Editor’s note: This new monthly feature from NRN and the Court of Master Sommeliers will provide restaurant operators with the tools needed to easily pair the best wines with varying menu items. The sommeliers do not represent or have a financial interest in any of their recommendations.
► AUGUST'S CULINARY INSPIRATION: BURGERS
Sommelier selections:
- Fred Dame, MS, Foster’s Group, San Francisco
PREMIUM WINE: Shafer Napa Valley Merlot 2007
Grape variety: Merlot
Taste profile: I am constantly amazed at the depth this wine displays for this early ripening variety with boysenberry, ripe red cherry and a long, full finish. Delicious.
Pairings: This wine has many opportunities, including a blue cheese and heirloom tomato burger with a big slice of red onion, lamb chops, seasoned pork loin, and, my favorite, game birds such as duck, pheasant and chukkar.
Average wholesale case price: $350 to $400
BARGAIN WINE: Quivira Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2007
Grape variety: Zinfandel
Taste profile: deep ruby, black cherry, blueberry with the whole spice rack thrown in; a silky smooth wine that drifts over your taste buds
Pairings: a medium rare burger, onion roll, beefsteak tomato and yellow onion with a layer of guacamole and some pico de gallo -- also delicious with any red meat, or cheese and ripe red fruit
Average wholesale case price: $120 to $140
- Sally Mohr, MS, wine merchant, Boulder, Colo.
PREMIUM WINE: 2005 Chateau Fortia, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition, Rhone Valley, France
Grape varieties: 70 percent Grenache plus Syrah, Mourvedre and Counoise
Taste profile: a beautiful expression of classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape with strawberry jam and black pepper spice as well as intriguing hints of gamey earth
Pairings: mushroom burger, game birds, braised beef, pork and chicken
Average wholesale case price: $250
BARGAIN WINE: 2009 Domaine du Poujol Rose, Coteaux du Languedoc, France
Grape varieties: 30 percent Grenache, 30 percent Carignan, 30 percent Cinsault, 10 percent Mourvèdre
Taste profile: The first sip transports you to the beach on the Riviera. It is bright and juicy strawberry, cherry and watermelon fruits with a lovely floral and herb infusion ending in a refreshing zippy finish.
Pairings: perfect with a salmon burger slathered with aïoli, bouillabaisse, pasta salads or salumi
Average wholesale case price: $100
- Melissa Monosoff, MS, Savona & Bar Savona, Philadelphia
PREMIUM WINE: Syrah, Qupe, “Bien Nacido” Santa Maria Valley, California, 2006
Grape variety: Syrah
Taste profile: bright Bing cherries with a spicy, meaty edge; full-bodied with mouth-filling tannins on the palate and a complex array of blueberry, herb, bacon, spice and vanilla
Pairings: It goes will with lamb burgers with tzatziki and roasted eggplant. I also love Syrah with lamb and beef, but it is fun pairing it with grilled or herb-marinated veggies, such as eggplant and mushrooms.
Average wholesale case price: $276
BARGAIN WINE: Malbec Rose, Susanna Balbo “Crios” Mendoza, Argentina, 2009
Grape variety: Malbec Rose
Taste profile: It is a cocktail of wild strawberries, cherries and cranberry on the nose. The palate is dry and crisp with even more strawberry and an added spice and violet note.
Pairings: veggie burger with tangy oven-dried tomatoes and goat cheese; also a great wine to tame foods with spicy heat elements; and perfect for fresh seafood and fish, cold pasta dishes and lightly grilled meats such as chicken and pork
Average wholesale case price: $120
Learn More: Meet the Masters Sommeliers -- Check out bios and photos.
