Ali Yakich, wine director at Grand Award winner Flagstaff House, Boulder, Co.

I will admit, I love shopping at the grocery store, and I am always given this task every holiday for my family. There are so many factors to consider, which holiday is it, which food is being prepared, what region I have been obsessed with recently, or studying, etc. One of my most memorable and crowd favorites has been Gruet sparkling wine from New Mexico. Not only is it an amazing talking point, but not many people have had wine from New Mexico. It’s also delicious!

Hall Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley is such a refreshing wine. It is right in between the green juiciness and the mineral elegant notes. It hits so many points. Louis Jadot has a few white options and a few red options at the store typically. And honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of them! They have an amazing reputation for a reason. For red, Marques des Riscal Rioja Reserva is a great value and has so much depth of flavor. Big, ripe, juicy and a little herbaceous.

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