What Wine Goes with Hamburgers?

If you’re interested in what wine goes with hamburgers, a good rule of thumb is to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of the burger. Burgers are a popular Western food, and they come in many variations. With regards to pairing wine with food, wine can be enjoyed with just about any meal, including a classic hamburger. From classic cheeseburgers to veggie burgers, there are plenty of options.

Best Red Wine Pairings with Burgers

When pairing red wine with burgers, you’ll want to look for wines that have enough tannins to cut through the richness of the meat and cheese but also have enough fruitiness to balance out the flavors of the burger. Here are a few red wine options that would pair well with burgers:

glasses of red wine
  1. Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for a California Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors of black currant and blackberry to complement the flavors of the burger.
  2. Syrah / Shiraz: Syrah/Shiraz is a bold, spicy red wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for an Australian Shiraz with flavors of black pepper and leather to complement the flavors of the burger.
  3. Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a fruity, medium-bodied red wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for a California Zinfandel with flavors of raspberry and black cherry to balance out the flavors of the burger.
  4. Malbec: Malbec is a rich, full-bodied red wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for an Argentine Malbec with flavors of blackberry and plum to complement the flavors of the burger.

Best White Wine Pairings with Burgers

When pairing white wine with burgers, you’ll want to look for wines that have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the meat and cheese but also have enough body to stand up to the bold flavors of the burger. Here are a few white wine options that would pair well with burgers:

glasses of white wine
  1. Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a classic white wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for a full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay with flavors of vanilla and butter to complement the richness of the burger.
  2. Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, acidic wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc with flavors of grapefruit and lime to cut through the richness of the burger.
  3. Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a light, refreshing wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for an Italian Pinot Grigio with flavors of green apple and pear to complement the flavors of the burger.
  4. Riesling: Riesling is a sweet, acidic wine that pairs well with burgers. Look for a German Riesling with flavors of honey and apricot to balance out the saltiness of the burger.

Here’s a hamburger tip: If you want really good ground beef, I suggest Fortinos. Very low fat and very well macerated. Perfect BBQ everytime.

Rick Blythe

Pairing Wine with Specific Burger Types

When pairing wine with the perfect burger, you want to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of the beef. A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah is an excellent choice. The tannins in these wines help cut through the richness of the beef and enhance the flavors. If you prefer white wine, go for a Chardonnay with a bit of oak aging, which will complement the smoky flavors of the burger.

For veggie burgers, you want to choose a wine that complements the earthy flavors of the vegetables. A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice. If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, a Riesling or Gewürztraminer can also work well.

When pairing wine with turkey burgers, you want to choose a wine that complements the leaner, milder flavors of the turkey. A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio is a good choice. If you prefer a sweeter wine, a Rosé can also work well.

For chicken burgers, you want to choose a wine that complements the lighter, milder flavors of the chicken. A light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a good choice. If you prefer a sweeter wine, a sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne can also work well.

When pairing wine with fish burgers, you want to choose a wine that complements the delicate flavors of the fish. A light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is an excellent choice. If you prefer a sweeter wine, a Riesling can also work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What wine goes well with a hamburger?

    You’ll want to choose a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors of the meat and toppings. A full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Syrah/Shiraz is a great choice. These wines have enough tannins and acidity to cut through the richness of the burger and enhance its flavor. If you prefer a lighter wine, a Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel can also work well. Ultimately, the best wine to pair with a hamburger is the one that you enjoy the most!

  2. Can you drink white wine with burgers?

    While red wine is often the go-to choice for pairing with burgers, you can certainly drink white wine with burgers as well. A dry, full-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay or a Viognier can stand up to the bold flavors of a burger and complement the richness of the beef. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc can also work well, especially if you’re having a burger with cheese or other toppings that have a tangy or acidic flavor. Ultimately, the best wine to pair with a burger is one that you enjoy drinking, whether it’s red or white.

  3. What wine goes with burgers and hotdogs?

    If you’re having both burgers and hot dogs, you might want to choose a wine that can pair well with both. A medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a Pinot Noir can be a good choice as they have enough acidity and tannins to complement the richness of the beef in the burger, while also being versatile enough to pair with the hot dogs. Alternatively, you could try a Zinfandel, which can be a great match for grilled meats in general, including burgers and hot dogs.
    If you prefer white wine, a Chardonnay or a Viognier can work well with the burgers, while a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio can complement the hot dogs. Ultimately, the best wine to pair with burgers and hot dogs is one that you enjoy drinking and that complements the flavors of the food.

  4. What should I drink with a burger?

    In addition to wine, a cold beer can be a classic choice to accompany a burger, especially if you’re having it in a casual setting like a barbecue or a pub. A hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale can complement the flavors of the burger.

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