While our most-popular videos of 2021 highlighted the itch to get together after being cooped up during the pandemic, 2022’s videos were a return to the basics of wine enjoyment. Refreshing summer cocktails for poolside imbibing, tours of the grand estates of Bordeaux and classic wine-and-cheese pairings all appealed to our viewers, as did a never-before-seen interview with wine legend Ernest Gallo and appearances by rock stars Sting and Jon Bon Jovi at Wine Spectator‘s 2021 New York Wine Experience. From learning about lesser-known wine regions like Franciacorta and Alentejo to exploring the Top 10 Wines of the Year to simply mastering a waiter’s corkscrew, this year’s most-viewed clips indicated a thirst to return to wine in its purest forms of pleasure and exploration. Cheers to that!
Video Contest Winner
With its Broadway-style belting, frequent scene changes and large cast, Steve Jacobson’s energetic musical parody “Cabernet Tonight” won the hearts of our editors and viewers—and our 2022 Video Contest! A fun and flamboyant tour of the wine world, with a profusion of labels, Jacobson’s creative first-time entry was infectious enough to make even the most snobbish enophile break out in a full-throated vibrato. Voters’ second- and third-favorite videos were “Full Circle,” winemaker Jennifer Higgins’ ode to a plot of land that holds a special place in her life, and “A Bold Vision” from vintner Xavier Cervantes, who is pursuing a life of adventure on what he calls “Napa’s last frontier.” Watch all the finalists and honorable mentions!
People
Ernest Gallo: A Rare Interview
This spring, Wine Spectator released exclusive, never-before-seen footage of editor and publisher Marvin R. Shanken interviewing Ernest Gallo, the late co-founder and chairman of what was then and continues to be one of the world’s largest wine companies. Conducted at Gallo’s home in Modesto, Calif., in 1999, this rare personal interview nearly didn’t happen!
Wine 101
Sometimes you just have to get back to basics. Wine Spectator gave new wine lovers a simple visual guide to using a seemingly intimidating waiter’s corkscrew. With some helpful terminology, a smooth foil cut and a few confident twists, this tutorial can help anyone achieve sommelier-like efficiency. Check out our other Wine 101 videos on how to open sparkling wine and screwcaps!
Wine Regions
Senior editor Alison Napjus and Restaurant Awards director Cassia Schifter dive into the details of Franciacorta, one of Italy’s top regions for bubbly, exploring its traditions, terroir and techniques. Check our entire library of ABCs videos, from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Sicily and Alentejo.
Top 10
Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wine Values of 2021
Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines of 2022 series
As usual, Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wines (including the Wine of the Year) garnered the most interest in 2022. But a new addition, the Top Wine Values of the Year, debuted in January with our senior editors’ top value picks from 2021, generated a lot of excitement too. These affordable wines scored 90 points or higher, cost $40 or less, were made in large enough quantities to be widely available and represented the diversity of the global wine scene. And the Wine Value of the Year scored 93 points yet only cost $17! Check out who made the new list.
Drinks
Summer Cocktails: Aperol Spritz
2022 brought a return to easy summer livin’, as evidenced by the popularity of our new summer cocktail series. Aperol spritzes, Porto tonicos and Spanish fizzes flowed, with viewers learning step-by-step how to make refreshing concoctions for any warm-weather soiree.
New York Wine Experience 2021
Jon Bon Jovi and Jesse Bongiovi
For the 40th anniversary of Wine Spectator’s New York Wine Experience, wine stars and wine lovers from around the globe convened for best annual get-together in the wine world, with A-list appearances from rock legends and vintners Jon Bon Jovi and Sting. Bon Jovi and his son Jesse Bongiovi presented their Hampton Water Languedoc Rosé 2020 and talked about their latest charity initiatives to address food insecurity and hunger. Sting took the stage with his wife, Trudie Styler, to discuss their Tuscan winery, Il Palagio, and the 2019 vintage of their flagship red blend, 1530—right before Sting performed some of his greatest hits.
In the Vineyard
In the Vineyard with Eva Dehlinger
In our “In the Vineyard” series, senior editor James Molesworth hit the road, visiting top California winemakers and viticulturists in their natural environment, including Eva Dehlinger of Dehlinger Winery, a star Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. She took him through three parcels of her family’s estate vineyards, including one with nearly 50-year-old vines.
Pairing and Dining
Classic Wine & Cheese Pairings: Chèvre and Sauvignon Blanc
In this short-and-sweet cheese pairing series, Wine Spectator shares classic combinations that everyone should know, including tangy, fresh Sauvignon Blanc with tangy, fresh chèvre. Other palate partners include rich Stilton with powerful Port and creamy Brie with lively Champagne.
Estates of Bordeaux
Estates of Bordeaux: The DNA of Cheval-Blanc
In this three-parter, Château Cheval-Blanc technical director Pierre-Olivier Clouet takes viewers on a tour of this iconic St.-Emilion estate to learn more about its history, terroir, how it farms for the future and its lesser-known, not-to-be-missed white wine. The “Estates of Bordeaux” series also delved into other renowned châteaus such as Phélan Ségur, Lynch Bages and Troplong Mondot.