Nicole’s Top 10 for Summer – Wine, Beer, Spirits and More!

In honor of the first day of summer, here is a list of my current top 10. From a bold, spicy red, to a light and bubbly ready-to-drink cocktail, there’s something for everyone. Cheers!

Miali Firr MinutoloMinutolo, the name of the grape is, the white wine of summer! Medium body, refreshing and incredibly soft – showing flavors of white fruit and a hint of toasted almond. Enjoy it with a charcuterie board.

Collective Arts Gin & SodaI’ve searched forever for the perfect canned cocktail and have finally found it! This sparkling beauty with a base of gin is crisp and dry with notes of grapefruit, lemon and herbs. 10/10 recommend.

Empress GinThere’s always a bottle of Empress at my house with which to craft cocktails. I love how it’s all-natural and infused with the butterfly pea blossom that gives it its color. This unique gin is not to be missed.

Gerard Bertrand Source of Joy RoséGreat rosé doesn’t just come from Provence. This vibrant Languedoc wine made from Gerard Bertrand is bursting with notes of red fruit – strawberry, cherry and my favorite, watermelon. Nicely dry! 

Martini & Rossi FieroWe’ve found the signature cocktail of summer and it’s the Fiero Spritz (1.5 oz. Fiero and 4 oz. Prosecco). Impress your guests with this zesty, orange-forward aperitif.

Finback Neighbor NeighborA lightly salted lager made in collaboration from my two favorite breweries, Finback and Narragansett. Fun fact: my grandfather was one of the first distributors for Gansett beer!

Castello di Farnetella LucillaA fab value, this Super Tuscan is comprised of Cabernet, Sangiovese, and and touch of Merlot. Flavors of dark fruit, spice and vanilla – this bold wine is a hidden gem under $20 and great for meat dishes.

Jefferson’s Cognac Cask RyeOur private barrel rye, available only at TSG! Aged in cognac casks, this gorgeous spirit is incredibly unique. It screams summer, with notes of sweet candied orange, spice, peach and vanilla.

Bruno Paillard Zero Dosage ChampagneNo sugar added during fermentation, this Champagne is as pure as it gets. It’s effervescent and full of life. I love the dry, soft, elegant flavors of toast, green apples and vanilla.

Pachecha Pink PortI love pink and I love port! Rich and fruity, this dessert wine is gorgeous – presenting flavors of red fruit, honey, and a hint of citrus. Enjoy it with dark chocolate or a cheese plate.

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