the WINE GUY
Iwill never tire of burgers. Yet I'm also not burger obstinate.
I'll happily use the term `burger' loosely and consume all manner of patties foisted my way — smashed, thick, turkey, plant-based, etc. But there must be a complementary bun. Potato, pita, brioche, or straight-up white — again I'm not overly fussy. Just don't serve the burger naked, or even worse between two leaves of lettuce. Without its packaging, a burger fails to be the perfect hand-held food.
Eight times out of 10 I'm enjoying my burger with a glass of red — sure I'll opt for white wine for some fish burgers, though admittedly salmon and halibut fare fine with red.
THE SWIRL: SPRING RELEASE OF B.C. WINES
Take note, most B.C. wineries have already released their new bottled offerings, particularly the 2020 vintage of white wines and rosés. Popular bottles sell through quickly, so now is the time to call or check out the website of your favourite B.C. wineries to check availability. Many continue to offer free shipping on multiple bottle purchases, and it's still cool to support local. For example, I just picked up a half-case of La Frenz Winery's new releases through lafrenzwinery.com.
The Grinder 2018 Pinotage, South Africa ($13.99, #883991)
If you're into puns and buns, the name alone offers prime burger pairing potential. Wordplay aside, this juicy red offers a solid everyday pour. Pinotage is a South African grape specialty, and while in the past some examples of this Pinot Noir and Cinsaut crossing — which was first bred in South Africa in 1925 — could come across harsh and volatile, but with care the grape produces vibrant, gutsy reds. For an introduction check out The Grinder, which meshes lush berry with fresh earth, along with nuances of dark chocolate and spice before a bold finish. Bring on the juicy quarter-pounders or portobello mushroom burgers.
Bottom line: A-, Everyday
burger buddy
Chapoutier 2019 Belleruche Côtes-duRhône, France
($17.99 on sale until June 5, #476846)
Have friends that think burgers are below them? Or just want to feel fancy while chowing down on a greasy, cheesy bacon burger? Then opt for a bottle like Chapoutier's Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône. The label is all class and elegance, and the contents inside — a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah — are full on fulsome, with dark fruit and berry but also savoury notes leading to peppercorn and gritty tannins on a lingering finish. As for burger pairings: wild game or lamb burgers come to mind, or for vegetarian options steer to more earthy grain and brown rice-based options.
Bottom line: B, Classy burger partner
Scarpetta Frico Lambrusco Can, Italy ($19.99 for 4-250mL cans, #186062)
Finally, for those occasions that simply scream for a fun evening of burgers and wine, well there is Lambrusco. Sparkling red wine is actually a fantastic pairing companion when condiments are on rotation, as the fizz magically intermingles with tart and sweet. FYI, this holds for both burgers and hotdogs. Serve said sparkling red into a can and the meal is not only on point, but also portable. Frico is a fun, easygoing Lambrusco that is surprisingly tart with drying tannins to finish. Pour into a glass or sip straight from the can, and serve alongside a smash burger with all the classic fixings.
Bottom line: B, Burger
party