Wine Enthusiast – October 2019

E

very day, the wine world becomes

increasingly wide ranging. Crossing

cultures, palates, genders, ethnicities,

locations and ages, wine is a joyful

pleasure that, ideally, belongs to all.

That’s a passion point for us at Wine Enthusiast—we

want everyone to drink and enjoy more of the liquid

love that we write about every day.

But there’s no denying that so much of what’s

exciting, innovative and progressive about today’s

beverage scene is coming from the under-40 set. There

seems to be no limit to the imagination, enthusiasm and

open-mindedness that these younger changemakers are

bringing to the bar and table. Where past generations

approached the once vaunted arena of the vine with

ginger reverence, this next tide of wine lovers is racing

into the fray with serious, borderless abandon, turning

what we all drink and our approach to wine (and beer

and spirits) on its head.

This month, we celebrate this transformative energy

with our annual 40 Under 40 tastemakers list (page

47). Our editors have selected the best of the industry’s

emerging rule breakers shaping what’s in your glass

today. From winemakers and educators to marketers

and mixologists, these are the names you’ll want to get

to know now.

Speaking of emerging stars, scenic and historic

Umbria is producing world-class red wines that need

to be on your radar. Expressive and versatile varieties

like its fl agship red, Sagrantino, as well as Sangiovese,

Colorino and more are the focus of Italian Editor Kerin

O’Keefe’s story on page 94. We tell you what to drink,

and why.

And what’s hotter behind the bar than mezcal?

This sultry, versatile spirit from Mexico has been a

focal point of discerning drinkers for some time, but

as Spirits Editor Kara Newman explains on page 108,

its moment has truly come, with an ever-growing range

of styles and interpretations that take it far beyond the

singular smoky persona it’s held. We give you all the

essentials of this delicious dram.

Also in the issue: perfect pairings for shellfi sh (page

114), New Zealand’s Maori winemakers (page 26) and an

interview with Al Gore (page 30).

Cheers!

SUSAN KOSTRZEWA

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

@suskostrzewa

Field Guide to the

Petaluma Gap

Sonoma County’s newest

appellation yields exciting

pours that boast cool-climate

aromatics, acidity and plenty of

fruit intensity. Learn what makes

this region, and its wines, so

worth seeking out.

Top 100 Best Buys

Just in time for end-of-year

entertaining, we’ve put together

a list of the year’s best reviewed

bottles $15 and under. No matter

your preference, you’ll find quality

wine for a great value.

Skin-Contact Thanksgiving

Sometimes referred to as orange,

skin-contact wines can match

your meal from hors d’oeuvres

to dessert. We’ll show you how,

with a menu of traditional-ish

recipes paired to these pleasantly

unpredictable pours.

Crème de la Crémant

Get to know the different styles

of this dreamy French sparkler

and find out which bottles to

stock up on for upcoming holiday

celebrations and beyond.

COMING NEXT MONTH

10 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | OCTOBER 2019

ADAM STRUM

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

@adamstrum SH

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This next tide of wine lovers

is racing into the fray with

serious, borderless abandon.

A TOAST TO TASTEMAKERS

Our 40 Under 40 luminaries are shaping what’s in your glass, right now.