Usually, the presence of imported wines at exhibitions takes one of two forms — either as part of promotional events organised by import companies, or within “national showcases” typically hosted by embassy trade departments. With the first edition of Orbis Vini, Vinetum broke that mould, bringing together more than 21 importers under one roof — many of whom rarely exhibit publicly, even within the trade.
It was therefore a unique opportunity to explore wines of every style, colour, and origin from across the globe, even if tasting everything was clearly impossible. Personally, I chose to focus on importers who had not previously been featured in the FNL Guide, selecting — after much difficult deliberation — the most interesting of their wines. What follows is the red-wine half of what turned out to be a very long list indeed.
Albino Armani, Amarone della Valpolicella 2019: The photo above captures the rolling vineyards of Valpolicella, home to one of Italy’s most storied red wines — Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG. With more than 400 years of winemaking heritage, the Albino Armani family channels this legacy into a 15.5% Amarone of remarkable concentration and balance. Dense and hedonistic yet poised, it unfolds in layers of dried fruit, cocoa, and spice — a sweet-and-tart, chocolate-toned tango that perfectly expresses the power and grace of classic Valpolicella. (9/10)
Albino Armani, Marzemino Camboni 2023: If one word has defined the past decade in wine, it’s freshness — and this stainless-steel-aged Marzemino from Alto Adige delivers it generously. Bright, playful and lightly herbal, it’s a charming expression of Alpine vitality at an accessible price point. (8/10)
Ata Rangi, Pinot Noir 2019: Once again, Ata Rangi — New Zealand’s most legendary Pinot Noir — proves why it remains among the finest expressions of the grape outside Burgundy. Dark-fruited, impeccably balanced and endlessly long, this is a wine of great depth and quiet power, with a 15-year ageing horizon ahead. (9/10)
Black Canvas, Anthem Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019: Sourced from just one hectare in the Gibbston subregion of Central Otago, this Pinot marries an earthy, game-tinged nose with vibrant acidity and a long, slightly austere finish. A study in precision and freshness. (8.5/10)
Cachat-Ocquidant, Corton Grand Cru Clos de Vergennes 2023: A monopole Grand Cru Burgundy at a double-digit price may sound like fantasy, but this Corton delivers on every level. Refined structure, expressive fruit, and real pedigree — a Corton worth cellaring for 10–15 years. (9/10)
Gabriëlskloof, The Blend 2021: A Bordeaux-style blend from South Africa that smells of dark sugar without tipping into over-ripeness and floods the palate with sweetness of fruit rather than residual sugar. Vibrant fruit, measured tannins, and an even more measured price. (8/10)
Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume, Pommard ‘Clos Bauder’ 2022: Pommard is known for producing some of the most structured and muscular wines in Burgundy, yet this 0.5-hectare cuvée shows a remarkably ethereal touch — fine-boned, supple, and graceful, with impressive flavour depth, length, and ageing potential. (8.5/10)
Georges Lelektsoglou, Crozes-Hermitage 2022: From the famed Rhône merchant-selector, a Crozes that marries gauze-like finesse to dark fruit—a dense, almost blockbuster profile that still feels taut. Cellar +10 years. (8.5/10)
Lelektsoglou HAC, ‘Sophia’ Vieilles Vignes 2022: A lovely southern-French blend from the three sons of Greece’s own Georges Lelektsoglou: thyme, nettle and red fruit on the nose, with bright acidity and velvet-textured tannins on the palate. (8/10)
Marqués de Riscal, Rioja Reserva XR 2019: The “XR” special-selection Reserva shows an attractive nose of dark fruit and leather, and an even more compellingly wild palate that begs five years’ patience to settle. (8.5/10)
Pedemontis, Barbera d’Alba ‘Bajet’ 2021: From young vines planted on just half a hectare, this Barbera delivers expressive aromas of hibiscus, nettle and leather, underpinned by a sweet-sour balance and supple texture. (8/10)
Pedemontis, Roero ‘Brojun’ 2021: A floral, expressive Nebbiolo from the DOCG vineyards of Roero. Softer and lighter than Barolo or Barbaresco—almost Pinot-like—but ultimately revealed by its firm, grippy tannins. (8/10)
Pegasus Bay, Pinot Noir 2022: From the meticulous Donaldson family estate in Canterbury, this Pinot bursts with red fruit and green pepper tones, offering sweet-edged flavour, supple tannins, and a cool, refreshing finish. (8/10)
Julien Pilon, Côte-Rôtie ‘La Porchette’ 2023: The “Porsche” of Pilon’s range leaves its mark on the steep Rhône slopes with aromas of camphor, gauze and black fruit, its fine-grained tannins delivering a masterclass in polished French opulence. (9/10)
Luigi Pira, Langhe Nebbiolo 2024: From just 1.5 hectares, this Nebbiolo will rescue Piedmont lovers daunted by Barolo’s prices. It opens with red fruit and panettone notes, showing a light body, firm tannins, persistence, and sweet-edged flavour. (8/10)
Thistledown, Charming Man 2023: If Homer’s epics were Grenache, they’d taste like Charming Man. Sourced from century-old bush vines in Clarendon, it combines thyme and mint aromatics with striking acidity, fine tannins, and an endlessly persistent finish. (9/10)Thistledown, Gorgeous Grenache No. 1 2022: Grenache is one of today’s hottest varieties, and this best-value introductory cuvée from Australia’s Grenache specialists shows exactly why: thyme-scented, subtly oaked, and framed by beautifully refined tannins. (8/10)
Vasse Felix, Filius 2022: If a producer is judged by its entry-level wine, Vasse Felix explains why it’s a benchmark for Western Australia. The Filius is juicy and balanced, packed with dense cassis aromas and supple texture. (8/10)
Villard, Expression Reserve Pinot Noir 2023: Can a €15 Pinot Noir be more than just thin and acidic? This Casablanca Valley cuvée proves it can — generous, smooth-drinking, and well-structured. Give it until 2027 to reach its stride. (8/10)
Vik, Omega 2022: Despite its modest price, this Carmenère-based red from Chile’s Cachapoal Valley delivers dense aromas of crème de cassis, chocolate and coffee. Balanced and fleshy, if a touch short on the finish — but who’s complaining? (8/10)
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