Slip into this easy-to-find white

How many times this holiday season will you find yourself in a grocery store wine section under pressure to separate swill from decent stuff? If it’s white you’re looking for, the 2008 Pinot Grigio from California winery Murphy-Goode fits the bill. The wine is around $11, but it offers a lot more than your average Pinot Grigio, including a lush golden hue and notes of pear, citrus and spice. Bright and crisp, it’s a great way to start the evening, but it’s also hefty enough to serve with pasta or seafood. It’s not a wine you buy for serious nuance, but it is most definitely a reliable and adaptable crowd pleaser.