Real Food Summer 2019

pairings
Burger Buddies
Take your cue from a burger’s toppings when making a match with wine
BY MARY SUBIALKA
Thick, juicy burgers are a gloriously delicious part of the summer
grilling season. In general, any ground beef burger will have some
slightly sweet vanilla and earthy flavors contributed by smokiness
and a caramelized flavor from the meat’s charred sugars. A wine with
richness, fruit flavor and a decent amount of acidity or tannins will
pair well with those characteristics. It’s hard to go wrong with a cool
Beaujolais, Merlot or Pinot Noir with a basic burger.
Flavors contributed by the various toppings you choose to add to
the mix can also be a way to select tasty wine partners:
- Classic lettuce, tomato, raw onion, ketchup and mayonnaise:
Aussie Shiraz or California Syrah pair well with this flavor combo.
- Pickle relish and yellow mustard: White Zinfandel’s soft and fruity
characters offer balance. A sparkling wine may also be a nice match.
If sweet pickle relish is on its own, try Gewürztraminer.
- Avocado, cucumber and sprouts: Sauvignon Blanc is good for
white wine fans, Merlot for fans of red.
- Bold cheeses, such as blue cheese or sharp cheddar: Cabernet
Sauvignon can stand up to the strong flavors of the cheese
while the meat’s richness softens the wine’s tannins.
- Bacon and cheddar: Spanish Rioja has its own
smoky flavor that goes well with the bacon.
- Grilled onions and mustard: White
Zinfandel’s soft fruit flavor balances
the onions and tart condiment.
So fire up the grill, ponder your
spread of toppings, and uncork some
delicious burger buddies—the grilling
season provides ample opportunity
to experiment with nuances of pairing
so you can find your perfect match.
PHOTOGRAPHY TERRY BRENNAN
FOOD STYLING LARA MIKLASEVICS
56 real food summer 2019