Wines & Beer Worth Celebrating

Beer and wine expert Hugh Sisson, founder of Heavy Seas craft beer and host of Cellar Notes on WYPR, discusses his top picks for the holiday season. He shares his take on Giant's own private label wine, "Artisan Vintners”,  why it's okay to not take wine too seriously, and offers suggestions for beers and craft spirits.    Heavy Seas Craft Beers: www.heavyseas.com  Cellar Notes Wine Reviews: www.wypr.org     Hugh Sisson's Holiday Picks:  REDS:  Artisan Vintner Pinot Noir (exclusive to Giant Food)  Chateau St Jean Pinot Noir and Cabernet   Chateau Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon    Kenwood Sonoma Cabernet and Merlot      WHITES:  Artisan Vintner Chardonnay  (exclusive to Giant Food)  Chapoutier Belleruche Rose  Chateau St Jean Chardonnay  Chateau Souverain Sauvignon Blanc   Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc   Kendall Jackson Reserve Chardonnay  Kenwood Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay  Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc  Simi Chardonnay     SPARKLING: look for méthode champenoise which requires a secondary fermentation in the bottle  Cava Sparkling  Freixent Brut  Lamarca Proscco  Mumm Napa Brut and Napa Brut Rose    BEERS:  Choose traditional and seasonal variety packs  For best flavor in cooking, use dark and malty beers instead of hoppy (IPA style) beers