Great wine is meant for the table. These are the most highly rated wines in the Golden Ram Imports portfolio, each scoring 90 points or more from Wine Enthusiast, James Suckling or Wine Spectator, with our suggestions for what to cook alongside them.
1. Abbadia Ardenga Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Piaggia 2019
94 points, Wine Enthusiast
A single-vineyard Brunello from one of Montalcino’s historic estates: deep cherry and dried rose, savory herbs and firm, fine-grained tannins built for the cellar.
Pair with: bistecca alla fiorentina, braised short ribs or aged Pecorino.
2. Basile Ad Agio Sangiovese Montecucco Riserva 2020
94 points, Wine Enthusiast
Basile’s flagship Riserva from the Maremma hills: dark cherry, plum and sweet spice over a polished, structured frame.
Pair with: wild boar ragù, roast lamb or porcini risotto.
3. Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Bruciagna 2021
94 points, James Suckling
The estate’s top single-vineyard Sangiovese: restrained and refined, with red cherry, licorice and a hint of forest floor, crisp acidity and a long, polished finish.
Pair with: ossobuco, beef stew or a Florentine steak.
4. Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico 2022
93 points, James Suckling
Organic Chianti Classico from a medieval castle estate: bright raspberry and violets, a touch of slate, and lively, balanced acidity.
Pair with: lasagna, pizza with sausage, or roast chicken with rosemary.
5. Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico Riserva 2021
93 points, Wine Spectator
Fleshy and detailed: cherry, raspberry and pomegranate with wild herbs, tobacco and a mineral edge, and dusty tannins that promise years of development.
Pair with: grilled lamb chops, venison or truffle pasta.
6. Benegas Single Vineyard Malbec Finca La Encerrada 2020
93 points, James Suckling
High-altitude Gualtallary Malbec: juicy red and blue fruit, wet stone and fennel spice, with chalky tannins and a bright, lingering finish.
Pair with: Argentine-style asado, chimichurri steak or grilled portobellos.
Learn more about our South American wines at Golden Ram Imports →
7. Abbadia Ardenga Brunello di Montalcino 2021
93 points, James Suckling
Smoky and savory, with wild strawberry, red cherry and licorice, a supple attack and firm, chalky tannins. A Brunello to enjoy now with food or cellar for years.
Pair with: roast duck, mushroom dishes or hard aged cheeses.
8. Cave de Ribeauvillé Giersberger Crémant d’Alsace Rosé NV
92 points, Wine Enthusiast (Best Buy)
Pinot Noir sparkling rosé from France’s oldest wine co-operative: fresh red berries, fine bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.
Pair with: smoked salmon, sushi, charcuterie, or simply a celebration.
Learn more about Cave de Ribeauvillé at Golden Ram Imports →
9. Basile Comandante Maremma Toscana 2021
92 points, Wine Enthusiast
A generous Tuscan red: ripe black fruit, leather and spice with a round, velvety texture.
Pair with: grilled sausages, eggplant parmigiana or burgers.
10. Pitticco Migale Rosso Riserva 2020
91 points, Wine Enthusiast
A small-production red from Friuli’s Colli Orientali: dark berries, spice and savory depth from a family estate devoted to native grapes.
Pair with: braised beef, game birds or frico (Friulian cheese crisp).
11. Benegas Single Vineyard Chardonnay Finca La Encerrada 2023
91 points, James Suckling
A rich, full-bodied Andean Chardonnay: peach, hazelnut and cream with toasty, pastry-like notes.
Pair with: lobster, roast chicken with butter sauce, or creamy pasta.
Learn more about our South American wines at Golden Ram Imports →
12. Real Companhia Velha Porca de Murça Douro 2023
90 points, James Suckling
An everyday Douro red from Portugal’s oldest wine company: blackberry, grilled herbs and olive, juicy and savory.
Pair with: piri-piri chicken, grilled chouriço or pizza night.
Learn more about Real Companhia Velha at Golden Ram Imports →
13. Castello La Leccia Vivaio del Cavaliere Toscana Rosso 2021
90 points, James Suckling
The estate’s Tuscan red, built on Sangiovese with Malvasia Nera, Syrah and Ciliegiolo: black plum, cherry and wild berries with a touch of spice, soft tannins and a fresh, easygoing finish.
Pair with: pasta with meat sauce, roast lamb or a weeknight cheese board.
14. Dark Amethyst Malbec Valle de Uco 2021
90 points, James Suckling
Fresh blue fruit, violets and a graphite edge from Vista Flores in the Uco Valley, with dusty tannins and a floral finish.
Pair with: empanadas, grilled skirt steak or BBQ ribs.
15. Pitticco Schioppettino di Prepotto 2020
90 points, Wine Enthusiast (Editors’ Choice)
Friuli’s signature native red: peppery, red-fruited and fresh, from the only sub-zone reserved for Schioppettino.
Pair with: pork tenderloin, roast quail or mushroom polenta.
16. Basile Cartacanta Sangiovese Montecucco 2022
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
Approachable Maremma Sangiovese with bright cherry, herbs and a smooth, food-friendly finish.
Pair with: roast pork, cacio e pepe or grilled vegetables.
Scores are from the publications named; tasting notes are our own.