Pairing Wine with Burgers: A Casual Guide

Burgers and wine - two of life's simple pleasures that, when combined, can create a truly sublime dining experience. While the classic pairing of burgers and beer is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser, there's a whole world of wine that can elevate your backyard barbecue or gourmet burger night to new heights.

At McLaren Vale Cellars, we're passionate about helping our customers discover the perfect wine pairings to complement their favorite burger creations. As the premier destination for fine wines in the heart of South Australia's renowned McLaren Vale wine region, we've curated a selection of premium local and regional wines that are sure to delight your palate.

In this guide, we'll explore the art of pairing wine with burgers, offering recommendations and insights to help you find the perfect match for your culinary adventures.

Understanding Burger Flavors

The key to successful wine pairing lies in understanding the flavors and textures of the burger itself. Burgers can range from simple, classic renditions to gourmet creations with a variety of toppings and seasonings. Each element of the burger can influence the ideal wine pairing.

The Patty

The foundation of any burger is the patty, which can be made from a variety of meats, including beef, lamb, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives. The type of meat, as well as the way it's seasoned and cooked, will play a significant role in the wine pairing.

For example, a classic beef burger with a simple salt and pepper seasoning pairs beautifully with a bold, full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec from the McLaren Vale region. The rich, savory flavors of the beef complement the tannins and fruit-forward notes of these wines.

On the other hand, a leaner turkey or chicken burger may call for a lighter, more refreshing white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a vibrant Chardonnay, to balance the delicate flavors of the patty.

The Toppings

The toppings you choose for your burger can also significantly impact the wine pairing. Salty, savory toppings like bacon, cheese, or caramelized onions can pair well with medium-bodied red wines, while acidic toppings like tomatoes or pickles may call for a more fruit-forward, lower-tannin red or a bright, high-acidity white wine.

For a burger topped with bold, spicy flavors, such as jalapeños or a zesty sauce, you'll want to look for a wine with enough sweetness or fruitiness to balance the heat, like a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer.

The Bun

The type of bun you choose for your burger can also influence the wine pairing. A hearty, whole-grain bun may pair better with a more robust red wine, while a soft, pillowy brioche bun could complement a lighter, more delicate white wine.

Recommended Wine Pairings

Now that we've explored the key elements of a burger, let's dive into some specific wine pairing recommendations to elevate your burger experience.

Classic Beef Burger

For a classic beef burger with simple seasonings, we recommend a bold, full-bodied red wine from the McLaren Vale region, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz. The rich, savory flavors of the beef will complement the tannins and fruit-forward notes of these wines, creating a harmonious pairing.

Our top picks:

• Wirra Wirra 'The Angelus' Cabernet Sauvignon
• d'Arenberg 'The Footbolt' Shiraz

Bacon Cheeseburger

For a bacon cheeseburger, look for a medium-bodied red wine that can stand up to the salty, savory flavors of the bacon and cheese. A Merlot or a Tempranillo from McLaren Vale would be an excellent choice.

Our top picks:

• Coriole 'Lloyd' Merlot
• Mitolo 'Jester' Tempranillo

Mushroom Swiss Burger

A mushroom Swiss burger pairs beautifully with a smooth, earthy red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Malbec from the McLaren Vale region. The umami flavors of the mushrooms and the creaminess of the Swiss cheese will complement the subtle tannins and fruit-forward notes of these wines.

Our top picks:

• Penny's Hill 'The Agreement' Pinot Noir
• Mitolo 'Jester' Malbec

Spicy Burger

For a burger with a kick of spice, whether from a zesty sauce or bold toppings, look for a wine with a touch of sweetness or fruitiness to balance the heat. A Riesling or a Gewürztraminer from the McLaren Vale region would be an excellent choice.

Our top picks:

• Hither & Yon Riesling
• Yangarra 'Estate Grown' Gewürztraminer

Veggie Burger

For a plant-based or vegetarian burger, you'll want to choose a wine that can complement the unique flavors and textures of the patty. A crisp, refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay, would be a great pairing.

Our top picks:

• Wirra Wirra 'The Absconder' Sauvignon Blanc
• Tintara 'Single Vineyard' Chardonnay

Remember, these are just a few examples of the many wine pairing possibilities for burgers. The beauty of wine and food pairing is that it's a highly personal and subjective experience. Feel free to experiment and discover your own favorite combinations.

Conclusion

Pairing wine with burgers may not be the most conventional approach, but it can be a truly rewarding and delightful experience. By understanding the key elements of a burger and exploring the diverse range of wines available in the McLaren Vale region, you can elevate your backyard barbecue or gourmet burger night to new heights.

At McLaren Vale Cellars, we're here to help you on your journey of wine and burger discovery. Stop by our shop or browse our online selection to find the perfect wines to complement your culinary creations. Cheers to great burgers and even better wine pairings!