Top Wine Videos of 2013
A full appreciation of wine comes from more than just the liquid in the glass, or the meal it’s paired with; it’s also linked to knowing the fascinating people and unique places behind each bottle. Wine Spectator’s video team has a great time bringing winemakers from around the world to your computer, tablet or smartphone. We hope the conversations and insights increase your enjoyment of wine.
As we indulge in our annual year-end nostalgia, we’ve been looking back at our year in videos, the people we’ve met and the topics we’ve covered. Join us as we review the best of the 2013 vintage.
Winners of 2013
Wine No. 1 of 2013
Our Top 100 wines of the year, and their accompanying videos, attract attention worldwide from wine lovers eager to discuss and debate the most exciting wines in terms of quality, value, availability and that "X-factor" we call excitement. Our Wine of the Year for 2013 was something of a surprise to many people. Executive editor Thomas Matthews introduces this Spanish red that epitomizes Rioja's recent revolution in style and character, blending tradition and innovation in delicious harmony. Don't miss the full set of all Top 10 videos, and the bonus clips for the full Top 100.
Video Contest Winner: Dawn of Wine
What happens when a monster becomes inspired by wine? He becomes a winery intern in Napa Valley, learning the latest techniques. But when the Old World style stokes his fire, he can't be held back …. The winner of our 7th annual video contest, Tina Termsomket from Thailand, and Napa vintner Chris Doran clearly had a lot of fun filming this feel-good buddy flick starring a giant lizard, as did the other videographers who were voted finalists and honorable mentions by our editors and readers. It’s not too early to start thinking about your contest entry for 2014; the deadline is Aug. 31.
Behind the Scenes at Wine Spectator
How We Taste: Inside Wine Spectator's Tasting Department
Wine Spectator reviewed nearly 20,000 wines in 2013 in its New York and Napa offices. To ensure fair and objective evaluations, each tasting is conducted under strict conditions. Learn about the tasting process and our tasters.
How We Pick the Top 100
Each year, Wine Spectator distills all the new releases that earned outstanding or classic scores into a short list of the Top 100 most exciting wines, culminating with the Wine of the Year. Our editors explain how we do it.
Wines by Region
Defining California Pinot Terroir with Kosta Browne
Compare and contrast three exciting appellations—Santa Lucia Highlands, Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley—as vintner Dan Kosta joins Gloria Maroti Frazee to taste a trio of distinctive Pinot Noirs that show the character of each growing area.
Decoding Burgundy: Chambolle-Musigny with Roumier
It's no revelation that Burgundy is a complex region. Vigneron Christophe Roumier and Wine Spectator senior editor Bruce Sanderson explore the differences between two 2010 Pinot Noirs from Les Combottes and Les Cras, vineyards that are only 600 feet apart in the commune of Chambolle-Musigny.
Napa: Merlot vs. Cabernet with Swanson
Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Napa Valley, but Merlot planted in the right location can be equally compelling. Contrast these two varieties with Swanson Vineyard's winemaker, Chris Phelps, who has also worked with them at Château Pétrus and Dominus.
Tasting Order & Tannins: Red Before White
While shooting a video about Waipara, New Zealand, with former Mountford Estate winemaker C. P. Lin, we tasted a Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay, in that order. Watch this video to learn the physiology behind Lin's preference for this seemingly unconventional tasting order.
Beaucastel Seminar: Intro to Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Marc Perrin, whose family’s company is one of the top producers in France’s Southern Rhône Valley, shares his insights with James Molesworth at the Wine Experience. This first of four videos introduces the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region and its grapes.
