<P> It is not normally possible to freeze wine in the bottle as there is insufficient room for it to expand as it freezes and the bottle will always crack . </P> <P> Although anecdotal information regarding the contributions of vibration in wine storage states that it contributes to the accelerated aging of wine with adverse effects, this remains a research area with relatively little data . In a particular study, vibrations of different frequencies have been shown to have their own distinct effect on the chemistry of the wine . The study concludes, "Vibration could be used to accelerate the aging of wine, but in most cases, this may lead to negative effects in wine quality . Therefore, to store red wines with limited changes in physico - chemical properties, vibrations should be minimized ." </P> <P> Most wine racks are designed to allow a wine to be stored on its side . The thinking behind this orientation is that the cork is more likely to stay moist and not dry out if it is kept in constant contact with the wine . Some wineries package their wines upside down in the box for much the same reason . Research in the late 1990s suggested that the ideal orientation for wine bottles is at a slight angle, rather than completely horizontal . This allows the cork to maintain partial contact with the wine in order to stay damp but also keeps the air bubble formed by a wine's ullage at the top rather than in the middle of the bottle if the wine is lying on its side . Keeping the ullage near the top, it has been argued, allows for a slower and more gradual oxidation and maturation process . This is because the pressure of the air bubble that is the ullage space rises and falls depending on temperature fluctuation . When exposed to higher temperatures the bubble's pressure increases (becomes positive relative to the air outside of the bottle), and if the wine is tilted at an angle, this compressed gas will diffuse through the cork and not harm the wine . When the temperature falls the process reverses . If the wine is completely on its side then this action will eject some wine through the cork . Through this "breathing" which can result from variations in temperature, oxygen may be repeatedly introduced into the bottle and as a result can react with the wine . An appropriate and constant temperature is therefore preferred . Additionally, oxidation will occur more rapidly at higher temperatures and gases dissolve into liquids faster the lower the temperature . </P> <P> While most wines can benefit from lying on their side, Champagne and other sparkling wines tend to age better if they are kept upright . This is because the internal pressure caused by the trapped carbonic gas provides enough humidity and protection from oxygen . Caterer Magazine claims that the preference for upright storage of Champagne is shared by the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) who conducted an extensive study of Champagnes that were stored in various conditions and orientations . This study found that Champagne stored on its side aged more quickly because oxygen was allowed to seep in after the Champagne corks lost their elasticity due to contact with the moist wine . However, the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) still recommends storing Champagne on its side, which can be read on their web site at: </P>

Should wine bottles be stored at an angle