Summer Beverage Spreads!
Last week, a client reached out looking for a spread of beverage for a simple get-together with her neighbors. Nothing fancy, just a few couples gathering to download the week over a spread of cheese and crackers. Oh, and 2 of her 6 guests do not consume alcohol.
The selections I put together, and received rave reviews about, inspired the following themed 'beverage spreads', perfect for an unplanned gathering. 'Mediterranean', 'Alpine' and 'Summer BBQ' are ideal for intimate groups of 4-6pp, but can be expanded to fit all sizes. All come with N/A options, producer descriptions and serving instructions.
Imbibe with intention!
Mediterranean $100
Begin with a sparkling Ribolla Gialla from the Adriatic, a brisk and citrusy bubbly with a touch of green. Then to a sunny white from volcanic fields, showing stone fruits and a touch of earth to contrast its crisp mouthfeel. For the red, we head to the hills of northern Tuscany for a juicy wine tempered with age and blessed by nearby ocean breezes. For non-drinkers, I present Casamara and Lolo botanical sparkling sodas, dry and complex beverages that don't lean on any sweetness. Lolo uses Pomello Sage and hops, while Casamara Onda uses Sicilian citrus, green leaf and wild sage.
Alpine Aperitivo $135
Begin with my favorite Prosecco Sorella Bronca, a dry sparkler with a refined palate and lifted aromas. Then to the extreme western Alpine foothills of Valle d'Aosta for a pure and radiant white from grapes plucked from glacial soils. We then descend to the valley floor for a chill-able red from Alto-Adige, showing crunchy red fruit and wisps of alpine herbs. We finish with a complex, vibrant and layered red from a legend in Italian viticulture. For non-drinkers, I present Casamara sparkling sodas, dry and complex beverages that don't lean on any sweetness. The 'Como' bottles the mountain experience with alpine wildflower, chamomile and peppermint.
BBQ $140
We begin with a bold Champagne Rose from the Bolliot family in the Montagne de Reims, because why not start at an 11! We skip the whites and head straight to Toscana with a smooth and earthy red from ancient Carmignano for a Sangiovese blend landing between a Chianti and Brunello. To finish, cask aged Montepulciano from the home of Italian BBQ (arrostocini), a polished red showing dark berries interwoven with baking spices. For non-drinkers, I present Casamara sparkling sodas, dry and complex beverages that don't lean on any sweetness. The 'Alta' channels a negroni with pink citrus, juniper and chinotto. The 'Sera' is like an aperol spritz with ruby grapefruit and cinnamon.