Classic Wines

They may be adorable, but what kind of quality will these wines bring? As one of the rising stars of the wine world, Australia has become a key player in the realm of Shiraz. Utilizing large production techniques and attractive labels, Australia hopes to continue dominating their niche of the market. But the big question has always been - does the wine inside stack up when it comes to quality? Today, host Brian Freedman tries two very obtainable Australian Shiraz. Wines sampled in this episode of Classic Wines TV include the Boolaroo 2005 Shiraz and The Little Penguin 2006 Shiraz.

Host Brian Freedman guides you through the sometimes complex process of reading a wine label. Grapes... vintages... producers... regions... there is a lot to know when picking out a bottle of wine! Furthermore, there is no standard when it comes to the information producers have to provide you. If you're choosing a new world wine, you can expect one style. If you are choosing an old world wine, you can expect another. Brian breaks it down to help you with your next wine shopping excursion. The wines sampled today are the Ravens Wood 2005 Sonoma County Zinfandel, and the Joseph Drouhin Chablis Premier Cru.

Brian Freedman sits down at Brasserie Cognac in New York to discuss the great versatility of Cognac. Alessandra Rotondi, special guest and Sommelier for Brasserie Cognac, guides Brian through the pairing theory utilized by the restaurant. Rotondi also describes the surprisingly large amount of Cognac available, and when they can be best enjoyed. Join Brian and Alessandra as they chat about pairings, Europe, and all things wine!

When it comes to wine in California, Cabernet Sauvignon is the equivalent of the 2007 New England Patriots (nevermind that one loss.) California Cab enjoys a global reputation for excellence, and in today's episode, Brian Freedman puts them to the taste. Placed in a food and wine pairing context, two Cabs compete for the prize of showdown champion. Which will come out on top? Wines tasted today are the Joel Gott 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Annabella 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection.

While food and wine pairings attempt to match flavor sets, cooking with wine instills the flavors of food and wine together. Cognac in particular is an extremely versatile wine that has developed a reputation for being great in the kitchen. In this episode of Classic Wines TV, host Brian Freedman meets with Roberto Manfe and Florian Hugo of Brasserie Cognac to cook up some fantastic Lobster Flambe and demonstrate all the uses of Cognac. The wine in this episode is the Remy Martin Cognac V.S.O.P.

Host Brian Freedman meets with Classic Wines Columnist Romany Reagan to discuss wines on the dating scene. Ordering wine on a date can be tricky business, especially as you try to make a good first impression. Certain bottles can lead to success, while others can lead to abysmal failure. Watch as Brian and Romany analyze the positive and negative attributes of potential date wines. Sampled today are Old Fart's Wife, Luna di Luna Premium Pink Merlot, Il Bastardo, and Marques de Riscal Rioja.

Brian Freedman and Christian Holtzhausen (International House Communications Director of Charles Heidsieck) taste champagne in the beautiful Brasserie Cognac Restaurant. Watch as these two experts riff on champagne food and wine pairings, the history of Charles Heidsieck Champagne, and much more. The two bottles sampled today are the Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Non Vintage, and the Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 1995.

Brian Freedman pits two Cotes du Rhone against each other in wine competition. Cotes du Rhone, found in the Rhone region, is a very popular French wine. Can these two bottles hold up to a well established reputation, or will they fall flat? The wines tasted today are the J. Vidal-Fleury 2006 Cotes du Rhone, and the Chateau Beauchene 2006 Cotes du Rhone.