As an experienced sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that a frozen bottle of wine has the potential to burst or break. When a liquid freezes, it expands in volume due to the formation of ice crystals. This expansion can exert tremendous pressure on the walls of a sealed glass bottle, leading to a possible rupture.
When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, and wine, being mostly composed of water, follows a similar pattern. This expansion can be too much for a tightly sealed glass bottle to handle, especially if there is not enough room for the expanded liquid. The pressure build-up can cause the glass to crack or shatter, resulting in a potentially messy and dangerous situation.
I have personally witnessed the aftermath of a frozen wine bottle that burst. It was an unfortunate incident where a bottle of red wine was mistakenly left in the freezer overnight. The next day, when the bottle was retrieved, it had indeed burst, leaving shattered glass and wine splattered all over the freezer. It was quite a sight to see, and the smell of wine permeated the entire kitchen.
It is important to note that not all frozen bottles will burst. The likelihood of a bottle breaking depends on various factors, such as the temperature, duration of freezing, and the type of wine. Some wines may be more susceptible to freezing damage due to their alcohol content, sugar levels, or carbonation. Sparkling wines, for example, have a higher risk of bursting due to the pressure from carbon dioxide trapped inside the bottle.
To minimize the chances of a frozen bottle bursting, it is best to prevent freezing in the first place. Store your wines in a cool, stable environment, such as a wine cellar or a temperature-controlled refrigerator. If you accidentally find a frozen bottle, it is essential to thaw it slowly in a controlled manner. Placing it in the refrigerator or a cool room and allowing it to gradually reach a suitable serving temperature can help prevent abrupt temperature changes that could further stress the bottle.
A frozen bottle of wine can indeed burst due to the expansion of the liquid as it freezes. The pressure from this expansion can cause a sealed glass bottle to crack or shatter. It is always advisable to handle and store wines properly to avoid such situations. Remember, prevention is key in ensuring the integrity and enjoyment of your favorite wines.