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Checking ullage levels
Posted: 16:29 Sat 21 Jun 2014
by louise41
Hi
I'm in the process of selling some Fonseca 1977 and I've been asked what the ullage level is. As I'm a Port novice, can anyone advise on how to check the fill levels in a dense black bottle??!
Many thanks.
Re: Checking ullage levels
Posted: 16:51 Sat 21 Jun 2014
by DRT
Hi Louise,
You can normally penetrate even the darkest of bottles if you hold a bright halogen torch behind the neck of the bottle. Failing that, hold it up close (but not too close!) in front of the brightest light bulb you have available.
If you still can't see the level just explain that to the seller and they should be ok. It would be very unusual for a 1977 to be showing significant ullage without some tell-tale signs of leakage around the capsule, cork and IVDP seal. If all of those look OK there shouldn't be a problem.
Derek
Re: Checking ullage levels
Posted: 19:07 Sat 21 Jun 2014
by PhilW
Hi - As Derek mentions, a good bright small torch is ideal to shine through the neck of the bottle, to see the level. Once you can see it, you can then describe it using terminology as per Bordeaux bottles, such as
here (link in case you're not familiar with the terminology).