Classic Wines

Germany's most famous wine is Riesling... but what happens when Americans take a stab at it? Join Brian Freedman as he pits two American Rieslings against each other in a full on tasting challenge.

The wines sampled today are the Tarrica Wine Cellars Riesling 2007, and the Chateau Ste Michelle "Dr. Loosen" Riesling 2006.

Brian Freedman is extra sweet in today's episode as he guides you through the ins and outs of dessert wines. Dessert wine, which is interchangeably referred to as sweet wine, is often mistaken as something that must be enjoyed accompanying dessert. This false assumption can lead the unsuspecting wine drinker astray, as too much sweetness can overload the palate. Depending on style and alcohol level, certain sweet wines can be enjoyed on their own or with contrasting food elements. Watch this week's ClassicWines TV episode as Brian gives you the inside scoop regarding dessert wines. Wine sampled in today's episode is the Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto.

California may be most well known for Cabernet Sauvignon, but host Brian Freedman doesn't want you to forget about the Pinot Grigio either. Pitting two California Pinot Grigio's against each other, Brian examines a significant contrast in production style, and how that comes through on the palate. Sampled today are the Estancia 2007 Pinot Grigio and the Tangent 2006 Pinot Gris.

Wine bottles come in many shapes and sizes, and as wineries seek to create new trends, new styles develop. But, no matter what, there will always be a few classic bottle styles that will always stay in fashion. Today, Brian Freedman examines Burgundy and Bordeaux - two of the most historic varieties of wine. The wines used in today's episode are the Robert Mondavi 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Louis Jadot 2005 Pinot Noir Bourgogne.

If you're a wine lover, I bet you've heard of Rioja. But it seems that only true wine geeks have heard of Jumilla, a developing wine region of Spain. This up-and-coming wine is one for you to look into if you want to diversify your palate. Watch as Brian Freedman pits two Spanish Jumilla against each other in a Classic Wines Showdown. The wines tasted today are the Juan Gil 2005 Jumilla, and the Altos De Luzon 2005 Jumilla.

Brian Freedman gets down to wine tasting basics. If you have ever wondered about the proper method for tasting a wine, this video is for you. From decanting, to sniffing, to swirling, to tasting, watch as Brian teaches you to do it like a pro.

Don't be afraid to break old habits! It may seem easier to run down to your local state liquor store, but the truth is buying wine online is the easiest and most cost effective way to get the bottles you want. With online shopping streamlined and shipping deals running rampant, even a casual wine lover can find enough bottles to fill out a case. Watch as Brian Freedman guides you through helpful hints on getting the most out of your online shopping experience.

Some people consider port off limits during the summertime. Brian Freedman, being his normal daring self, suggests otherwise. He believes that since we are approaching cigar season, the time couldn't be more ripe to break open a quality bottle of Tawny Port. The wines sampled today are the Warre's Otima 10 Year Old Porto, and the Noval Tawny Porto.