Can wine freeze? The science, storage, and preservation
– Wine can freeze if placed in the freezer
– Freezing wine can be used to make wine ice cubes for cooking
– Wine ice cubes can also be used in cocktails like Sangria or spritzers
– Freezing wine can chill it quickly or save an opened bottle
– Alcohol needs lower temperatures than water to freeze (32°F)
– Most freezers don’t drop to temperatures needed to freeze liquor, so wine can freeze after about five hours
– The temperature at which wine freezes depends on the alcohol content, ranging from 15°F to 20°F
– When freezing wine, it will likely become slushy rather than a solid cube
– It is important not to freeze wine with a sealed cap or cork, as the expanding water can cause leaks or cork expulsion
– Leave room for the wine to expand when freezing to avoid potential bottle breakage
– The safest option is to transfer wine to ice cube trays or a freezer-safe bag
– Putting sparkling wine in the freezer is dangerous because the pressure in the bottle can cause it to explode.
– Freezing wine can lower its quality and mute its flavor profile, especially for finer wines.
– Table wines and everyday wines are better options for freezing.
– If wine is left in the freezer for too long, it can begin to leak and eventually explode.
– A quick chill can be achieved by submerging the bottle in an ice and salt bath for 5 to 10 minutes.
– Once frozen wine returns to a liquid state, it is safe to drink, but the wine may have experienced “bottle shock” and may have tartaric crystals forming in it.