Classic Wines

Corks... screw tops... glass stoppers... the world of wine enclosures is much more diverse than it used to be! Years ago, your choices were essentially limited to one - cork. But as technology grows, more consistent means of enclosure have developed. Of course, with change comes reaction in the form of complaints about a lessening of 'breathability' that corks natural contain. Host Brian Freedman examines the most popular kinds of enclosures available today and let's you be judge.

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.

Decanting your wine can be accomplished with a variety of decanters. Today we review a unique in bottle decanter made by Soiree. Brian Freedman tastes a big red zinfandel, made better by decanting.

There are wines that we can enjoy from all over the world, today we review two Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Chile. Join The Classic Wines Minute as Brian Freedman describes the currans, chocolate, cedar and dark ripe fruit on the nose of the wines, and explains why he would pair one of them with a big rib eye steak. Food and wine, what could be better.

Have you ever decanted your wine? How about in it's own bottle? Join us this week as "The Classic Wines Minute" explains why the Soiree in-bottle decanter has earned a place on those crowded holiday and event tables. One-fifth the size of a traditional decanter, The Soiree aerates your wine in the same way that swirling in your glass does. We review a Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley while using the Soiree as our go-to in-bottle decanter. Watch how the wine is swirled around, agitating the wine, bringing in the necessary oxygen that the wine needs. After decanting the wine, you'll be able to see how both the nose and palate become more enjoyable. Join us to learn why decanting your wine is so important, and let us help you find the wine that's perfect for you.

Pinot Boutique in Old City Philadelphia is truly a toy store for wine lovers. They have wine accessories for every occasion - from crystal glassware by world famous Riedel, to decanters, corkscrews, artwork, furniture and wine refrigeration systems. In this episode we visit Pinot Boutique, browse their wine accessory selections, and attend their opening party where their signature Pino-tini's flowed while visitors toured the store.

This week "The Classic Wines Minute" explains the importance of decanting your wine. We review three wines, a white 2005 Chardonnay, a red Chateau Haut-Ballet 2001 Bordeaux and the Mollydooker "The Boxer" 2006 Shiraz, a red wine from south Australia. Helping us decant our wine is a product called the Soiree decanter, an in bottle decanter.