Cellaring Info

We often get asked about cellaring LA FRENZ Wines. Our recommendation is to store the wine at a constant temperature of around 16C degrees, away from sunlight, with the bottle on its side. Cellaring at lower temperatures will cause the reds in particular to precipitate tannins and lose structure, and will slow development. Higher temperatures will cause the wines to develop prematurely.

Wine aging is much like a bell curve. We would encourage anyone buying a case of one wine to open a bottle from time to time to determine if the wine is getting close to the perfect age to drink according to your own taste preference.

LA FRENZ red wines

Our red wines are all ready to be enjoyed upon release but with ideal cellaring can be kept for up to 5 to 10 years for further developed complexity. Reserve Pinot Noir, Malbec and Syrah should be consumed up to 5 to 7 years from the vintage date. More structured reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and the Grand Total Reserve will continue to develop for up to 10 years from the vintage date.

Why decant?

It is normal for red wines to develop a harmless deposit of tannin tartrate complex during cellaring. This needs to be removed by careful decanting.

We recommend decanting all red wines for the best possible tasting experience. This becomes even more important as the wine ages. Aeration that occurs as the wine is carefully decanted off any possible sediment in the bottle, really allows the wine to open and bloom. Decant into a carafe which allows further aeration followed by 1-2 hours breathing before serving is ideal.

Even younger red wines are often softened and improved with decanting. This can easily be achieved by transferring to a carafe or simply by using an aftermarket venturi aerator as a single glass is poured.

LA FRENZ white wines

Generally our white wines should be consumed within approximately 5 years of vintage date. Our white wines are fresh, vibrant, and fruity when consumed in the first 2 years. From 2 to 5 years, they will develop rich, rounded, honeyed flavours and become more golden in colour.

Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay are all wines that we believe are best consumed in the first 1-3 years from vintage date. Riesling, Semillon, Alexandria, and Reserve Chardonnay are wines that will develop in the bottle for up to 5 years from vintage date. Decanting is not generally necessary for white wines. Serve white wines slightly chilled but not cold.

LA FRENZ fortified wines

Our fortified Tawny and Liqueur Muscat are barrel aged before bottling. These wines change very little once bottled and because of the higher alcohol levels can be opened and then consumed over several weeks. Vintage Port can be consumed upon release but will gain further complexity for up to 20 years bottle development from vintage date. These are best served at room temperature, definitely not chilled.