Classic Wines

Sauvignon Blanc goes well with shellfish, but do you know the differences in taste from Sauvignon Blanc around the world?Today Randy Torban gives us a quick lesson on sauvignon blancs from around the world. He gives you quick tips from wines from New Zealand, the U.S. and France. All delicious, but slightly different in their approach.

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.

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.

Ever wanted to peek into the wine cellar of a high end restaurant? Here is your chance - Join Brian Freedman and Jason Miller, General Manager and Wine Director of Picholine, as they chat about Burgundy and food and wine pairings. The wines discussed today are Domaine Coste Caumartin 2005 Monthelie, and Domaine Michel Lafarge 2004 Volnay Clos Du Chateau Des Ducs.

Part 4: This is it! The Sommelier Smackdown food and wine pairing competition comes to a head as Gary Vaynerchuk and Brian Freedman make their last pairings. In this round, the two experts must pair wine with fig and gorgonzola. Watch as selections are made, and a victor is declared.

See the rest of the videos from this Sommelier Smackdown series: Parts 1 thru 4.

Food and wine pairings are not an exact science, however a beautiful pairing can be a wonderful thing. In this episode of Classic Wines TV we visit Picholine in New York City for a top of the line food pairing with one of Piper Heidsieck's Rare Champagnes. Join Brian Freedman, Christian Holthausen of Piper Heidsieck and Jason Miller of Picholine Restaurant as they sample this delicious pairing.

Part 3: Everyone understands that wine and cheese pair well together, but what wine goes with what cheese? In this episode of Classic Wines TV Brian Freedman and Gary Vaynerchuk choose two very different wines in a head to head cheese pairing competition.

See the rest of the videos from this Sommelier Smackdown series: Parts 1 thru 4.