Wine Enthusiast Magazine is one of the most respected and quoted authorities in the world of wine and spirits. We feature the hottest trends in everything related to wine. Our seasoned editors do the work for you, with over 700 expert ratings and reviews in each issue. Plus, in-depth features on all aspects of cocktails, spirits, beer, inventive wine and food pairings, trendy recipes, savvy travel features, and more.
Wine Enthusiast • VOLUME 32, NUMBER 12
EDITORS' LETTER: THE TOP 10 WINE STORIES OF 2019 • Our review of the news and trends that impacted the wine world this year.
WINEMAG.COM: BEST OF BASICS • Brush up on the ABCs of wine at winemag.com/winebasics
OUT & ABOUT: SIPS AND SNAPS AROUND THE GLOBE
GLITZ & FIZZ • As we toast the year that was and reflect on the best wine, beer and spirits we’ve had over the last 12 months (page 46), it’s a good time to look back even further. Before you pop your New Year’s bottle of bubbly, turn the page to learn more about sparkling wine’s place in history.
ZERO-ABV HEROES • The new wave of alcohol-free beers is so good you won’t know what you’re missing.
GRAPE ON THE GO: ITALY’S STAR GRAPE GOES GLOBAL • The most widely planted variety from the boot gets a fresh start abroad.
VARIETY SHOW • Vermouth labels call out grapes to highlight nuance and quality.
DESTINATION: TURKU, FINLAND • Wine meets design in this charming old city.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: MAD FOR MARSALA • Let Sicily’s great fortified wine supply the flavor in this deceptively simple recipe.
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH: JEWEL OF A JULEP • This low-alcohol variation achieves the perfect balance of fruit and herb.
CAVIAR DREAMS • Look beyond Champagne when pairing these luxurious little pearls.
Q&A: POURS AND POWER SLAMS WITH LEAH VAN DALE • Wrestler Leah Van Dale talks about creating wines to sip outside the ring.
PAIROLOGY: GO FOR GOUDA
USE YOUR MELON (LIQUEUR) • A new wave of drinks proves the notorious green, fruit-forward liqueur is more than a flavor of the week.
VIEWPOINT: BROADEN YOUR WINE HORIZONS • To truly know and explore the wondrous world of wine, it’s important not to get too attached to your favorites.
THE ENTHUSIAST 1OO OF 2019 • THE BEST WINES OF THE YEAR
CHILE’S HERITAGE WINERIES • With more than 100 years of history behind them, these iconic producers showcase the country’s rich vinous legacy.
TOP 1OO SPIRITS OF 2019 • We have you covered with this year's top reviewed pours.
WALLA WALLA VALLEY 3.0 • A new era dawns on Washington’s premier wine region.
TOP 25 BEERS OF 2019 • Celebrating the best brews reviewed this year.
WACHAU’S WONDEROUS SINGLE VINEYARDS • Discover five of the Austrian region’s most prominent sites and the world-class wines they produce.
WINE ENTHUSIAST WINE STAR AWARDS 2019
MARTINI DREAMS • Learn this cocktail’s story and how to make your own.
PIZZA PARTY • Ditch the cardboard boxes and create a celebratory affair with plenty of wine to pair.
PORTUGAL • Port’s stellar 2017 vintage
CHAMPAGNE
ALSACE • SPARKLING WINES
RHÔNE VALLEY • WHITE WINES
PROSECCO
HUNGARY
CHILE
CALIFORNIA
WASHINGTON
VIRGINIA
SPIRITS • The single-malt Scotch paradox
BEER • The season for stouts
LAST DROP: HOMECOMING • In a life spent on the move, Contributing Editor Anne Krebiehl, MW, always finds belonging in her glass.