Wine Enthusiast’s expert tasting panel has officially released its definitive list of Top 100 Wines for 2019, after sampling over 22,000 wines from around the globe, exploring a multitude of regions, styles and price points. The Enthusiast 100 is a best-of-the-best list that illustrates the fantastic variety of wines available to the consumer today.
The top recipient at #1 is the Nino Franco NV Rustico Brut (Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore) (94 points, SRP $18) from Valdobbiadene, Italy. Coming in at a close second is Sonoma County wine, Williams Selyem 2017 Pinot Noir (98 points, SRP $39).
Beyond these wine’s high numerical ratings, this list showcases excellent quality-to-price ratios, drinkability, and availability, with an average score of just over 93 points and an average price of $33, showcasing that great wine comes from all over the world and there is a wine to satiate every palate.
The Enthusiast 100 of 2019 Fast Facts:
- This year’s top spot goes to Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore from Italy – an incredible value wine at only $18!
- There are a total of 16 countries represented on The Enthusiast 100.
- The average score checks in at 93 points.
- A median price of $33 makes it a wonderfully accessible list for wine enthusiasts of all levels
- American wine is largely represented with 30 wines in the list
- Most expensive wine showcased on the list is $114 – a Domaine de la Janasse 2016 Vieilles Vignes Red (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
The list also carries many ‘discovery-driven’ selections for consumers who enjoy exploring off the beaten path. These items include wines from not-well-known wine regions like the countries of Georgia, Israel or Uruguay, wines from re-emerging regions in Italy like Puglia, Abruzzo and Emilia-Romagna, or from growing regions in the US, such as Virginia and New York.
However, there are many other grapes represented that are either classic to the region where they are grown or interesting abnormalities that might speak to a growing trend in the region. (i.e. #7 – Napa producers are experimenting with white grapes beyond Chardonnay).
Please find the full list here
