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The Wine Cellar: Bold Burgers and Beverages
By Michelle Morey
What started out as a lunch counter convenience food has evolved into a summertime staple, an often indulged craving and a challenge to “dream a better burger.” Whether you reminisce of cheeseburgers and root beer floats, or long for a veggie patty, curry aïole and a dry Riesling, this versatile sandwich offers the perfect partner for beverages ranging from soda fountain favorites to artisan beers and international wine.
Despite the impression that a hamburger is a simple, home cook’s creation, one is encouraged to consider its inherent subtleties: warm bun, juicy ground beef, cool crisp lettuce and zesty condiments can comprise a complex marriage of flavors and textures. Keeping that in mind, selecting complementary wine is influenced by levels of fat, condiment acidity, spicy heat and primary tastes from your toppings.
For many, a vision of hamburger heaven is a toasted baguette topped with lean ground sirloin and sautéed mushrooms complete with a glass of Jean-Paul Brun Terres Dorées Côte-de-Brouilly ($18.00/btl.). This lively Gamay from Beaujolais is brimming with cherries and wild strawberries accented with earthy hints of violet and spice; a light bodied beauty that enhances without overpowering its singular components. Other wines to covet for less complex burgers include Italian Dolcettos and New Zealand Central Otago Pinot Noirs ($14.00 – $20.00/btl.).
A meat lover’s hankering is surely quelled with a juicy bacon cheeseburger on poppy seed bun and a bottle of Pillar Box Red South Australia ($8.00/btl.). This Aussie blend is composed of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, and handily stands up to bold, layered flavors. Vibrant raspberry and black currants are intertwined with spice; overall, a well balanced bargain for many occasions and worthy partner for juicier meat, cheese toppings and spicy barbeque sauce. David Bruce Central Coast Petite Sirah ($15.00/btl.) and Artezin California Zinfandel ($20.00/btl.) are also excellent choices for hearty combinations.
“Limitless possibilities” best describes burger and wine combinations. International selections from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile offer the most quality and diversity coupled with broad range affordable pricing. Bodegas Renacer Punta Final Clásico Malbec ($10.00/btl.) from Argentina exudes deep notes of blackberry and cassis and is a terrific option for lamb burgers with roasted tomatoes, while Chile’s Montgras Reserva Carmenère ($11.00/btl.) blends well with spicy peppers, curries and Asian sauces on turkey, Portobello mushroom and veggie versions.
Keep fish fanciers sated with crispy cod and salmon patty sandwiches, spicy salsas, herb caper sauces, and vegetable chutneys. To douse the flames from piquant dressing, enjoy chilled glasses of Francois Pinon Vouvray Cuvée Tradition ($16.00/btl.); bright notes of acacia, orange peel, white peach, and hints of minerality describe this delicate, off-dry white wine. Saint Clair “Vicar’s Choice” Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($8.00/btl.) is another lovely selection with its grapefruit, gooseberry and passion fruit tones and is particularly pleasing with fresh herbal sauces and cod.
Hear, hear for a happy summer; one that includes a well-primed grill, buckets of chilled beverages, and our healthy infatuation with the perfect, mouth watering burger!
