Burgers are a beloved classic, offering endless versatility and flavor combinations. Whether you prefer a juicy beef patty, a tender salmon fillet, or a lean turkey burger, pairing the right wine can elevate your dining experience.
For a great burger and wine pairing, it’s important to match the wine’s intensity with that of the burger—hearty, flavorful burgers go well with fuller-bodied wines, while lighter burgers are best complemented by more delicate wines. Additionally, consider the toppings, as cheese, spicy sauces, and smoky elements can influence your wine choice, enhancing or balancing the overall flavor profile.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings to discover what best suits your palate, making each meal an opportunity for a new culinary adventure. Here’s a guide to help you select the perfect wine to complement various burger types.
Beef Burgers
Rich, savory, and often juicy, beef burgers are the quintessential burger variety. Their bold flavors call for wines with enough structure and acidity to stand up to the meat. Recommended wines:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Its bold tannins and dark fruit notes complement the richness of beef, enhancing the savory flavors. Our Braganini Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is stellar.
- Merlot: A softer, fruit-forward red that pairs nicely with a classic beef burger, especially if you prefer a less tannic wine. Try our Braganini Reserve Merlot.
- Chambourcin: A lighter style dry red wine with smooth tannins and notes of cherry cola, dried plum, and smoke. We suggest our Braganini Reserve Chambourcin!
Salmon Burgers
Salmon has a delicate, oily texture with bright flavors, making it suitable for lighter wines that won’t overpower the fish. Recommended wines:
- Viognier: Its crisp acidity and citrus notes complement the richness of salmon and any fresh herbs or citrus toppings. Try our Vee-Own-Yay – a delightful Viognier!
- Chardonnay (unoaked): A clean, unoaked Chardonnay provides a refreshing balance without overwhelming the fish’s flavor. Our Reserve Unoaked Chardonnay is the right choice for this one!
- Red Blends: These can pair well with tender, flavorful salmon when you select one with a lighter, fruit-forward profile. We suggest our Simply Red.
Turkey Burgers
Turkey is lean, often milder in flavor, and versatile in seasoning. It pairs well with wines that can add a touch of fruitiness and acidity to enhance its subtle profile. Recommended wines:
- Champagne: Its effervescence and acidity make it a refreshing choice for turkey’s mildness. Try our Brut Champagne!
- Pinot Noir: Its bright acidity and red berry flavors complement the lean turkey without overpowering it. Our Braganini Reserve Pinot Noir is amazing!
- Riesling (dry or off-dry): Its crispness and touch of sweetness work well, especially if the burger has spicy or sweet toppings. We have a couple dry Rieslings including our Reserve Riesling and our Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Riesling.
Veggie & Plant-Based Burgers
Vegetarian burgers, often packed with vegetables, grains, or plant-based proteins, benefit from wines that are fresh and lively. Recommended wines:
- Rosé: Its versatility and light fruitiness make it a great all-around pairing. We have so many rosés for you to explore! Check them out here but if we had to pick one it would be our Braganini Mountain Road Rosé.
- Pinot Grigio: Its medium-bodied palate and fruit notes brighten up vegetable-based burgers. We would suggest our Reserve Pino Grigio.
In conclusion, pairing wine with burgers is an art that enhances the dining experience, turning a simple meal into a culinary delight. By considering the type of meat or main ingredient and the flavor profile of your toppings, you can select a wine that complements and elevates your burger. Prefer something sweet or still unsure which wine to choose? Visit one of our tasting rooms! Our knowledgeable wine consultants are ready to help you find the ideal bottles to take home. Cheers to delicious pairings!
