or stained label is often a sign of storage in a humid cellar, an ideal condition for preserving wine over several decades.

Capsules may unfortunately have been more or less damaged during handling. This generally has no impact on the quality of the wine. However, a capsule whose top (the part covering the cork) is pierced increases the risk of evaporation or even leakage.
See the classification of capsule conditions

Normal condition according to the age of the bottle

  • Bordeaux: Level at base of neck or better

  • Burgundy: Level at approximately 2 cm below the cork or better

  • Label: In good condition

  • Bordeaux: Level slightly below base of neck or better

  • Burgundy: Level at approximately 3 cm below the cork or better

  • Label: In good condition or slightly marked by time

  • Bordeaux: Level at top shoulder or better

  • Burgundy: Level at approximately 4 cm below the cork or better

  • Label: In good condition or marked by time but legible

  • Bordeaux: Level between top and mid shoulder or better

  • Burgundy: Level at approximately 5 to 6 cm below the cork or better

  • Label: In good condition or very marked by time but legible