Is there anything better than the sound of a burger sizzling on the grill and the clinking of wine glasses in a sun-soaked backyard? Sure, beer is the go-to for BBQs, but wine? It adds a classy touch that can take your grilling game to the next level. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just a curious foodie, matching the right wine with your burger can boost flavors and create an unforgettable dining moment. In this guide, we’re diving into what goes well with burgers, including the four best wine with burgers pairings that will turn your next barbecue into a gourmet adventure.
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The Art and Science Behind What Goes Well With Burgers
Pairing wine with food is both an art and a science, aimed at balancing flavors to amp up the dining experience. When you’re on the hunt for what goes well with burgers, it’s all about finding the right notes to match the savory, juicy flavors of the meat.
The burger’s fat mixes with the wine’s tannins, creating a taste explosion. By getting the hang of basic flavor harmony, you can take your burger and wine combo to a whole new level.
10 Sides To Serve With Burgers
What are good sides for burgers? When it comes to burgers, the options for sides are endless. Whether you’re grilling up some juicy beef patties or indulging in a vegetarian burger, having the right accompaniments is essential for a satisfying meal.
- Classic Fries
Crispy, golden fries are a quintessential burger companion. Their salty crunch contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender burger, making for a satisfying texture combination. Whether you prefer them plain, seasoned, or loaded with cheese and bacon, fries are a universally loved side. - Coleslaw
This refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing adds a crunchy, zesty balance to the richness of a burger. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the burger’s fattiness, while the fresh veggies offer a delightful contrast in texture. - Sweet Potato Fries
For a twist on the classic, sweet potato fries bring a hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory burgers. Their soft interior and crispy exterior make them a delightful alternative for those seeking something a bit different. - Grilled Vegetables
A medley of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus can add a healthy and colorful touch to your burger meal. The smoky flavors from the grill complement the charred notes of the burger, offering a flavorful and wholesome side. - Quinoa Salad
This protein-packed salad is a great option for a lighter, nutritious side. Tossed with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese, quinoa salad brings a refreshing and hearty element that complements the burger’s richness. - Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, macaroni and cheese is a decadent side that pairs well with the savory flavors of a burger. The creamy texture and rich taste make it a favorite choice for those looking for indulgence. - Onion Rings
With their crispy batter and sweet onion flavor, onion rings offer a delightful crunch that complements both beef and vegetarian burgers. Their savory taste and satisfying bite make them a popular alternative to fries. - Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled, corn on the cob is a sweet and buttery side that works beautifully with the savory, smoky flavors of a burger. Its natural sweetness and juicy kernels provide a fresh and summery contrast to the meal. - Pickle Spears
The briny, tangy taste of pickles adds a sharp contrast to the rich flavors of a burger. As a palate cleanser, pickle spears are perfect for cutting through the richness, providing a crisp and refreshing bite. - Caprese Salad
Made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, Caprese salad is a sophisticated side that complements gourmet burgers. Its fresh and tangy flavors offer a refined contrast to the meaty main dish.
These side dishes not only enhance the burger experience with their diverse flavors and textures but also cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone at your next barbecue.
1. Classic Beef Burger with Cabernet Sauvignon
The classic beef burger, with its juicy patty and rich, savory taste, pairs perfectly with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine boasts a full-bodied structure and robust tannins that play beautifully with the burger’s fat content, balancing all that richness with hints of blackcurrant and spice.
The depth of the wine makes classic toppings like cheddar cheese and grilled onions sing, creating a harmonious experience with every bite and sip. This pairing is your go-to for a traditional yet elevated BBQ classic.
When it comes to wine and food pairings, few combinations are as iconic and satisfying as Cabernet Sauvignon with a juicy beef burger. The rich flavors and robust nature of Cabernet perfectly complement the hearty and savory profile of a beef burger. In this blog, we will explore some short facts about Cabernet, discuss what to consider when pairing it with food, and delve into why Cabernet and beef burgers make the perfect match. (Riedel)
Prep Tips:
- If you’re grilling your beef burger, those charred and smoky flavors from the grill really kick up the match with a bold Cabernet.
- Whether you’re into classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles, or you’re all about trying something new like caramelized onions or blue cheese, beef burgers are super versatile and let you mix things up to suit your taste. Plus, a glass of Cabernet, with its complex flavors, goes great with pretty much any burger combo you decide on.
2. Chicken Burger with Chardonnay
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a chicken burger is a wonderful match for a glass of Chardonnay. White meat with a crunchy coating plus mayo? Clearly, oaky chardonnay is the way to go!
The wine’s buttery texture and bright citrus notes bring out the mild, delicate flavors of chicken. A lightly oaked Chardonnay adds a touch of complexity, perfectly complementing any creamy sauces or mild cheeses you might throw on your burger.
It’s the perfect pairing for a refreshing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, giving a sophisticated twist to a classic dish.
If you can splurge then pull out the big guns with a luxe white Burgundy, or if you’re opting for a Zinger-style with chilli heat, tone down the oak and plump for a bottle of Chablis instead; Chardonnay that’s usually less about the oak and more about the minerality.
Any way you have it, Chardonnay is your goal here! Shop all Chardonnay here!
3. Vegetarian Burger With Pinot Noir
Vegetarian burgers are like the underdogs of the burger world, packed with hearty goodies like black beans, mushrooms, or lentils. They bring that earthy, umami goodness that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Pair one with a Pinot Noir, and you’re in flavor town! This wine, with its light-to-medium body and cherry-earthy flavors, knows how to elevate your veggie burger game.
Plus, its acidity slices through rich toppings like avocado or aioli like a foodie ninja. It’s the go-to choice for vegetarians and anyone ready to step beyond the meat parade.
Chef Vaknin suggests pinot noir, a French red valued for its lively acidity, as a faithful companion to a vegan burger’s umami flavors. Pinot noir’s acidity cuts through the patty’s richness, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate. The wine’s red fruit-inspired undertones, like cherry and raspberry, “pair well with the savory and slightly smoky flavors of faux meat,” according to Vaknin.
Read More: https://www.mashed.com/1630613/best-wines-vegan-burger-expert/
So, who’s hungry? 🍔🍷
4. Gourmet Lamb Burger with Syrah/Shiraz
For those diving into the gourmet world, the bold flavors of a lamb burger pair perfectly with a cheeky Syrah or Shiraz. With its spicy, peppery notes and dark fruit vibes like blackberry and plum, this wine jazzes up the lamb’s slightly gamey taste.
It’s a top-notch match for fancy toppings like goat cheese, mint, or roasted red peppers, giving you a complex yet balanced experience that’s sure to wow at your next BBQ.
Who doesn’t love showing off a bit with food and wine pairings? Shop all wines here.
Best Wine With Burgers Pairings
Pairing wine with burgers? It’s not just innovative—it’s a fun way to explore new culinary horizons. Each wine and burger combo brings out the best in each other, creating a flavor symphony that’s sure to wow your guests.
Give these pairings a try at your next barbecue and enjoy the magic of a perfectly paired meal. And hey, don’t forget to share your own pairing experiments and stories in the comments. Here’s to delicious burgers and wonderful wines! 🍔🍷
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