This year marks the 20th anniversary of Oenocosmos, making its annual portfolio presentation particular noteworthy. To be precise, its extensive range covers every country, style, and type of wine. Not only does it do this exceptionally well, but it also offers impressive options at remarkably low prices. Therefore, selecting just a few labels from the hundreds I tried was quite a challenge! While it would be unfair to exclude any outstanding wines from the list below in favour of lower-priced options, I strongly encourage you to sample every imported label from Oenocosmos priced under 10€; they are all exceptional!
White wines
Bourgeois, Pouilly Fume JS-150 2022: The Kimmeridgian soil of Jurassic Superior, dating back 150 million years (!), imparts the character of gooseberry and cat`s pee, along with noticeable tannins, to this impressive Pouilly Fumé. Best opened from 2030. (8.5/10)
Brumont, La Gascogne d`Allain Brumont 2023: The creator of the great Château Montus shines even in lower "categories". This blend of Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc offers a honeyed, sweet-and-sour flavour with remarkable acidity—unbelievable for just 10€! (8/10)
Cruzeau, Pessac Leognan 2022: Although this Bordeaux white is made from Sauvignon Blanc and doesn`t undergo barrel aging, it`s anything but a mainstream wine! Light and acidic, with the characteristic cat`s pee profile, it will reach its peek in five years. (8/10)
Jadot, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot 2022: Yes, its price may exceed the three-digit mark, but this white Burgundy is worth every euro! With epic length, nutty complexity, a smoky finish, and the potential to age 20 years, it is truly exceptional. (9/10)
Emiliana, Signos Chardonnay/ Roussanne 2022: This blend features two varietals sourced from four plots in Casablanca and aged in a mix of large and small barrels, amphorae, and stainless steel. The result is a fresh yet opulent wine brimming with notes of asparagus and vanilla. (8/10)
Planeta, Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione 2022: The minerality enveloping the floral notes reveals the volcanic terroir from which this Sicilian Carricante originates. It boasts abundant acidity, tannins reminiscent of Assyrtiko, and generous fruit to provide balance. (8.5/10)
Terlano, Vorberg Riserva 2022: Those who underestimate Pinot Bianco should consider this exceptional offering from nearly 100-year-old vines from Alto Adige. It features yellow and exotic fruits, hints of butter, incredible acidity, and depth of flavour, with great aging potential (+5 years). (8.5/10)
Vie di Romans, Dolle 2022: This outstanding Friulano, aged in barrels, comes from a 20-acre estate. It presents a smoky character and multi-layered complexity, making it a white of the highest caliber, with excellent aging potential (+5 years). (9/10)
Vie di Romans, Pierre 2022: VdR is one of the wineries that has made Friuli famous worldwide, with wines like this one. It offers incredible volume, powerful alcohol content, and intense smokiness, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc unlike any other. (8.5/10)
Red wines
Bertagna, Bourgogne Haut Cotes de Nuits 2021: Are there still notable red Burgundies available for under €50? This great producer affirms the answer with a refined cuvée packed with violets and black currants, exhibiting excellent acidity and soft tannins. (8.5/10)
Fonterutoli, Chianti Classico 2021: The Mazzei family excels with all their labels, yet their "basic" red impresses the most. Dense, structured, and heavily floral, it demands aging for several years, as it is expected to reach its peak in 2035! (8.5/10)
Jadot, Volnay 2022: If one can overlook the high price—typical for Burgundy today—they will be rewarded with a fine, airy, and light Pinot Noir that features subtle minerality, a character of red fruits, and a velvety mouthfeel. It is poised to improve even further by 2029. (8.5/10)
Mega Zin, Manhattan Blend 2020. What can one expect for €7.50? A typical Californian Zinfandel offering a soft, slightly sweet palate, characteristic tarragon aroma, and expressive fruit. This is a Zin for which one would typically expect to pay five times more! (7.5/10)
Nordic, Mauro Primitivo 2023: Did you think you would get coloured water for €6.50? Think again, as this red from southern Italy’s Salento boasts an alcohol content of 14.5%, with explosive fruity and balsamic aromas that entice with its vibrant personality! (7.5/10)
Roda, Rioja Reserva 2020: Its value is indisputable, though the bold character of this Rioja winery may not be to my taste. However, the 2020 vintage prompted me to reconsider, as it brilliantly expresses the youthful side of... over-ripeness! Good for another 10 years. (8.5/10)
Trapiche, Malbec Finca Ambrosia 2018: Part of the Terroir series, this Malbec from Gualtallary offers chocolate and earthy notes in an intensely concentrated yet polished package. It delivers world-class quality at a reasonable price. (9/10)
Sparkling and sweet wines
Palmer, Champagne Blanc de Blancs NV: This captivating Champagne presents a pronounced breadiness with a rich, expressive character and perfect balance between nose and palate. The secret? Exceptional Chardonnay sourced from the vibrant Montagne de Reims! (8.5/10)
Jacquesson, Champagne Cuvee No 747 NV: This wine, made exclusively from 1er and Grand Cru vineyards, offers a barrel-fermented experience that delivers volume, power, wild fruitiness, and a biscuity texture—qualities that have made the Jacquesson house highly sought after! (9/10)
Niepoort, Tawny Port 10 Years Old: This 10-year-old expression is the youngest in the range, offering the nutty, velvety pleasure characteristic of a Tawny. Bursting with dried fruit, richness, and strength, this cuvée also carries the prestige associated with a legendary producer from the Douro Valley. (8/10)