Wine Guide
Standard Wine Terminology
Ullage
Ullage is the term used to describe the fill level of wine in a bottle, and also provides an indication on the
health of the bottle and how it has been stored. The loss of wine from a bottle because of leakage or evaporation
is an aspect that is to be expected over a period of time. Empire Auctions provides a detailed description of all
ullage levels of wines displayed for sale.
If no fill level has been indicated, the wines fill level is judged to be between base of neck or higher. Empire
Auctions deems any fill level that is in the neck to be adequate and non-faulty for all wines displayed.
Very high shoulder
A good level in any wine 20 years or older.
Mid-shoulder
Some potential weakening of the cork and therefore a higher degree of risk. Not uncommon in old wines 40yrs plus
Mid-high shoulder
Indicates that a touch of evaporation maybe happening, as the cork is not providing the tightest seal possible. Not uncommon in old wines – we advise that further questions should be asked by the buyer.
Low-mid shoulder
Highest level of risk – curio value mainly.
Burgundy & Riesling-style bottles
Definitions apply to Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and wines in similar shaped bottles.
2cm or less - excellent fill, age and fill level not mentioned.
3cm or less - good for wines aged 15 years plus.
4cm or less - good for wines aged 20 years or older.
5cm or less - good for wines aged 30 years or older. Some risk is involved at this level.
6cm or more is a poor fill level for any wine, unless the wine is extremely rare.
Bottle descriptions
| Half Bottle |
equal to half a 'regular' bottle |
375 ml |
| Bottle |
a 'regular' bottle |
750 ml |
| Magnum |
equal to 2 bottles |
1,500 ml |
| Double Magnum |
equal to 4 bottles |
3,000 ml |
| Jeroboam (Sparkling/Burgundy) |
equal to 4 bottles |
3,000 ml |
| Jeroboam (Bordeaux) |
equal to 6 bottles |
4,500 ml |
| Rehoboam (Sparkling/Burgundy) |
equal to 6 bottles |
4,500 ml |
| Imperial (Bordeaux) |
equal to 8 bottles |
6,000 ml |
| Methuselah (Sparkling/Burgundy) |
equal to 8 bottles |
6,000 ml |
| Salmanazar (Sparkling/Burgundy) |
equal to 12 bottles |
9,000 ml |
| Balthazar (Sparkling/Burgundy) |
equal to 16 bottles |
12,000 ml |
| Double Imperial (Bordeaux) |
equal to 16 bottles |
12,000 ml |
| Nebuchadnezzar (Sparkling/Burgundy) |
equal to 20 bottles |
16,000 ml |
Cellar-damaged label
Cellar damaged label description indicates labels that are marked by dirt, dust, wine racks, humidity or water. The condition the label contributes to the wines overall value. Empire Auctions makes every effort to describe in detail the conditions of labels.
Damaged capsule
The capsule in place is clearly torn or damaged.
Damaged capsule - slight
The capsule shows signs of scuffing, corrosion or light damage
Original box (wooden or cardboard)
Some wines are sold packed in timber or cardboard presentation boxes. These range in size from a single bottle case to 6 packs an 12 packs. Highly collectible wines in wooden boxes are attractive to collectors
PI = Passed In
A lot is passed in when bidding on the wine does not reach the minimum reserve stated by the vendor
Provenance & storage conditions
The provenance of a wine is the wines journey from bottling to its current location, and all aspects that may have had an impact upon the wine quality. This includes storage conditions, exposure to light, humidity and vibration and a host of other factors. For more information on specific lots, please contact Empire Auctions.
Signed by winemaker
The winemaker has signed the bottle – thereby potentially adding value, depending on the specific wine brand signed.
Wax capsule
The original capsule has been sealed using wax instead of metal or plastic.
Wine Regions of the World
Australia
New Zealand |
France |
 |
 |
Spain
Italy
South Africa
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