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 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.

Classic Wines visits Paumanok Vineyard in Long Island to taste their 2005 Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest wine. Second generation winemaker, Kareem Massoud, tells us of the history behind this refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.

In an intriguing twist of winemaking fate, the Massoud family was forced to deal with an outbreak of noble rot. After much deliberation and anxiety, Kareem and his parents turned this potential disaster into one of their finest dry wines. This Sauvignon Blanc is such a success, they have trouble keeping it on the shelves.

What's your favorite California wine? Join us this week as we compair two wines from California in The Classic Wines Wine Showdown. The Miner Viognier with an aroma of marzipan, apricots and orange blossoms or The Cline Viognier with a more subtle taste. It's a tough decision for most but we can count on our own Brian Freedman to help you find the answers.

Bedell Cellars in Long Island makes terrific wines, but how do they know when it's time to make the wine? Today "The Classic Wines Minute" visits Bedell's vineyard looking for the perfect ripened Chardonnay grape. Joining us, once again, is Louisa Hargrave who will get hands-on with helping us select the perfect Chardonnay grape. Join Brian Freedman to learn more about the steps taken by wineries to determine the perfect harvest time.

Would you like to know how to make wine? The Classic Wines Minute shows you how when we visit with the winemakers at The Wine Room in Cherry Hill NJ. Learn how to take California cabernet grapes, put them through the crusher and press and make delicious wine and even decide on your own wine label.

You don't always have to use a decanter to get more oxygen into your wines. Today, Brian reviews the Vino2 oversized crystal stemware made by Taste of Purple. The right glass really can make the difference in enjoying a wine, in this case the 2003 Luna Vineyards "Canto." So before making your next stemware purchase, take some time to review the difference in quality, materials, size and shape to find the perfect glass for that perfect bottle of wine.

This week "The Classic Wines Minute" visits The Wine Room of Cherry Hill in Cherry Hill , New Jersey. Brian Freedman talks with Kenton Nice, the owner of The Wine Room about the steps you go through to make your own wine. We also do a tasting of some of their wines with Michael D'Auria including a Brunello, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and an award winning Bordeaux Blend. You heard it right - award winning wines can be produced socially at The Wine Room utilizing their professional equipment, staff and grapes sourced from around the globe for different seasons.