Thousands of prosecco bottles recalled after reports of 'spontaneous' shattering

Last month, leading prosecco manufacturer warned there was a 'severe shortage' of the popular fizz

This Valentine’s Day, UK couples sharing a bottle of sparkling wine or Champagne will pay a hefty £2.67 in duty (Wodicka/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

Thousands of bottles of prosecco are being recalled after reports emerged of them spontaneously shattering.

Customers affected by The Wine Society’s Prosecco Brut I Duecento have received either a letter or email asking them not to drink it.

The letter issued by The Society says: “Following the recall of The Society’s Prosecco, we have received similar reports of a small number of bottles of Prosecco Brut I Duecento shattering in members’ wine racks.

“Whilst the incidence of shattering bottles is limited, as a precaution we have also taken the decision to recall all remaining bottles of this wine.”

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Sales of fizzy wine have rocketed since the recession as cash-strapped drinkers turned from champagne to prosecco.

The Society says the bottles of wine should be wrapped in a cloth, placed in a plastic bag and then into a carton. And that all bottles should be left in a cool place ready for collection.

The news comes after a leading prosecco manufacturer last month warned that Britain was in for a dry summer as a direct result of a bad harvest which looked likely to result in a shortage of the popular fizz.

The shattered bottles have not caused any injuries.