Classic Wines

Wines from Spain are a great value these days. It is a region that is really coming into it's own and definitely is worth exploring. Join Brian Freedman as he takes us through the fresh and crisp characteristics of these very enjoyable wines. The wines featured today are The Spanish Quarter 2007 Chardonnay-Albarino and The Spanish Quarter 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Tempranillo.

Host Brian Freedman gets vertical this week as he tries out two Pessagno Chardonnays. Pessagno is a well respected establishment that hails from the Monterey and San Benito counties of California. Focusing on back-to-back years, 2005 and 2006, Brian is able to analyze the different flavor profiles a year's difference can produce. Tasted in this episode of ClassicWines TV are the Pessagno 2005 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay, and the Pessagno 2006 Lucia Highlands Vineyard Chardonnay.

French wines are close to the hearts of wine lovers everywhere. There is such a rich history involved in the french wine making regions that they don't even bother to list on the label the grapes used to make the wine. The reason is that the same grapes have been planted in the same regions for many many years.

Australian wines have taken off in recent years, and from wine beginners to experts, they are beloved by people all over the world. But what is it about these wines that's so appealing? And what sets them apart from the wines produced in other parts of the world? Join us as we explore the Australian wine phenomenon at The Wine School of Philadelphia with Sommelier Instructor Maria Valetta

One of the important steps in making wine comes before the grapes are even picked. The winemakers job is to determine the correct time to pick the chardonnay, or viogneir grapes for optimal flavor. Classic Wines interviews the winemaker at Bedell Cellars, John Levenberg, in Long Island to find out the many determinations that a winemaker will make to bring you that wonderful glass of wine.

What does your wine smell like? Vanilla, butter, how about green pepper? Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc all have complex descriptions and aromas. We visit with The Wine School of Philadelphia to found out how and where all these aromas come from. Join us as Brian Freedman speaks with Keith Wallace about the smells, descriptions and tastes of wine.

Have you ever wondered about the bubbles in Champagne? How about how to open the bottle, or how about that famous party trick of opening the Champagne bottle with a saber? Join The Classic Wines Minute as we answer these questions and more. Veuve Clicquot has allowed us to sample their wine and discuss Veuve Clicquot Champagne with Charles Curtis, director of wine and spirits education for Moet Hennessey. To find your own bubbly to enjoy please visit us at ClassicWines.com for a wide selection of wine from around the world.

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.